The metaphorical curtain may be closed and the lights off in Lincoln County On-Stage’s theater due to COVID-19 closures, but that doesn’t mean that the theatre has been sitting idle.
The closure forced the theater to postpone the final two shows of their 2019-2020 season, of which “Godspell” had already started rehearsals.
Whether it will be possible to renew work on the productions is unknown at this time, due to ongoing uncertainties as to when theaters will be able to open up again.
During the resulting down time, the theater board has been working on a series of renovations in the space. Before the theater moved in, the space was an old Ford automobile assembly plant. Founded in 1980, the Lincoln County On-Stage purchased the space in 1986. The space has undergone renovations since its time
The space has undergone renovations since its time as an assembly plant, however, it was ready for another update.
“This [upstairs lobby] used to be yellow [...],” board president Sheri Jones said. “And the lighting is all new in here. The painting is all new.”
Completed renovations include re-carpeting the stairs and a new countertop in the downstairs lobby. Further work is planned.
Further work is planned.
“[The upstairs lobby] will be finished with baseboards, chair railing and crown molding and look a lot better than even it does right now,” Jones said, “but we’re so happy with what it looks like right now. We’re fairly ecstatic.”
The renovated upstairs lobby will feature a chair holding a photography portrait of Felix Rubio – an active thespian who contributed enormously to Lincoln County On-Stage, before passing away earlier this year.
“The chair over here that Felix was given for ‘12 Angry Men,’” board secretary Larry Lenora said. “And he had kept it in his home all that time […] the chair will be there permanently as a remembrance.”
The theater’s exterior will also be getting an update and plans for these renovations were discussed at Lincoln County On-Stage’s June 16 board of directors meeting. Shawnee Windows will come to measure for new windows at the theater.
New signage is in the works as well. At the meeting, the board voted to change contractors for the signage and made plans to request for a sample of their signage work from the new prospective contractor.
Additionally, plans were made to replace the 13 old panels outside on the upper story with black painted plywood and a motion to buy the needed plywood was approved.
The theatre does not yet have a date for reopening, and no announcement or official board actions have been made on the subject as of the June 16 meeting.
“As far as restarting, I don’t know,” treasurer Trish Lenora said after the meeting. “The [COVID-19 case] numbers are going up.”
Other actions taken by the board include:
● Approval of minutes from the May 19 board of directors meeting
● Approval of treasurer’s report
● Discussion of methods to dispose of old costumes
● Discussion of possible fundraisers – no action taken
● Discussion of possible ways to approach reopening – no action taken