DRAPER — Unplug the curling irons and turn off the heat before running the stage lights and the sound system, or the already hashed electrical system at Draper Historic Theatre may collapse.
The theater's power system, which likely won't survive another power surge, has been hanging together with electrical tape for years, forcing volunteers to carefully monitor and limit their use of electricity, said Katie Shell, a member of the theater's board of directors.
Consequently, volunteers are banding together to launch a campaign titled: "Light UP DHT," which is aimed at overhauling the theater's electrical system.
The project will provide enough power for improved lighting and sound on stage as well as for lights and heating in the theater's planned additions. The electrical overhaul is the first phase in a series of improvements and developments at the theater.
"The conditions aren't necessarily unsafe, but they are unpleasant," Shell said.
To top it off, all of the breaker boxes in the building, which was built in 1938, are old enough that it's hard to find replacement parts, she said.
So, far, the grass-roots campaign has turned up roughly $10,000 of the estimated $50,000 to $60,000 required to complete the electrical project, said Rhonda Neiswender, chairwoman of the board.
It's a big goal, but it's doable with the help of Draper's community-minded businesses and supportive chamber of commerce, Neiswender said.
"I know that there are others out in the community who love DHT as much as I do, and I anticipate that their support will see this happen just like they helped the seismic improvements happen," she said. "It's a coming together of many hearts and hands to make this work."
Over the past 15 years, Neiswender said she's seen a rejuvenation of Draper Historic Theatre as a gathering place in the community.
"If every business in the Draper city area would donate $500, we would be in really good shape, but we'd be happy with just $50 from every business," she said. "We would love to find a sugar daddy — somebody who just wants to play with our electricity, but we don't expect it to come that easily."
The fund-raising climate across the country has become strained with all of the natural disasters, Neiswender said. While she hopes to have the project completed this summer, she said she understands that it may take longer.
"We're willing to be as patient as possible and to work in increments," she said. "Not everything has to be done the same weekend."
In addition to seeking funds from community members, volunteers will continue to solicit aid from grant organizations and foundations, Shell said. Private donors have also given generously in the past in terms of time, materials and money.
"You'd be surprised how much contributions from individuals add up — $5 here and $20 there," she said. "It makes a big difference."
Once volunteers have garnered enough funding to begin overhauling the theater's electrical system, patrons will begin to see a noticeable difference, Shell said.
New light fixtures in the auditorium and in the lobby will give the theater a much more inviting atmosphere, she said.
In addition, enhanced stage lighting will make a dramatic difference, Shell said. It will give the director greater license to take advantage of lights and sound.
"Right now, the lights on stage are pretty dim, so there are spots that you can't see very well," she said. "It's not fair for the actors."
Shell, who used to help with the costumes, said it was frustrating to put so much work into them and not have the audience be able to see them clearly because of the dark spots on stage.
"It will be nice to show off a production the way it should be shown off," she said.
E-mail: sbills@desnews.com