History and Organization

History of the Performing Arts Complex project:

This project has its roots in the Rose Valley Chorus & Orchestra’s 100-year search for a consistent adequate performance space for its fully-staged musicals. Founded in 1907, the RVC&O has relocated its performances 28 times. As a retirement project, two RVC&O ex-presidents decided to solve this problem. The key to a possible solution was finding about twenty other community performing arts groups with the same problem of needing consistent performance and rehearsal space at reasonable prices with adequate theater technology. With so many groups needing space, there was a sufficient number of performers to fill and justify a dedicated performing arts center.

This group, containing orchestras—both adult and student—music theater, social dancing, ballet, straight drama, and poetry, was so varied that a single theater would not accommodate them appropriately. Thus, the concept of a performing arts “complex” arose, that is, a multivenue building with a range of spaces for a range of needs. (Click on “Venues” on the Home Page for a description of these venues.)

With help from pro bono professionals, the organization was incorporated as a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization. A varied and experienced Steering Committee was formed and an Advisory Committee recruited. These members are listed below.

The two ex-presidents became the project managers and their first effort was to learn as much as possible about building and managing multivenue buildings. To date, no building has been found that exactly matches the Performing Arts Complex as envisioned, that is, designed for nonprofit community groups without a resident company and open to the neighborhood for its activities when space is available. Over 150 people were interviewed about building, funding, using, and managing such a complex.

A decision was made to achieve this vision in two stages: first with a smaller and less costly facility and then a larger space for the full vision. A site has been found for the first facility: Stage One. It is being built within the Franklin Mint building. Click on Stage One for its description.

Stage One will be shared with the Healthy Communities Initiative (HCI) whose programs provide a safe place for teens to hang out after school and teach them healthy attitudes, life skills, and academic performance. These teens want to learn about and enjoy theatrical performances. The performing groups in Stage One will provide mentoring for them; the theater will provide a space. Click on Healthy Communities Initiative to learn more about HCI.

Action is being taken to raise community awareness and funds to demonstrate the extensive support for the vision of a Performing Arts Complex. Fundraising events are planned at which the various constituent groups will showcase their talents and attendees will be encouraged to pledge financial support. The first fund raising event was held on Saturday, October 4, 2008 at the Media Community Center. For more information, click on that event on the Home page. Subsequent events will be held in Stage One first to raise the money needed to build out Stage One and then to build the expanded facility.

Organization of the Performing Arts Complex project:

The Performing Arts Complex is incorporated with nonprofit 501(c)(3) status—contributions are tax-deductible.

The following Steering and Advisory Committees of experienced professionals are assisting the project:

Steering Committee:

Martin J. Doyle

Alfred B. Hurd

Eleanor H. Hurd

Richard Johnson

Don Matzkin, AIA

Glenn E. Mon

Sharon E. Parker

Roman Pawlowski

Melissa Y. Shaner

Advisory Committee:

Richard J. Anthony, Sr.

Holly Gumke

Mary L. Harpster

Jack Holefelder

James McHale

Amy L. Murphy

Anthony Patton

Penelope Reed

John Rhein

Vukan R. Vuchic

Sophia T. Wisniewska