Latest news with #AustinAreaArts
Yahoo
10 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
ArtWorks Festival: Delay doesn't take away from the Paramount project's significance
Aug. 19—Grand opening pushed back to September Sometimes things just don't go according to plan and when construction is involved, any goals have to be made with a wink. Things come up and sometimes the best laid plans just don't go according to plan. That's been the case with the Paramount Theatre's expansion and renovation project. When the $4.3 million project was officially kicked off in December of 2024, the hope was that the theater might be ready for this year's Austin ArtWorks Festival on Aug. 23-24. It would have been the perfect opportunity to show off a project that will enhance both the audience and performer experience. But due to things outside of the control of Austin Area Arts and Joseph Company, showing off the work will have to wait. "We're going to save the thunder. We're going to wait," said Randy Kramer, who along with Belita Schindler, is a co-lead of the project committee. "The short answer I would say is the whole facility is going to be closed to the public during the festival." Rather than being open for the festival, the theater will instead be a staging area for festival volunteers. Still, not being able to finish the project wasn't a surprise as committee members also knew there was a chance of hiccups in the process. "We're working with a 100-year-old building," Schindler said with a laugh. Originally, Buckets N Boards Family Comedy Percussion Show was going to kick-off a slate of performances showcasing the expansion and renovation of the theater, but that has been postponed to February. Instead, organizers are celebrating the work that has been done and the money that has been raised. Fundraising wise, the goal is nearly completed at 90%, leaving around $90,000 yet to raise toward the $1.2 million goal. Prior to that, The Hormel Foundation had granted the project $3.67 million. "We're doing great," Kramer said. "It's ahead of schedule. We have feelers and we have conversations going on out there so we're highly confident we'll be hitting the goal within the next month or two or three." Even though there still remains some work, it's easy to make out the added details of the renovation and expansion just off of the west side of the Paramount. Inside the theater itself, the soundproofing material has been applied to the ceiling and its easily observable as to where the new sound system will be staged as well as the new stage surface that will be easier on performer's movements. Even though the theater will lose some seating, it's only because the new seats will be larger and ADA requirements are reserving spaces for those with physical disabilities. The work in totality will take the viewing experience to a whole new level. "It's something that the public is really going to get a kick out of," Schindler said. "It's going to be a great place to see a show." Currently, the grand opening of the new look is on Sept. 14 with the Texas Tenors, who is the third highest selling artist in the history of America's Got Talent. Prior to that there will be a donor reception. "If you just try and envision what that Sept. 14 show is going to be like, I suspect we're going to sell out," Kramer said. "The Texas Tenors are a pretty good group. I think it's going to be something." As for the work that has been done. Both Kramer and Schindler are nothing less than thrilled with what they've seen. "It's beyond our expectations," Kramer said. "We knew it was going to be great, but it's turning out to be greater than what we imagined." Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
25-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Paramount renovation and expansion project hits campaign milestone
Apr. 24—The Historic Paramount Theatre Renovation and Expansion Project capital campaign has achieved a major benchmark by hitting the 70% mark of its total goal. It was announced Thursday in a press release that the "It's Showtime!" fundraising campaign has now raised $850,000 of its $1.21 million goal putting it at the two-thirds mark with just about four months left. The Austin Area Foundation has stated that it hopes for a soft opening during the Austin ArtWorks Festival on Aug. 23-24. "My understanding is that we're on schedule," said Austin Area Arts Executive Director Thomas Robbins on Thursday while overlooking the theater. "It looks like a lot of work to go in four months, but they say the next steps are faster than the earlier steps." Money raised through the campaign will be in addition to the $3.67 million committed by The Hormel Foundation last November for the $4.3 million project. A secondary goal of the campaign is to create a maintenance fund for the facility's upkeep as well as paying off the remainder of the mortgage of the adjacent boardwalk property owned by Austin Area Arts. Opened in 1929, the project's work will upgrade the audience and performer experience through accessibility, aesthetic, acoustic, comfort and other production-orientated improvements. A ceremonial ground breaking was held in January of this year to start construction and the work so far has those involved eager for what comes next. "I'm even more excited," Robbins said about the work being done so far. "It's potential unfolding before my eyes. We're preserving the magic that is here." Excavation work has begun on the "new build" portion of the project, which will add 1,960 square feet to the rear of the current annex building, which when completed will include a loading dock, multi-purpose dressing room area, performer restrooms, and grand piano storage, all connecting back-of-house to