KINGMAN — Installation of 297 brand new seats represents a milestone in what’s been a long campaign to raise funds for the renovation of a historic former movie house in downtown Kingman. Setting the chairs in place down the gently sloped floor clearly signals that it’s almost time for the opening curtain at the Beale Street Theater.
“We’re just so excited to have this finally come to fruition,” said Kristina Michelson, Executive Director for the Kingman Center for the Arts. “We’ve been working on this project for nine years.”
The chairs convey some sense of a community congregation place where arts and entertainment will flourish in a downtown district that continues evolving. And they provide opportunity to raise money needed for staging equipment not yet purchased.
“People can sponsor a seat for a thousand dollars and it gets them a little plaque on the seat with their name, or the name of a loved on it that’s good for ten years and that’s going to help us pay for some of the equipment we need to finish this project,” Michelson said.
Planning for a soft opening event for early next month is underway.
“On July 4th we’ll have a community program with some music and speeches and celebration of Independence Day,” Michelson said. “From there we’re bringing things starting in earnest in August as a schedule will come into play.”
More information about the project and sponsorship opportunities can be found at the www.bealestreettheater.com webpage.
Dave Hawkins
