Officials with local Theatre Company Studio Black want to give the Capitol Theatre back to the community that's helped keep it alive.
Studio Black is one of three options Chatham-Kent is considering to take over operations at the Capitol Theatre.
"I'd like to see it active and vibrant and I'd like to give really great access to other community groups," says Artistic Director Rachel Schwarz. "I think it's really important that it stays a tool and asset for our community first and foremost."
Schwarz currently runs all educational programming at the theatre, including camps and March Break programs. If they win the operations contract, she says she'd continue and expand that initiative.
"If we have stuff going on there all the time and making money, while the theatre's open I'd like to move the box office over there so when we're open we're busy," says Schwarz.
The other company vying for the operations deal is Jones Entertainment Group based out of London. Chatham-Kent staff are also preparing a proposal of their own, to give council an idea of what operating the theatre on its own would look like.
Schwarz says Studio Black has the advantage of being local going into the decision.
"I think a local group has a much better understanding of the community," says Schwarz. "I grew up here, my parents still live here. Everything we do is geared towards the community."
Schwarz says municipal staff are interviewing the applicants next week. A recommendation to council could come in November.
