The Marysville movie theater renovation group has a new team leader.
Sarah Barr has been brought on as executive director for the non-profit organization that owns and operates the Avalon Theatre, according to a release put out by the organization.
She is coming from Sidney where she served as executive director and oversaw the fundraising efforts and construction of the Historic Sidney Theatre building.
While there, she successfully raised $3.7 million dollars to renovate and operate the 1921 vaudeville theater into a cultural arts facility.
“The Marysville Uptown Theatre Board of Trustees is thrilled to have Sarah join the team. Her credentials are impressive and her enthusiasm will ensure the success of the project,” said Board President Dennis Schulze in the media release.
The Avalon Theatre was purchased in 2016 by local investors who helped create a non-profit organization and established a board of trustees to oversee the project. According to the release, “the board crafted a vision of restoring and operating the Avalon Theatre for cultural, artistic and educational activities that will benefit the Union County region.”
Barr said the organization is getting closer reaching their fundraising goal of $3.2 million.
“Right now, we have $1.4 million thanks to many individuals, businesses, corporations and supporting grants,” Barr said. “We’re working with architects and waiting for the construction side to give us a go. The plan is to move forward this fall.”
The first phase of work will begin on the infrastructure including a new roof, repair to the exterior walls, front and rear facade, and the installation of new electric, water and gas services to the building, Barra said. The total cost for that phase would be $850,000.
“We have the $1.4 million and $350,000 of that is a Ohio Facilities grant from the state; however, in order to put that to use, we have to get through that first phase.”
She said the organization is still working to get grants and help raise the rest of the funds.
“So the first phase will be the demo, the second will be what we’re calling the occupancy phase. That includes interior, structural items such as the walls, lobby, restrooms, lighting, stage, equipment and screens,” Barr said. “Phase three will essentially be the finishing work. Getting last details in.”
The organization plans to restore the theater to resemble the Avalon of the 1930s by using Art Deco designs. They also hope to update the building so that it functions both as a movie theater and as a cultural arts center.
“We’re really looking for this to be a ‘living room’ of the community,” Barr said. “We want it to be a central gathering place for cultural events.”
Prior to Barr’s career in non-profit leadership, she worked in education as a K-12 art teacher. She holds a bachelor’s of fine arts from Wright State University, masters in arts education from the University of Dayton, and is certified in non-profit leadership.
“I’m looking forward to being back home and working alongside the Board of Trustees, City of Marysville, Union County and local arts groups as we unite to elevate the arts and add value to our growing community,” Barr said.