The Rodgers Theatre is looking toward diversifying its acts, continuing renovations and achieving self-sustainability, according to its board.
The historic Rodgers Theatre is overseen by Rodgers Theatre, Inc. (RTI), who are responsible for booking shows and maintaining the historic building. The theatre recently entered the public eye after well-known local acting group The Stage Company left the venue after the discount in their rent was reduced. According to RTI president Wally Duncan, the cost increase was part of an ongoing effort to reach financial self-sustainability. This is needed due to operating costs, ongoing renovations and the potential for expensive problems.
“The maintenance is a lot on its own,” theatre manager Shanna Bunn elaborated. “We are very blessed to have a county that lets us use the building and handles the utilities. But as far as everything else, that’s on us. If one big flood happens, or a busted pipe or something, that could really just take all the funds away that we use to bring entertainment to the Rodgers.”
Renovations to the historic building are also an ongoing priority. Two of the most recent fixes were to the sign tower and roof. The roof took a $300,000 grant from the state, within which the Rodgers Theatre needed to match about $67,000. The tower cost between $43,000-45,000 to move, repair and rewire. The current renovation project is the marquee, which was gouged by at least one large vehicle turning too close to the building. Maintaining the aesthetic of the historic building is paramount, according to board member Amanda Gowen, and presents unique challenges for restoration.
“Some of those specific things they just don’t make anymore, so we’re having to come up with new options that look the way they used to,” she explained.
The final cost will likely fall between $35,000-40,000, according to board member Brent Davis. While he was not at liberty to say who, he confirmed a local business will likely get the gig.
“I’d like to keep everything as local as we can, and I was just so glad that it’s going to be a local guy that’s going to fix our marquee,” he said.
Donors buoy the Rodgers Theatre, primarily through the annual Restore the Rodgers Banquet. This year’s event is 6 p.m. Thurs., Oct 21, at the Black River Coliseum. The theme is a Black and White Masquerade and guests can expect entertainment, activities and auctions.
“Without it, we couldn’t have done what we’re doing there now,” said Davis.
The board is deeply grateful for its donors and does not intend their quest for self-sufficiency to negate the community’s generosity, but rather to enhance the theater’s longevity and stability.
“If it can just run like a business,” Bunn explained, “then the donations will just add to all the things that we can do for the Rogers.”
Diversifying acts could be a great way to increase interest and income, she added. Since joining the Rodgers crew four years ago, Bunn has mostly seen theatrical and country music acts perform.
The Stage Company’s performed once or twice a month every season and their departure left a wide hole in the Rodgers lineup. Bunn said the Rodgers is making the most of it and embracing the potential to bring in acts Butler County has never seen before, and she has already reached out to companies in St. Louis for that very purpose.
“Even though I hate to see them go, it does open up a lot of more opportunities for us to book more events, which is great for the Rogers,” she said.
The Rodgers’ October schedule is already stacked with local events, including FRESH WATR Worship Night on the 20th and a Halloween movie screening the 30th.
Bunn is also looking into renting the theater for parties, private movie screenings and more. The newly-renovated Drugstore Room can comfortably seat 70 people for this purpose.
More information about upcoming events is available at rodegertheatre.org.