the newly refurbished stage. Renovation of the current annex building has begun with new ticketing, concessions, and public restroom facilities framed in. A new opening in the west wall of the original Paramount lobby will open access to the annex and will add 1,675 square feet of remodeled front-of-house foyer area. Austin Area Arts Operations Director Kelsey Ritchie said that another aspect of this work will be to take out the door currently opening into the annex from the street and replace it with windows that face Fourth Street NW. A mosaic created by local artist Deb D'Souza will be fashioned over top of the concession and box office area. Meanwhile, inside the theater, all of the former seating has been removed and the stage has been demolished and rebuilt. The stage itself will be a "sprung" floor, which will be easier on the feet and legs of those performing on its surface. Cement work is in progress to relocate the sound booth and to rework flooring to meet ADA requirements. New carpet as well as all furniture, fixtures, and equipment orders have been placed to allow ample time for delivery. "It's going to be a first rate experience for everybody," Robbins said. Most recently, the Austin City Council agreed to fund $46,500 toward the total cost of $93,000 toward an adjustment to the sidewalk outside of the Paramount that further meets ADA requirements. A bumpout curb will be added with a pair of ramps for easier access. In the remaining months work will include the fully rebuilt stage floor, installation of new acoustical treatments, sound and lighting systems, new seat replacement, completion of expanded lobby area and new backstage build-out, front entrance accessibility improvements with a sidewalk/curb bump-out, and a general refresh of surroundings featuring a variety of cosmetic touch-ups. Capital campaign contributions can be made online at by visiting the Austin ArtWorks Center during business hours, or mailing a donation to Austin Area Arts, 300 N Main St, Austin, MN 55912. One-time or multi year pledges gratefully accepted. To donate shares of stock, donor-advised fund, qualified charitable IRA distributions, or other assets, contact Ritchie at 507-434-0934 or email kelsey@
Yahoo
09-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
City Council moves request for contributing money to added Paramount work
Apr. 8—Work will address bump out curb for ADA requirements The City Council, by a vote of 3-2 with two council members not in attendance, moved out of its work session a request by Austin Area Arts to help pay for a proposed rework on the sidewalk as part of its renovation project of the Paramount Theatre. Austin Area Arts Executive Director Thomas Robbins pitched the request to the council Monday night to help pay for a $93,000 rework of a proposed Americans with Disabilities Act modification to the front entry that would feature a bump-out curb. The request was for the city to pay half, or $46,500. According to plans submitted in the council's work session packet, the bump out would reach across the length of the main entrance of the Paramount with a pair of ramps leading up to the sidewalk at new painted cross walk locations. However, while council members in general supported the extra work, which wouldn't be charged to the main body of the renovation project, there was some question as to how much the city would chip in. "I don't feel too comfortable putting a number out there," said First Ward's Laura Helle, who ultimately voted for moving the question out of the work session. Second Ward's Mike Postma voiced concern over the amount requested by Austin Area Arts. "I'm really struggling on that half number right now," Postma said in voting against moving it out of the work session along with At-Large Council Member Jeff Austin, who questioned why this need was coming up now rather than during the planning process. The council will vote on whether or not to approve helping with the project at its next meeting, though regardless of the outcome, Robbins said that this is needed work. It likely would require extra fundraising if the council votes against Austin Area Arts' request. "This is required of ourselves for accessibility," Robbins said. "One way or another ... we need to get it done." Work on the renovation began in January and the hope is that work can be done for a soft opening during the Austin ArtWorks Festival in August.
Yahoo
04-03-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Annual meeting and volunteer appreciation coming later this month
Mar. 3—The Mower County Historical Society will hold its annual meeting on Thursday, March 20 in the Pioneer Building. MCHS President Jeff Anderson will start the official business meeting at 6:30 p.m. and Executive Director, Randal J. Forster, will give an update on major accomplishments from the past year and state goals for the upcoming year. Official items on the agenda for the annual meeting include the following: * Election of new members to the MCHS Board of Directors. * Awards and recognition of volunteers from the past year. Following the official business of the annual meeting, Tom Robbins from Austin Area Arts will provide an update on the planned renovations for the Historic Paramount Theatre. Those attending will have the opportunity to ask questions about the project and learn more about the theater that was built in 1929 and placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1986. This is a free event for all members and volunteers of the Mower County Historical Society. Snacks, dessert, and coffee will be served following the presentation. Anyone wishing to attend the annual meeting should RSVP by Monday, March 10, by calling 507-437-6082 or by emailing: director@
