Capitol Theatre is getting the community involved in its acts
CHAMBERSBURG – Downtown Chambersburg's 91-year-old Capitol Theatre is evolving into a community performing arts center that hopes to attract a new, more diverse generation of theater-goers and supporters.
Executive Director Jon Meyer said the Capitol is focusing on attracting more people with "community programming," in addition to national entertainment, as its niche in an area where the 750-seat theater must compete with several larger theaters with bigger budgets.
The Capitol also competes with a plethora of electronic entertainment options, but Meyer noted, "The arts feed souls. Sometimes people forget that."
Meyer said the Capitol's community programming gives attendees a broader experience than just coming for a show and leaving.
More:Capitol Theatre upgrading sound system
In turn, the Capitol is seeking community support through its 2018-19 “Capitol Forever” campaign. The goal is to raise $150,000, with just over $56,000 having already been committed.
The money helps fund preservation, physical enhancements to the theater and national entertainment, as well as the new opportunities for community engagement.
Community-based programming "engages children, young adults, and multigenerational families, ” Meyer said.
An example is the Young Playwrights Festival introduced in 2018. The program invited youth in Franklin County to submit an original play, with top playwrights earning the opportunity to work with theater veterans in bringing their play to life in a public showcase on the theater’s main stage. Scripts are now being accepted for the 2019 festival.
A “Dr. Seuss Celebration,” including a themed party in the Wood Center and a main stage interactive re-telling of the children's classic, will take place in March 2019.
Themed birthday parties in the Wood Center were introduced and have proven to be popular as well.
Many other programs also are on tap. The Capitol is partnering with the 11/30 Network to bring comedy shows to the Wood Center. In addition, local residents who fancy themselves comedians are invited to become part of a new local improv troupe called “The Improvibles.”
More:Capitol Theatre begins next act at 90 years
The theater also is investing in new community festivals, offering a Paranormal Fair this past October, and spearheading a town-wide “Elvis on Main Street” event slated for June 2019. The event will feature an Elvis Convention at the theater, followed by a performance by popular local Elvis-impersonator, David King.
A mid-summer music festival is planned to complement the existing “Blues, Brews, and Barbecue Event” and “Mountain Music, and Moonshine” events.
“We are listening to the community and we hear they want accessible, experience-based theater in addition to the high-quality national entertainment which the Capitol Theatre is traditionally known for,“ Meyer said.
Keeping the historic historic theater up to par physically is an ongoing challenge. Last year’s “Capitol Forever” campaign helped to upgrade the main stage’s lighting and sound systems, which has enhanced patrons' experience and allowed for more complex shows.
A recent grant of $20,000 from the Franklin County Tourism & Quality of Life Enhancement committee will upgrade additional lighting, concession equipment, and restrooms.
More:12 local groups share $215,000 in tourism grants
Opportunities to support the theater through the "Capitol Forever" campaign are available to individuals and businesses. Contributors to the campaign receive advanced ticket sales privileges. Information on shows and events, gift cards, volunteer opportunities, and donations may be found at www.thecapitoltheatre.org.
Businesses may opt for a newly created Theatre Sponsor package that includes their logo in lights in the theater for the entire Capitol Theatre season. Show Sponsorships are also available. Contact Meyer at 717-263-0202 extension 203 to reserve a sponsorship.
For more information on the theater, call 717-263-0202 or visit: www.thecapitoltheatre.org.
Related photos: Look around inside Capitol Theatre
