PROGRESS: Panida Theater sees positive changes

The Panida Theater has welcomed many positive changes in the last six months, and we are continuing our forward momentum to launch the theater into its next century, transforming and expanding our historic community (and regional) event venue.

For decades, the Panida has struggled to strike a balance between financial solvency and local non-profit support, which has typically meant deferment of critical maintenance and repair tasks. Heather White, our new executive director, is rapidly addressing our finance and operational strategies to create and ensure financial stability balanced with community support as we continue to grow.

In addition to updating financial systems/software, we are also creating a theater “to do” list, identifying and prioritizing deferred maintenance, restoration, and repair tasks. We are fortunate to have several board members who are qualified to perform some of these tasks with no labor charges; they have saved the theater tens of thousands of dollars! Through these and other (paid) efforts, we have been able to:

• Restore the historic plaster on the north interior theater wall (sorry, sick chicken). 

• Update the backstage green room performer space. 

• Install new HVAC systems for the main theater and office. 

• Remodel and update staff and projection room restrooms (one of which had not been functional since the 1970s.) 

• Eliminate decades of accumulated junk and organize storage spaces. 

• Fix numerous lighting and electrical safety issues. 

• Repair leaky skylight (discovered: black-out paper from World War II). 

• Install a new bar at stage right. 

• Upgrade tech equipment for performers. 

• Install wall guards and railing for the balcony. 

We also worked with Boden architecture to create plans for a new women’s restroom to be located in the southern retail space; Idagon Homes will be completing the project. We hope to have the new restroom fully functional by fall, so lobby crowding at intermissions should be greatly reduced for our busiest time of year (the holidays).

Of course, our biggest future project will be connecting the main and little theaters, which was by far the most popular survey choice among community members who viewed and voted on the various options during our open house. This will be a costly endeavor, but it will literally open up the theater, reducing lobby congestion and increasing our entertainment offering options.

Upcoming projects include:

• Replacing balcony seating (some loveseats, some regular seats).

• Repairing/replacing stage rigging and support structures. 

• Repairing cracks/stucco on exterior south wall.

The list goes on with additional projects added frequently 

We have accomplished so much in the past year because of our strong community support, dedicated staff, board members, and volunteers. We look forward to accomplishing all that is noted above - and more - in the coming year. We are so proud of our theater and all it has to offer our community. It truly is a magical place. Stay tuned for future updates and campaign opportunities.  

Heather White is the executive director of the Panida Theater.