Ever have something in your life that you’ve wanted for a VERY long time and it finally comes into sight? Like the long road to finishing a degree? Or the desire for a first car? Or the achievement of a personal sports goal?
Well…this is happening to The Soo Theatre Project! After ten plus years, The Soo Theatre’s vision of a completely renovated theatre is coming into sight.
With the generous assistance from MCACA, or Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs, STP is moving forward toward its renovation reality. And, what a celebration it will be for everyone in the Upper Eastern Peninsula to have a dry, heated, year-round theatre with additional rooms for classes, a sink in the painting room, and an elevator to carry large musical instruments and music stands to the second floor among other beneficial aspects of a renovated theatre.
The MCACA peer review process allows for each grant application to be competitively considered by a panel of in-state and out-of-state arts and cultural professionals. This ensures the taxpayers, who support this project through legislative appropriations, and all other visitors or residents in Michigan will have access to the highest quality arts and cultural experiences.
The Soo Theatre Project has been awarded two grants totaling $65,000 from the State of Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs (MCACA). The grants were awarded through the MCACA peer review process and were two of 559 applications to compete for MCACA fiscal year 2016 funding. The first grant is for $15,000 for operations, the second, in the amount of $50,000 is for capital improvements to begin fixing the theatre’s roof.
Here’s the catch…Organizations receiving a MCACA grant award are required to match those funds with other public and private dollars. But don’t worry. The Soo Theatre Project is already on it, but it does need your help. Please read more.
Local support of the operations project includes STP’s “Belong to Something Big” campaign, which annually raises funds for operations. Local support for the capital improvements grant include the STP “Raise the Roof” campaign, created and produced by Abby Baker, manager of Moloney’s Alley Irish Pub. The sponsors of the popular “Raise the Roof” campaign are: Soo Co-Op Credit Union, War Memorial Hospital, Moloney’s Alley Irish Pub, Lynn Napa Auto Parts, A Cut Above The Rest Hair Salon, Cup of the Day Cafe, The Ojibway Ramada Hotel, Ryan’s Jewelry, Second Childhood & Adults, Too, Soo Brewing Company, The Palace Restaurant, Cooper Dental and all of the folks who attended the “Raise the Roof” concert series in 2016.
Have you heard the good news? This coming “Raise The Roof” Concert series is already being planned and Ben Daniels’ Band (Actor Jeff Daniels’ son) will be here April 22 and The Go Arounds band will be here June 29.
Not only was MCACA generous with The Soo Theatre Project, but other organizations were generous, too. A grant from the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux tribe, obtained through the efforts and sponsorship of both the Sault Tribe and the Bay Mills Tribe of Chippewa Indians, contributed greatly to matching the $65,000. And finally, the Morning Rotary Club has pledged the revenue from its annual Game Night tonight, Saturday, January 28 in support of the capital project.
Even though The Soo Theatre Project has received several generous grants and donations, it still needs your help to reach the requirement to match the $65,000 awarded. Donations of all sizes will be very much appreciated. This is a community arts building that supports teachers’ livelihoods, families, and culture as well as provides a large entertainment and business venue for such events as War Memorial Hospital’s annual success presentation and the FOP annual concert. STP is your community arts center.
Other UP communities have renovated their theatres. Now it is time for the Eastern Upper Peninsula’s historic theatre to be renovated and serve its communities like never before. Will you help?
There is a big reason we say…
At the Soo Theatre Project, there is always something for everyone all year long. Call at 906-632-1930. Or, visit at 534 Ashmun Street downtown Sault Sainte Marie, MI. Or, like us on Facebook at Soo Theatre Project, Inc.
And, with a heated theatre, The Soo Theatre Project could do so much more all year long! Please send in your donation or bring it to the office at 534 Ashmun Street downtown Sault Sainte Marie.
