What is Motivating Our Decision to Find Our Own Theater?
- Growing schedule difficulties, current theater rent expenses, and a general facility limitation in advancing the MVP mission, all combine to require our need for our own theater.
- Beyond the scheduling difficulties, the lack of a theater limits the production offerings both big and small. The ability to control the schedule would allow for better market timing, improved rehearsal schedules, and more organized production support. Smaller events could be accommodated to better advance the MVP mission statement to "…support workshops, classes, and the backing necessary to bring experimental theater into production."
What Have We Done So Far?
- In June 2010, the Board of Directors formed a Theater Committee to determine a set of design criteria, sort out the various avenues of action, and frame a near-term recommendation
- In early 2011, the Board reviewed the recommendations and approved going forward with a press release and initial contact for a building acquisition.
What Kind of a Building is the Milledgeville Players Looking For?
- o The optimum theater will provide an appropriate space for a range of local productions, rehearsals, production space (scenery, lights, sound, etc.) cast support (dressing, costuming, restrooms, etc.), theater administration, public facilities (lobby, lounge. restrooms, etc.), and long-term storage. See the Theater Criteria and Size material for more details.
How Does the Milledgeville Players Propose to Acquire a Building for a Theater?
- The primary strategy is to find an "Angel" who can provide an appropriate building for low or no cost. A search for an "Angel" can confirm options and ideas in securing a building. This search should be public and broad-based to identify any and all ideas.
- Due to the number of different variables associated with a range of building acquisitions, the use of the criteria will require ongoing judgment and flexibility to achieve optimum results.
What is the Operating Plan or Budget?
- A projected operating plan had been developed and is available for review by interested parties.
What About Other Expenses in Starting Up a New Theater?
- Secondary Funding for theater components can come from a wide variety of sources including local building donations or inexpensive long-term leases, capital campaigns. project sponsors, in kind support, GCSU/GMC and other service proposals, State Arts Councils, State Legislative Discretionary Funds, Urban Development, Federal District 16 Grant Sources, NEA, Design Arts Program, National Trust for Preservation, and the National Preservation Loan Fund.
- Current finances are in good shape and allow for flexible and ease of operations with the current work. The current funds are a source of confidence for the future and could be used for "matching" other funds being offered.
What About Local Political Support?
- MVP expects to establish a well-informed and supportive relationship with the local political base (Mayor, City Manager/Council, etc.) and other appropriate quasi-official organizations such as Milledgeville Mainstreet. Additional coordination and support will be required from the Baldwin County Commission, Georgia State Representatives, and Federal Legislators.
Theater Characteristics and Size Criteria.
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Characteristics.
- Theater Performance Targets. The artistic purposes include such events as plays, musicals, dinner theater, readings, concerts, movies, workshops, community events, and fund-raising activities. Additional consideration for classes and after school services could also be targeted.
- Shape. The overall shape of the theater should most likely be Proscenium in nature, but End or Open/thrust stage configurations could be considered. An orchestra pit configuration is a core requirement.
- Size. The theater should support an audience of 125-250 attendees. Having flexibility for occasional expansion in the audience floor plan and structure would be an advantage. Outside space (garden area, etc.) for entertaining is a plus.
- Location. Initial thoughts on specific location point ideally to a downtown and/or historical location to leverage local interest. The central Milledgeville area is the core target.
- Flexibility. Space being a premium, flexible design components such as multiple use areas, or components like portable dressing room set ups should be considered.
- Other criteria. Availability of cooking facilities and beer/wine license for support of on-site events is an important ancillary need. Catering options may be necessary. Parking needs should be considered.
- Size Estimates
- Stage Size. In order to produce full musicals with dancing, a medium sized stage of 1000 sq. ft is required
- Wing size. To facilitate adequate wing action, 200 sq. ft. is required for each.
- Off Stage. To allow for curtains, drops, and access, 300 sq. ft. is required at the rear (upstage) of the stage area.
- Orchestra Pit. 200 sq. ft.
- Seating including proportional seating for disabled. At 5 sq. ft. per person, 625-1250 sq. ft total.
- Aisles. At 25% of the seating area, 150-300 sq. ft.
- Lobby/Lounge. At 50% of the seating area, 300-600 sq.ft.
- Public Restrooms. 50-100 sq. ft.
- Dressing Rooms. Consider portable room set up. 2 x 200 sq. ft. for 400 sq. ft.
- Actors Restrooms with 2 showers. 2 x 100 sq. ft. for 200 sq. ft.
- Green Room. 200 sq. ft.
- Tech control room. 100 sq. ft.
- Box Office. 50 sq. ft.
- Administration Office. 200 sq. ft.
- Scene Shop. 400 sq. ft.
- Costume Shop. 400 sq. ft.
- Additional Rehearsal Space. 600 sq.ft.
- Long-Term Storage. 400 sq. ft.
- Miscellaneous. 400 sq. ft.
- Total requirement of approximately 6000-8000 sq. ft.
"I left the theatre still chuckling at some of the lines and counting my blessings....I repeatedly laughed out loud...you wil roar with laughter."
--John Hebel, Union Recorder, August 2006 of "The Man Who Came to Dinner"
"The Milledgeville Players have taken a risk worthy of the pirates of the Caribbean and come up with a winner......I give this show 'three cheers and one cheer more!'"
--John Hebel, Union Recorder, June, 2007 of "H.M.S. Pinafore"
"What better way to escape the summer heat than to be snow-bound with the talented Milledgeville Players as they kill each other off in an air-conditioned auditorium? At the same time, your laughter and applause will show them how much we appreciate thir presence in our community."
--John Hebel, Union Recorder, August, 2007 of 'The Musical Comedy Murders of 1940."
"With the Millegeville Players, anything is possible."
--Alexander Cain, Union Recorder, August, 2008 of "the Pajama Game".
