Twenty years ago, in 1986, Frank and Aline Thompson generously donated the Courter Theater to the Gallatin Theatre League.
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The Thompsons, devoted fans from the first show, were delighted with the League’s productions and hoped the gift would provide a foundation to insure continued growth and development of community theater. It did. For two decades, area "thespians" have been blessed with an outlet to exhibit their talents and residents have enjoyed local quality entertainment at reasonable prices.
In an effort to further honor the Thompson’s faith and trust, the Gallatin Theatre League is asking the community to assist them in a $20,000 renovation campaign. The theater needs some serious structural maintenance and the League has further outlined a plan to upgrade the technical and cosmetic portions of the building. Improvements will include central air conditioning, modernization of electrical wiring, emergency lights, improved stage and ellipsoidal lighting, acquisition of wireless microphones, installation of a new stage floor, new stage curtains, acquisition of a track system for sets, renovating seats for handicap accessibility, new paint and remodeling of interior walls, and restoration of the marquee area. Work is already in progress installing the central air conditioning units from the old Christian Church annex building. The contracting team hopes to complete the project before spring, expanding theater availability into the summer.
Performance revenue and private support have managed to keep pace with annual theater expense, but failed to provide adequate funding for maintenance and capital improvement. Production costs for each musical hover at $3,500 with royalties, costumes, sets, advertising, and utilities accounting for the bulk of expense. The League plans to continue these musical productions and hopes to expand their offerings in the near future. The theater is also available to other organizations and hosts dance recitals, music programs and school plays at nominal fees throughout the year.
In order to complete the renovation of the only performing arts facility in this area and the Gallatin Theatre League’s home, we are asking our community to continue its support. The League would be most appreciative of any contribution. Contributors, our "Supporting Cast," will be named in the performance program and honored on a plaque in the Courter Theater Lobby. Each contribution will be categorized by their level of support as follows: Star – $700 and above; Actor – $250 – $699; Chorus – $100 – $249; Stage Hand – $25 – $99.
In order to reach our renovation goal, a letter writing campaign is currently underway and a league representative would be pleased to do a presentation and answer questions for any interested organization or group. Although gifts of any amount will be appreciated at any time, March 1, 2007 has been set as this campaign’s deadline. The Gallatin Theater League is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization and your tax deductible contribution can be mailed to: Gallatin Theater League, Attn. Renovation Campaign, PO Box 291, Gallatin, MO 64640. GTL Board members include Rhonda McCann, Doug Nichols, Tom Kober, Annie Gibson, Elaine Bohannon, Amy Wood, Laurie Walton-Roll, David Roll, Julie Critten, Chanel Burge, Jackie Nichols, and Lance Rains.
The Gallatin Theater League appreciates the community for their past and continued support. It has been an honor and a pleasure to offer community theater to you for the past twenty years and we feel certain that you believe, as we do, that the Courter Theater and accompanying "troupe" is a unique treasure worthy of our attention and care.