Soo Theatre Project and Soo Theatre Arts Resource Studios

  • Year Established:2003
  • Last Updated: 12/08/2009

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Project Overview Description: After failed attempts by other groups the Soo Theatre Project purchased the 1930"s 25,000 square foot complex with a no interest loan from a local bank in 2003. The building was structurally sound but in disrepair. A Michigan Cool Cities Grant in 2004 allowed renovation for the 4 store fronts into studios, restrooms and reception area.. Volunteers tore down the walls that divided the theatre into two parts and hid the stage. The first theatre performance since 1974 occurred in 2005. This season has 19 shows with hundreds of actors and 28 performance nights. The STARS studios began in 2005 with 10 teachers and 100 students. This year 400 students and 45 dance classes along with piano, acting,yoga, voice, violin, viola, cello, harp, woodwinds, with 12 performing group

  • Address: 534 Ashmun Street, Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783
  • Website: www.sootheatre.org (visit site)
  • Telephone: 906-632-1930
  • Project Contact: Catherine Tibbett
  • Brief Project Description (100 words): After failed attempts by other groups the Soo Theatre Project purchased the 1930"s 25,000 square foot complex with a no interest loan from a local bank in 2003. The building was structurally sound but in disrepair. A Michigan Cool Cities Grant in 2004 allowed renovation for the 4 store fronts into studios, restrooms and reception area.. Volunteers tore down the walls that divided the theatre into two parts and hid the stage. The first theatre performance since 1974 occurred in 2005. This season has 19 shows with hundreds of actors and 28 performance nights. The STARS studios began in 2005 with 10 teachers and 100 students. This year 400 students and 45 dance classes along with piano, acting,yoga, voice, violin, viola, cello, harp, woodwinds, with 12 performing group

Program / Development Partners

  • Public/Civil Sector:
  • Name: n/a
  • For-profit Private Sector:
  • Name: n/a
  • Non-profit Sector: Program
  • Name: Soo Theatre Project, Inc.
  • Creative Industries Served: Performance-based arts

Included Space Types / Uses

  • Live/Work Spaces: n/a
  • Total Units(#): 0
  • Units for Broader Community(#):0
  • Total Affordable Units(#): 0
  • Units for Resident Organization(#): 0
  • Workspace Studios: Rental
  • Total Units(#): 6
  • Total Affordable Units(#): 5
  • Units for Resident Organization(#): 6
  • Work Space/Studios: Area (SF):4000
  • Live-Only Spaces: n/a
  • Total Units(#): 0
  • Units for Broader Community(#):0
  • Total Affordable Units(#): 0
  • Units for Resident Organization(#): 0
  • Live Only: Area (SF): n/a
  • Gallery: n/a
  • Performance/Rehearsal Space: For Resident Organizations Only
  • Dance Studio Area (SF): 2978
  • Recording Studio: n/a
  • Office Space: For Resident Organizations Only
  • Multi-Purpose Space (e.g. for Community Use): Available to Public
  • Additional Artist Amenities: Natural light
  • Describe Sustainable Strategies Employed (250 words): Awareness campaigns to keep the public informed of progress, membership campaign for operating dollars. Building fees are built into tuition to pay operating costs, as well as Artist/teacher fees. Locally produced Theatre productions at Soo Theatre make money to pay for maintenance, operating costs. Benefit performances - three or four per season - also help to pay operating. Fundraising events other than theatre performances help to defray costs. Writing grants, when we can find applications which fit our project. Long term planning ongoing and capital campaign is underway . Satellite STARS studios in surrounding towns to gain more awareness, bring in more students - 2 programs are underway at the moment.
  • Description of Preservation Work (50 words): Building was in such disrepair and past remodeling that it was not reasonable to restore exactly to 1930's. Studios meet current code and artist requirements. Theatre renovation is to current code and light and sound technology. The building restoration will approximate the look of the original space.
  • Description of Incubation Facilities, Resources, Programming (50 words): no

Links / Images / Attachments

  • Community Programming: Professional Development & Training Services
    Technique or studio training/ workshops
    Community Service/Engagement Programs
    Other
    Shared: Facilities and Equipment
    Shared: Administrative Infrastructure
    Other Shared Resources
  • Professional Development & Training Services: n/a
  • Population served+
  • Total Served Per Year:
  • Technique or Studio Training/Workshops: Master classes in dance and voice
  • Population served+:
  • Total Served Per Year:
  • Other Programs: n/a
  • Population served+:
  • Shared Community Resources - Facilities and Equipment: Theatre has loaned lights, microphones, props, sets and other item to other local community groups
  • Shared Community Resources - Administrative Infrastructure: n/a
  • Shared Community Resources - Other: Hospital has used theatre for professional development training site.