HomeMy WebLinkAboutP2 - Gift From Friends of the Newport Theater Arts CenterPresentation
September 27, 1999
COMMUNITY SERVICES DEPARTMENT
Arts fc Cultural - Library - Recreation - Seniors
To: Mayor and Members of City Council
From: LaDonna Kienitz, Community Services Director /City Librarian
Re: Gift from the Friends of the Newport Theatre Arts Center
The President of the Friends of the Newport Theatre Arts Center, Rae Cohen, is
presenting a check for $90,000 to the City as a contribution to the remodeling costs
of the City building in Ensign View Park on Cliff Drive, in which the productions are
presented.
The Friends of the Newport Theatre Arts Center have been providing outstanding live
theatre for more than two decades. Since 1996, the organization has been seeking to
enhance and expand the "back -of- the - house" facilities of the theatre and to provide
backstage accessibility from the dressing rooms in the lower level to the stage.
The Friends raised more than $90,000 in private funding to accomplish these goals.
The project was approved as a cooperative CIP project in the City budget in FY
1998/99.
The remodel includes an addition to the rear of the building on two levels which
allows for set design and needed costume and prop storage; an interior stairway from
the lower level to the stage area; ADA access to the stage from the "Green Room;"
and a double exit door for the public from the theatre. New emergency lighting was
also installed. The project was coordinated by the Public Works Department; the
architect was Brion S. Jeanette and Associates.
In addition, the Friends have also donated and installed new carpeting, 90 new
theatre seats, Tivoli lighting along the seating rows, and new vinyl flooring in the
storage areas. The construction was completed on September 9, 1999, just in time
for the opening of the 21 st season of the NTAC.
This is an outstanding example of a public /private partnership working together to
benefit the entire City.
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