DRAPER — When it comes to acting, the performers, directors and backstage helpers associated with the Draper Historic Theatre know what they're doing.
But the question was: Could they, and the many supporters of the local cultural icon, act fast enough?
It has been quite the drama at times, but an urgent fund-raising effort has so far resulted in a big round of applause and assurance the theater company will be around for years to come.
On Dec. 30, the nonprofit organization's board of directors signed an option to purchase the former movie theater at 12366 S. 900 East, where DHT has delighted audiences — and given many local actors their first onstage experience — since 1988.
"We're really dedicated to the mission of the organization, to provide family-friendly entertainment," said Katie Shell, a board member and chairwoman of its fund-raising committee. "It's getting a little bit harder to find that these days."
The board, which formed five years ago when the theater became a nonprofit, has always wanted to buy the building from DHT founder Vanessa Nelson. That desire became an established goal in 2001, after Nelson retired as the theater's manager.
But last year, the board learned another party was interested in buying the place and turning it into a for-profit venture. At first, the prospective buyers suggested DHT could share the space. But board members became convinced DHT, in its current form, would no longer exist if the building were sold.
"We had to kind of step up the efforts and determination to make (purchasing the building) happen by the end of 2003," said DHT board chairwoman Rhonda Neiswender.
The sale is expected to be finalized by mid-February.
"Whenever you have a building that is owned by someone else, they always have an option to turn it into something else or go another direction," Neiswender said. "We need to make our own way, and make our future as secure as possible to be able to maintain the focus and direction of our mission statement."
The fund raising is far from over, however. A total of $30,000 was raised for a down payment, and theater officials believe ongoing revenue from performances will enable them to make mortgage payments on the $260,000 purchase.
But the 180-seat theater, which hasn't changed much in its 65 years of operation, desperately needs renovation.
An initial phase, which required a separate fund-raising campaign to raise $15,000 toward the $80,000 total costs, began in 2002. The seismic reinforcement, roof replacement and patron safety features were completed last year.
The next phase is more ambitious and involves construction of a two-story addition behind the theater's existing stage. It will serve as a dressing and rehearsal facility, and will be used for classes and storage as well. The estimated cost for the addition is $250,000.
DHT also wants to reconfigure its lobby and snack bar area, remodel its rest rooms, and add aesthetic and technical improvements — such as a new sound system and improved lighting. All that will cost about $225,000.
The schedule for those renovations depends on the timing and amount of financial support.
Funding assistance for the down payment on the building came from throughout the area, not just Draper, and included eight individual donations of $1,000 or more — plus a $10,000 gift from Neiswender's brother, a Bountiful resident.
"I think it's important that we do the renovations because people just expect more now," Shell said. "It just surprises me how popular the theater has been because it is small and a little outdated. But they (audiences) love it that way and we want to keep that feeling, but at the same time we don't want to get left behind technically.
"We're not looking for it to be a palace, but we need to stay competitive. So far, I think we've squeaked along on love and support, and that's been nice."
The theater has gained a reputation over the years for providing clean, wholesome entertainment, and a supportive umbrella under which young people interested in live theater can learn and grow. More than 100 local youth will participate in the theater's two upcoming "Broadway Kids" performances.
"It's a place that's safe for everyone . . . safe for anyone who wants to come and have a positive experience with high family standards," Neiswender said. "It's a place where we just find an ever-growing circle of friends and supporters."
Former Draper Mayor Richard Alsop counts himself among those supporters. He's also an occasional DHT performer. He played the role of Mr. Potter in the 2002 production of "It's a Wonderful Life."
Alsop, a former DHT board member, called the theater the "anchor" of the city's downtown historic district. With the purchase of the building, he said, DHT is now "ideally positioned to reflect community heritage and to continue as a source of community entertainment and cultural development."
"As a result of the dedication and commitment of the board members," he added, "remarkable productions and projects have been accomplished."
The theater's next production, the Utah premiere of Barry Manilow's "Copacabana," will open Feb. 26 and run through March 27.
For more information, check out the theater's Web site at www.drapertheatre.org.
E-mail: zman@desnews.com