A Stage for Dreams

Burke Arts Council Executive Director Deborah Jones has been waiting for years to open a dedicated theater space in the organization’s South Sterling Street location.

And now that her dream is about to become reality, Jones had high hopes of debuting the completed venue at a gala New Year’s Eve event.

But, as with most construction projects, the new theater has hit a few snags and even Jones says she has to admit the space will not be completely finished by Dec. 31. But that’s not curbing her enthusiasm.

As recently as last week, while Jones stood in the still mostly empty shell of the theater, she remained optimistic that supporters of the arts will have lots to see and lots to smile about come New Year’s Eve.

“We will not be at 100%,” Jones said, “but we will be ready to have a party.”

The party is called “The Art of Optimism,” (see sidebar on this page) and the event will raise funds for western North Carolina artists and art programs affected by Hurricane Helene. Tickets for the party are on sale at burkearts.org.

EXCITING DAYS AHEAD

Jones cannot contain her excitement when she talks about the theater.

“I’ve always wanted a theater, especially a children’s theater,” she said, “a small, intimate theater.”

According to Jones, when the local arts council found their current building and began making plans, she didn’t initially know where the theater would land.

“We didn’t know what all was here when we first walked in,” she said, “but when I saw THAT,” she said, pointing to the cavernous two-story vaulted ceiling in the new theater space,“ I said, “THIS is our children’s theater.”

Then came the almost inevitable delays. The COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting supply chain issues complicated plans.

“I didn’t think it was going to take this long,” Jones said.

But things began to fall into place when local historian and philanthropist Maxine McCall stepped up with an offer to be the major donor for the theater project.

“She just loves children’s theater,” Jones stated, “and she wanted to see this happen.”

With McCall onboard, Jones enlisted the help of architect Darren Lathan, of NVERSE Architects, Morganton, and theater consultant Robert Long, who is donating his time to the project.

A VERSATILE VENUE

Workers have already built the theater stage, an 18-inch-high platform that, along with the backstage area, fills about one-third of the total room. A lift installed in front of the stage will increase accessibility to the platform.

The new facility will seat 90 people, providing an intimate, yet professional venue for children’s theater, concerts, piano recitals, and lectures.

“We can do dinner theater in the space as well,” Jones noted. “And we will be able to hold workshops there, too.”

According to Jones, the room had to undergo some major renovations to fit the bill as a theater space.

“We had to take down one post and there are two more coming down so as not to block the view,” she said. Because of the post removal, three new support beams have been installed in the ceiling.

LEND A HAND

Arts supporters currently have an opportunity to help fund the project by making donations. Contributions may be made at the Arts Council office or by using the “Donate” button on the organization’s website, at burkearts.org.

A $100 contribution will allow donors to have their names put on a chair. Jones said the organization welcomes other contributions, which can be earmarked in honor of loved ones.

“We can name a dressing room, the curtains, the lighting, almost anything when people make donations,” Jones said. “They can go to our website and designate funds specifically for the new theater.”

The Burke Arts Council theater will be named after McCall’s late husband, Donald. Jones said McCall is eagerly awaiting the day she can see a performance in the space.

“She can’t wait to sit in that new theater,” Jones stated. “She’ll be sitting there every time there’s something going on.”

According to Jones, no decisions have been made about the design or color of the onstage curtains, but she can announce the theater’s chairs will be navy blue and overhead lighting will be gold.

Jones said the new performance space is a testimony to the county’s support for the arts and related programming.

“This theater is being built with about 90% plus from community gifts,” she stated. “I think that says something about the passion for the arts in this community.”

Jones said one of the first productions in the new space will be a collaboration with Valdese’s Old Colony Player. The play, “The Last Five Years,” is set for late February.