OREM — After a decade of success as a for-profit corporation, the Hale Center Theater in Orem, which is becoming a nonprofit organization this month, is looking for a donor to fund a new $5 million facility.
"We're looking for donors," said Anne Swenson, one of the owners of the Orem outlet for the Ruth and Nathan Hale theatrical dynasty.
"We've operated in the black since we opened (in 1990) on ticket sales," she said. "Because of that, we haven't saved the $5 million we need for the new building or the $2 million it would take to expand this building."
Cody Swenson, a grandson to the Hales, says the group is "pursuing all avenues to find funding."
The Swensons, along with the Hale's youngest son, Cody Hale, and his wife, Linda, own the Orem theater.
"Building a $4 million to $5 million theater is daunting, but I think we can do it," said Anne Swenson. "We need to do it. We've outgrown this building."
The new 22,000-square-foot building will replace the theater that was once a veteran's hall and reception center at 225 W. 400 North, and double the space for costume storage, rehearsal, lobby, office and production seating space.
As the largest building in the Pinehurst Retail Plaza under construction on 800 North, the Hale Center Theater will anchor the block of shops on the east end of the project and customers will find ample places to park.
That's been a problem at the current facility as theatergoers either park on the street or try to wedge into a space in the tiny lot adjacent to the theater.
Rehearsal space has been tough to find, too, particularly as Hale Center Theater usually has three shows in various stages of production at any given time.
"We actually had a show on stage, 'A Christmas Carol,' where in the middle of this really quiet, sad scene you could hear the nuns downstairs practicing their songs for 'Nunsense,' " said Anne Swenson. "It's been ridiculous. Once we have space, we can actually let our casts rehearse in full voice. What a concept!"
"Costume storage has been 'fun,' too. You can't walk into a room here without finding costumes stashed here and there," said Cody Swenson.
In the new building, Hale Center actors will find three rehearsal halls, abundant storage space and additions to the center stage area that will allow for some added options in the shows.
There will be a place for a small orchestra.
"We want space for a trap door in the floor and maybe a rotating stage. We haven't had that here," said Anne Swenson. "We'll have portions of the seats that can be removed so portable stages can be put up for some productions. And we'll have it so people enter the auditorium from the top and back rather than through the stage area. That'll really help."
Seating will be increased from 300 to between 420 and 440, with a good sight line for every seat and plenty of leg room.
What won't change is the cozy nature.
The stage won't be a great deal bigger, and it will still be a challenge to put on major productions like "My Fair Lady" and "Guys and Dolls."
But the Swensons and Hales are determined to hold onto the intimate feel of a small theater with the theater-in-the-round focus.
"Our audiences really like that. We don't want to lose that," Anne Swenson said. "The closeness is something we want to keep."
The fare will stay similar, too, with scripts deliberately chosen to reflect the values of the surrounding communities and for the fun factor.
"We try to do shows that are uplifting, that are funny, that people want to see. We have an unofficial motto. If it's not fun, why do it?" said Anne Swenson. "That's why we need a kitchen in the new facility. We are always feeding our actors, which is part of making it enjoyable to be here."
"It's our niche. It's the formula that Grandma Hale started with over 50 years ago," said Cody Hale. "We don't want to mess with it."
The new theater is scheduled to be open by August 2001.
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