Theater upgrades include more comfy seating, new colors

More comfortable seating and refreshed colors aren’t the only changes patrons to the O’Shaughnessy Center will notice the next time they take in a show.

The first phase of an extensive remodel at the community theater in downtown Whitefish wrapped up this fall. The $275,000 renovation included replacing all 328 seats and risers, new carpet and sound panels, fresh paint, enhanced lighting and a refinished concrete floor for the main stage space.

“Everything was upgraded in the main stage area,” said Whitefish Theater Company marketing director Jen Asebrook.

“The new seats are larger with higher backs. We’ve been told they’re much more comfortable.”

Matrix seating was added to the floor to allow for more flexible chair arrangements.

The interior paint is now a mustard yellow and red theme — a change from the dated blue and green. The new carpet is red and there is an advanced lighting system in the aisles.

Also included in the renovation is a new stage curtain that can partially open.

With Phase I complete, the WTC is moving forward with fundraising for Phase II, which will include construction of a 720 square foot two-story addition on the south side of the building.

To be named in honor of WTC’s founding director, the Carolyn Pitman Community Room will add much needed space for rehearsals, props and stage sets, Asebrook said.

“The center is used every weekend,” Asebrook said. “Sometimes we have to go elsewhere to do our own rehearsals.”

Rehearsal space gets even more congested when two shows overlap, with props and stage sets stacking up on top of each other.

“We want to make sure we can accommodate everyone,” Asebrook said.

The new addition will be designed to work with two new public restrooms planned for the outside of the building.

Phase III of the remodel will expand the lobby to improve traffic flow.

The Act 2 Capital Campaign is a five year effort to raise $1.25 million for the upgrades. The O’Shaughnessy Center is named for the foundation that provided initial funding for construction 15 years ago and continues support for operations. The foundation has increased their support with their recent award to WTC of a $250,000 challenge grant. The grant is payable over five years and contingent upon WTC’s solicitation of matching funds.

WTC will continue to reach out to individuals, corporate foundations and other sources of support for the capital campaign. Special events and giving incentives for the community are being planned.

For more information on the campaign visit whitefishtheatreco.org or call 862-5371.