New Village Arts has embarked on the next phase of its $2.5 million fundraising campaign to renovate its Carlsbad theater.
Thanks to major support from the Conrad Prebys Foundation and the Sahm Family Foundation, the Next Stage campaign already has raised $2 million.
The renovation plans include exterior improvements, an expanded lobby, a new box office, new lighting and sound instruments and increased capacity for audiences and educational programming.
The renovation is expected to be completed by next summer.
The theater’s home for the last 14 years has been the former Bauer Lumber property on State Street, owned by the City of Carlsbad.
New Village has leased the site since 2006. Officials recently agreed to a new 10-year lease with two five-year extensions.
The project, said theater founder Kristianne Kurner, “will open the doors to the arts in the community and bring substantial economic development and quality of life contributions to the North County region.”
Bob Lin, president of the theater’s board, said “thanks to this renovation, the New Village Arts theatre will become the jewel of Carlsbad, situated as it is in the heart of the Village in the midst of significant redevelopment.”
Theater officials hope the new lobby will serve as a cultural gathering space and provide additional revenue opportunities. They also aim to invite more members of the community to take part in the art-making process.
In addition, the theater will be able to serve more children and senior citizens and hold more classes and outreach programs.
Once the renovation is complete, theater leaders anticipate being able to increase the number of patrons by 35% by 2025. An additional 5,000 students also will be able to experience professional art in local high schools.
Other lead donors include the Nordson Foundation, the Ginn Family Foundation and the Parker Foundation.