When the curtain comes down on the last performance at the Imperial Theatre in May, the summer months usually go dark with the exception of the ghost light on the stage.
Several recent summers have seen a variety of small renovation projects such as last summer’s plaster work and painting. This year, there’s no construction work taking place; rather, officials recently kicked off a capital campaign to raise $10 million for the first major renovations in 30 years.
“A stock donation of more than $200,000 from Peter Knox IV effectively kicked off the capital campaign,” said Charles Scavullo, Imperial Theatre executive director.
During the last 10 years, the 106-year-old venue has undergone $2 million in infrastructure and cosmetic interior improvements, including $1 million related to Special Purpose Local-Option Sales Tax VI funding.
A master plan for a five-phase project was drawn up in 2018, and an artist rendering stands in the theater lobby.
The project calls for a revamp of the lobby, bathrooms and concession areas on the lower level. The lowered concession spaces would be raised so that people wouldn’t have to use stairs or ramp to go into the space. And an elevator would be added.
Also, the theater has overflow dressing rooms on the second floor above the lobby in what was once the Western Union offices. That space doesn’t have interior access to the theater. The renovation would tie that building to the theater as well as provide a conference room and office space.
A new HVAC system was originally part of one of the phases; however, it has been made a separate project in order to pursue grants solely for that purpose, Scavullo said.
The restrooms will be expanded and updated according to the Americans with Disability Act standards.
When the master plan was first drawn up cost estimates were for $6 million. Scavullo cited COVID and subsequent inflation for the rise in costs.
Scavullo hopes that enough funds will be raised so that next summer a bulk of these projects could be achieved without interruption to performances.
“We have a community that loves the Imperial Theatre, and a great many people supporting us and the performing arts organizations that appear here such as the Augusta Players and Colton Ballet,” he said.
On June 26, the Young Professionals of Augusta donated $10,000 to the campaign. Also, the Imperial recently received $30,000 from Fox Gives for a new sound board and related equipment.
Over the past 13 years, the Imperial has received more than $92,000 in support from The Fox Theatre, according to a recent news release. The new sound equipment will improve current programming and provide an enhanced experience for future shows.
To learn more or contribute, go here.
Charmain Z. Brackett, the publisher of Augusta Good News and Inspiring: Women of Augusta, has covered Augusta’s news for more than 35 years and is a Georgia Press Association award winner. Reach her at charmain@augustagoodnews.com. Sign up for the newsletter here.
