WVPT to begin work on new theater
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – West Virginia Public Theatre (WVPT) expects to have a new permanent home of its own in the near future. Officials hope to begin work in late fall 2003 or January 2004 on the construction of the West Virginia Public Theatre Performing Arts Center, which is estimated to cost between $15 and $18 million and will be located in Morgantown’s Wharf District.
Opening 18 months to two years after the start of construction, the new structure will allow WVPT to offer more to the public.
“We’re hoping to be a year-round theater,’ said Ron Iannone, founder and executive producer. “We’ll put on 14 to 15 shows a year as well as bring in Broadway shows and shows that feature celebrities such as Tony Bennett, Kathy Mattea, who’s from West Virginia, and Shania Twain.
“We’re also looking at ‘Sesame Street Live,’ ‘Rugrats’ and ‘Spiderman,” he continued. “We want to be very oriented around children’s theater and also make the theater available to groups in the region. Maybe schools will hold dance recitals there so young people get to walk on and perform on the stage and say, ‘Wow, I’d like to do something in theater.”
WVPT also hopes to make that dream a reality by offering a musical theater academy for high school and college students that’s similar to a conservatory. It will provide one to two years of training for students. WVPT hopes to work with public schools and colleges to enable students to earn credits while at the academy.
“We’re saying come with us and work with Broadway directors, musical directors and actors and they’ll also have an opportunity to be in our shows, and work on sets and in the costume shops and administrative offices,’ Iannone said.
There will also be a studio theater that seats about 250 people, which will be attached to the academy.
The new performing arts center is being called the completer in the Wharf District, which is located in downtown Morgantown along the Monongahela River and near the Rails to Trails’ Caperton Trail.
A summary of the Monongahela Riverfront Development, explained that Plantinum Properties, LLC acquired eight acres of land for the construction of a mixed-use development that will serve as the anchor for the waterfront project. The development will include a Radisson Hotel and Conference Center, the West Virginia University Foundation Building and a 750-stall parking garage.
Iannone said that Plantinum Properties donated land for the performing arts center and WVPT is waiting to hear about an economic grant from the state. The site dedication took place in February.
Meanwhile, Kelli Caseman, development director, explained that WVPT is involved in a $7 million capital campaign for the theater and has reached about $4.5 million of that goal.
The theater is also raising funds through a seat campaign that allows individuals, families, organizations and corporations to permanently name a seat in honor or memory of someone. The new theater also features 16 corporate boxes with gifts already received for almost 12 of them.
Iannone talked about support for the project being given by the city, county and state as well as efforts by individuals, organizations and corporations.
“We’re very pleased,’ he said, “with how people have stepped forward.’
To donate to the capital campaign, call Caseman at 1-304-598-0144.