Independence theatre community hopes for potential plans to rebuild Sermon Center
INDEPENDENCE, Mo. — The future of the Powerhouse Theatre in Independence is unknown.
This, as the City of Independence is exploring options to replace the Sermon Center where the theatre is housed. This discussion is part of many, in regards to a 'GO bond', a first for the City of Independence.
The theatre community, FOX4 spoke with Wednesday, is thankful the city has provided them the space and the many opportunities over the last few decades, and they just hope it doesn't stop anytime soon.
"We are really lucky, and we know that, and we'd like to keep that luck going," Raleigh Parish, the vice president of productions for City Theatre said. He's also a board member for Powerhouse Theatre.
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Powerhouse Theatre in Independence hosts a dozen of events each year. It's been doing so for over four decades.
"It houses City Theatre, the Children's Theatre and Encore," Parish said.
It's a place where adults and kids learn to work together, sing and dance, with hopes of remembering a great experience.
"The facility is dated. We keep trying to update it," Parish said.
A donated light system, new seating and new curtains just aren't enough though to mask the state of the building's basement.
The building is over 100 years old.
"We are at crux where we can go in so many directions and really bring some great things to the Cit of independence and that includes community centers that do have performing arts centers," Rebecca Gannon, the Public Information Officer for the City of Independence shared Wednesday. "This is not a nickel and dime fix," she added.
"We can't keep dealing with this and expecting this to be good enough. Our citizens deserve better, Independence deserves better. We are at a place where we can possibly get better," Gannon shared as she showed FOX4 the basement of the Sermon Center.
Some hope plans include making sure there's a space for theatre programs.
"We get to watch these kids bloom," Marissa Carter, the Board Secretary for the Children's Performing Theatre of Independence said.
For Carter, Theatre is a family affair.
"My own daughter started when she was 12. She would just hide behind me."
Carter and her daughter have shared the stage for over 10 years. She calls is 'pure magic'.
"This program gave her courage to speak out. It gave her permission to be in the spotlight and I personally am grateful for that and I'm grateful that I've had the opportunity to help so many other kids find their spotlight," she added. "Sometimes what they find, is that they are happier backstage helping and that's just as valuable."
Her daughter is Dara Day, a now-Director within the Children's Theatre program.
"I was raised on that stage. Even when I am having a bad day, everything is getting to me and I can't really handle life. When I walk into the theatre, it's almost like a wave just over me.. I stand in that light and I'm like yes... and I am able continue on," Day added. "It's an honor to be able to direct kids in the same way I was directed as a kid. It was hugely influential in my life," Day added.
Carter also formed a survey, asking for public input. She's wanting to share the results with the City.
"We want them (the city) to have the data that they need to make good decisions. I know every person responsible for these decisions is in a hard place. We just want the chance to be heard. I would love to continue to have a facility. Cost is a big factor," Carter shared.
The Children's Performing Theatre posted to Facebook asking for input: "For decades, our theatre has provided a place where young people and adults alike can explore the performing arts, connect with the community, and create memories that last a lifetime. Without a new theatre space, our programs are at risk of losing their home."
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"To demonstrate the impact our theatre has had on the lives of our members and the broader community, we are gathering personal stories and data to present to city leaders. Your voice is vital to this effort. Please take a few moments to fill out our survey before Thursday, November 7. Your input could make a significant difference in ensuring the arts continue to thrive in our community."
You can access that survey here .
Here you can learn more about the G.O. Bond .
The G.O. Bond is the first of its kind for the City of Independence. A 20-person committee helps decide if the City should implement a bond, for how much, and for what projects, and the discussion of a potentially new community center is part of this. Also in Independence, is the Square Redevelopment, which is an effort to bring more and more people to the Independence Square. The Square Redevelopment is part of a larger plan, and it will also be presented to city council in a study session Tuesday night.
