Calling All Volunteers – Theater Company Prepares for Movie Screening Debut
The Barnesville State Theater Company continues to make strides in its mission to bring arts and culture back to the village through grants, events and ongoing efforts. The building is being revitalized by a dedicated group of volunteers.
Board member Rose Grear said the theater’s first public event: a screening of Lady and the Tramp scheduled for May, is already sold out. The free, family-friendly showing is part of “Ohio Goes to the Movies” as the state marks the nation’s 250th celebration. The movie will be the theater’s debut event.
Volunteers are needed before the movie screening. From 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on May 4, 5 and 6, individuals are asked to show up with brooms, dustpans and wet/dry vacs to help clean the building located at 137 West Main Street.
Another volunteer engagement event will take place during the chamber’s “Fun in the Ville” from 4 to 7 p.m. May 7 when leaders will provide information on how the community can get involved in theater activities.
The organization is also planning a rigatoni dinner fundraiser while in the past, the group has hosted street fairs and free concerts at Barnesville Memorial Park.
The group plans to complete restroom renovations in time for the May 23rd film screening.
This work is made possible by two recently received grants. The Community Foundation for the Ohio Valley awarded the group $10,000 through the Belmont County Enrichment Fund, while the Belmont County Tourism Council contributed an additional $3,000.
At the Enrichment Fund’s grant announcement event, Grear highlighted the nonprofit’s progress in restoring the historic Main Street theater that closed in 1969 and was used for decades as storage.
“It’s very gratifying to have the trust and support of our community and the Ohio Valley,” Grear said. “It reinforces the importance of providing a community resource for arts and culture. We are excited to share the Barnesville State Theater with the community.”
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