OUR PLANS
Thrive will provide a curated mix of high-quality music, theater, film, dance, spoken word, and comedy at the Geauga Theater. In order to best fulfill its non-profit mission, Thrive will partner local educational institutions, artists, community service organizations, businesses in and around Chardon, its current roster of dynamic performers, and the talented people of northeast Ohio.
In addition to producing a plethora of live shows, Thrive will operate as a revival house cinema, showing classic films inside a classic theater, as well as showcasing local filmmakers. In partnership with the City of Chardon, Thrive will successfully brand and transform the Geauga Theater into a bustling community arts center of distinction - one that looks to the future, while maintaining reverence for the past - a premiere destination for professional performing arts, entertainment, economic development, and education.
IMPROVEMENTS
Thrive’s improvements to the Geauga Theater will focus on restoring charm and highlighting its history while also modernizing many elements. The art deco architecture of the building will be highlighted and elements of this style will be added throughout.
HOW FUNDS WILL BE USED
- Aesthetic Improvements (paint, carpet, etc)
- Functional Improvements (ticket window, security, etc.)
- Lighting & Audio Equipment
- Concession Equipment (coolers, appliances, etc.)
- Liquor License
- ASCAP License
THEATER'S HISTORY
The former Geauga Cinema, which is located at 101 Water Street, was built in 1939 and ran successfully for years, until closing in 1996. Two years later, owner Larry Dolan donated the theater to the City, which then leased it to the Geauga Lyric Theater Guild. The Guild turned the Geauga Theater into a legitimate theater and raised attendance from 1,000 to 20,000 patrons per year. Renovations began in 2001, and with the first two phases of the restoration effort completed, the theater’s lobby andexterior were renovated and restored with a $300,000 grant from the Geauga Department of Community and Economic Development. A recent renovation project in 2019 included, updating thewomen’s restroom, lobby, installing insulators in the roof, and various electrical improvements. The renovation was funded by a $200,000 Ohio Facilities Construction Commission (OFCC) Cultural Facilities Grant. The City has never produced or solicited productions for the facility which has been operated as a rental facility by the City since 1998.
ABOUT THRIVE
Thrive is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that provides opportunities to individuals in the performing and visual arts and strengthens communities by creating and producing excellent live and recorded entertainment - fostering partnerships and providing educational opportunities. Thrive partners students, community members, business owners and performing arts professionals to create & stage live theater; write, record & perform modern music, and develop & produce unique video content.
MISSION
Thrive immerses its participants in a one-of-a-kind experience and brand. The organization enriches area cultures and economies by partnering community members, students, area businesses and arts professionals to provide a wide variety of performing arts opportunities to people of all ages and backgrounds.
VISION
To become the premiere destination for resident performing & visual arts.
