Aspiring young actors will have more room to strut their stuff this summer, as Whidbey Playhouse board members broke ground last week on a new rehearsal and classroom space near the current theater on Midway Blvd.
The approximately 11,000-square foot building will house rehearsal and classroom space, and will be used mainly for the summer youth program.
Total cost of construction is $150,000 with Island Thrift on board as a 50 percent partner. It will contribute $25,000 per year for three years toward the total loan amount.
Sue Riney, Playhouse executive director, said they couldn’t have done it without Island Thrift’s help.
“We realized the challenge of getting money out of the community,” Riney said, given the current economic climate.
“It is such a relief to know that we have Island Thrift behind us on this,” she said. “It will be a great help in attracting other donors to contribute towards the remainder of the debt by knowing that such a large chunk of the financing has already been covered.”
Island Thrift was glad to help, according to board members Josh McNamara and Beth Munns, who were on hand to witness the event.
“As a private, non-profit our purpose is to give back to the community,” Munns said.
Island Thrift has helped Whidbey Playhouse before, with scholarships and $60,000 to build a handicapped access ramp to the second floor theater.
“The Playhouse is part of the community,” Munns said. “It’s a benefit for everyone.”
If the Playhouse is able to pay off the loan sooner than three years, the group will release Island Thrift from making the total $75,000 contribution, so it can be used for other community projects.
After years of squeezing the growing youth program into available space at the Playhouse — including the lobby — the group is glad to finally have a space for the popular program.
“Parents are desperate to find a safe place for their kids in the summer,” Mary Kay Haller, continuing education chairperson, said.
This summer they expect more than 50 kids to take part in “Annie Jr.,” an abbreviated version of the Broadway musical, and a musical review featuring Disney songs.
The 20- by 54-foot building is being built by Cascade Custom Homes and Design, Inc. in the back of the playhouse parking lot, which will affect parking, but will also keep costs down as the group already owns the lot.
The playhouse has a reciprocal parking agreement with Whidbey Presbyterian church across the street, so if the lot fills up during performances of “Rumors” in April, it’s okay to park there.
