Member Spotlight: The Grand Rapids Civic Theatre

Construction, construction everywhere you look … and the arts community is no exception! The Grand Rapids Civic Theatre has begun renovation of the 101-year-old Majestic Theater building with the dedicated fundraising help and guidance of the Grand Action Committee. The generous lead gift from Frederik and Lena Meijer launched the Capital Campaign with many other local philanthropists following suit.

With over $9.2 million committed out of the $9.9 million Civic project, the neighborhood is buzzing with renovations, including the former YMCA building soon to be the Fitzgerald condominiums. The Civic Theatre renovation will shine with an expansive glass atrium and lobby, restoration of a tower removed from the building years ago, new dressing rooms, marquees, elevators and restrooms. In the coming months, Civic will be revealing more details on the next phase of the fundraising efforts that will be focused on equipment and the endowment.

"This is an overwhelming gift not only to the theatre, but to this historic neighborhood," said Bruce Tinker, Executive and Artistic Director. "We’ll be much more accessible to the entire community. The renovation will allow us to grow and expand our mission with more programming and much-needed space for education in our School of Theatre Arts."

Although construction is well under way – auditions, rehearsals, fully staged productions, theatre classes and all the "business" of theater continues as usual. So check out the great lineup of shows this season and order your season tickets now! Call 222-6650 or visit www.grct.org.