Opera House Plans: Will music ring from old stage?

Will music again ring from the stage in the old opera house downtown?

There is a group of people who have a dream that will happen.

And they aren’t just dreaming – they are doing something about it.

Marianne Rose, a representative of Charles H. Bentz Associates, Inc. of Westfield, NJ, spoke to representatives of the agencies who would use such a facility at a Friday luncheon meeting. Ms. Rose was in charge of a similar project in Lincolnton where an old church was renovated into a downtown cultural center.

Vicki Coggins, director of the Downtown Development Corporation, said there is no cultural draw for downtown and opening the opera house would accomplish part of that goal. She said the facility would not compete in any way with the Agri-Civic Center, as it would be used for completely different purposes.

The Arts Council could use it; the Uwharrie Players and Stanly County Chorale could use it for rehearsals; the Arts Guild could use it for their shows and as a permanent place to display their work.

Also, it could be used for music lessons for underprivileged children, to be financed through a grant, and could provide adequate reception space for smaller meetings. There is no place for such meetings unless you use a church facility, she said.

Gene Starnes and Mrs. Catherine Pickler, owners of the opera house, have agreed to a lease for 99 years at one dollar a year.

Ms. Rose, whose company specializes in endowment and capital campaigns, said the first step is to organize. A committee should be formed to decide whether or not there is enough support for the project to have a feasibility study made.

Then the group would make appointments for a Bentz representative to come in and interview people who would support the project, asking them for ideas.

The volunteer factor, she said is most important.

If the group decides to go ahead with the project, someone from the company will live here, open an office, organize and conduct the campaign.

Following the presentation Ms Coggins asked for volunteers and the initial committee was formed.

Those who wished then toured the facility.

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