Butler Little Theatre expands with buy
Butler Little Theatre is finally expanding its longtime home.
This afternoon, the nonprofit is closing on the purchase on a three-bedroom house and garage that is adjacent to the theater at 1 Howard St.
“I have been involved in the theater since the late '60s, and I wanted this property for practically all of that time,” said Sue Collar, board chairman of the theater group.
The property at 414 N. McKean St. will serve several purposes. It will mostly likely be used for overflow prop storage, a new meeting place for board members, and perhaps, even a backup rehearsal space when the main stage is unavailable.
A detached garage will likely provide space for a small workshop and additional set storage.
The property also comes with a yard, which Collar hopes can serve as a gathering place before shows in the spring and summer.
Sam Minehart, theater spokesman, said the house will provide more space for theater props and costumes that might otherwise need to be recycled or discarded.
“Having limited storage on the second and third levels (of the theater building) has been a hindrance to us,” she said.
More discussions are under way to determine all of the building's uses.
“We have quite a few potential uses for this addition to our current facility,” Collar said, “And welcome ideas from our volunteers, members and audience. Our goal is to make decisions that will help not only Butler Little Theatre, but the arts community in and around the Butler area.”
Improvements will be made to the home after the sale is closed.
Also, people or businesses interested in contributing for building naming rights and sponsorships can contact the theater board.
The home was bought from a person for an undisclosed price.
Butler Little Theatre has had programming since 1921, and has been housed at the Howard Street building since 1945. The theater has five shows during its regular season, and also offers children's programming.
