Who knew, beneath the old dilapidated seats of the Courter Theater, the stained and gum riddled hardwood floors could be brought back to life?
This website brought to you in part by the following sponsor:
That very transformation is taking place this week, as the professionals from Sam Church Floor Service in St. Joseph sand and refinish the 93 year old floor.
The Gallatin Theater League’s 2011 Seating Project continues to move forward and on schedule. Doug Nichols and various GTL members have repainted the outside panels along with the interior walls of the auditorium and woodwork. Lobby walls have been rebuilt along with new doorways and the cold air return that was in the north aisle has been relocated. Jerry Bontrager donated his time and expertise in rebuilding the interior section of the entrance. The lobby has been rewired, and new flooring is also planned in the lobby area.
After the floor is completed, the next step will be to have the new seats installed, sometime in September. Once the flooring and seats are completed, the entire facility will have to be cleaned and all the sound and lighting equipment will have to be re-installed.
"Although the work is underway, we are still $9,000 short of our goal to fund the remaining portion of the project," stated Paul Caven, GTL Project Coordinator. "That equates to 60 seats to be donated at $150 per seat. We appreciate any donations to help complete this major renovation."
Tax deductible donations may be mailed to: Gallatin Theatre League, PO Box 188, Gallatin, Mo., 64640.
"We regret we will not have the facility completed in time to prepare for a show during the Chautauqua," commented Elaine Bohannon, GTL President. "However the Theatre League plans to participate in the Saturday activities on Sept. 17 with Back Alley Photos. These will be old time photos taken in the back of the theater for a nominal fee. Entry will be from the alley."
Bohannon added that costumes and sets will be provided and there will also be a concession stand in the back. .