Renovated Peoples Bank Theatre ready to shine once again

Originally published in The Marietta Times on February 6, 2016.

by Art Smith, Marietta Times

The stage at the Peoples Bank Theatre has stood dark for decades, waiting for a rebirth that has finally occurred.

The fact that it was possible to restore the nearly century-old structure as a venue useful today links back to how the theater was original built.

When the new Hippodrome Theatre opened to the public May 9, 1919, it boasted one of the largest “legitimate theatre” stages in the Midwest and was able to stage the large Broadway style plays that toured the country. Theaters built later would have smaller stages that on average were just 15 feet deep. The one built for the “Hipp” is 35 feet deep and 55 feet wide. That large stage is intact today and allows several large productions to use the theater for shows that are due to play at the theater this year.

The theater, which mainly sat unused since 1985, itself was strong.

“Structurally the building was sound. It was built in the golden age of live venues, but it was built after the era of wood construction. It’s concrete and steel so there are no columns under the balcony. The theater has great sight lines from all the seats,” said Hunt Brawley, Director of Development for the Hippodrome/Colony Historical Theatre Association. “No structural elements had to be replaced during the renovation.”

Through the 1920s the theater was used for Vaudeville acts, Broadway plays, magic acts and silent films. After 1929 the theater also was used for “talkies.”

Movies would be the mainstay for the theater for the next several decades.

In the 1940s, Shea Theatres of New York purchased the theater, remodeled it and changed the name.

Gone was a large stone arch on Putnam Street, replaced with the Southern-Colonial facade seen today. They held a contest to rename it and reopened it as the Colony Cinema on June 25, 1949.

The recent renovation returned the theater to how it looked in 1949.

Fact Box

Shows in 2016

  • – Feb. 5:The Fields of Gettysburg
  • – Feb. 13: Paula Poundstone
  • – Feb. 27: Stage Door Cabaret: Tiffany CasaSante & Friends
  • – March 4 – March 5: 10th Annual Colony Short Film Festival
  • – March 12: Kathy Mattea
  • – March 25: The Johnny Clegg Band
  • – March 26: Rhythm in the Night, The Irish Dance Spectacular
  • – April 1: Charlie Daniels Band
  • – April 3: River Cities Symphony Orchestra: Choral Concert
  • – April 15: Marking Out
  • – April 16: The McCartney Years
  • – April 23: Stage Door Cabaret: Jess Baldwin Quintet
  • – May 7: Ballet Folklorico
  • – May 14: Glenn Miller Orchestra
  • – June 4: River Cities Symphony Orchestra: America’s Greatest Pops
  • – June 15: Cashore Marionettes
  • – June 24: The Complete History of Comedy (abridged)

The theater passed through several corporate owners until 1981 when Marjorie Bee, a former employee, purchased it and operated it with her sons until closing it in 1984. Dan Stephan, Sr. bought it in 1989 with the hope that it could someday be restored. “He thought he could spend a little money and save it, he soon realized it was a lot more than he had bargained for, said Brawley, “but he did keep it from falling apart.”

Stephan owned the theater until he donated it in 2004 to a non-profit organization set up to save it. The organization got a huge boost from Peoples Bank along the way and the theater got a new name when it became the Peoples Bank Theatre.

Twelve years later the theater is fully restored, has staged several shows and is once again an important part of the Marietta community.

Restoration is apparent as soon as one walks through the doors. The tiles on the floor have been matched to fill areas that were removed through the years. A second staircase has been reopened to the balcony area; wall paintings were restored based on what was found under layers of added paint and wall coverings. All the seats were replaced in the theater with 920 period-appropriate, yet slightly wider seats.

Brawley sees the restoration as being a key part of the revitalization of downtown Marietta. “At the center of many downtown revitalizations are the theaters. Fortunate communities saved their theaters. (The Peoples Bank Theatre) was once a center of entertainment in Marietta and we hope it can be again.”

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Poundstone headlines show

Originally published in The Marietta Times, January 28, 2016

By Brittany Landers – The Marietta Times

Triple-threat Paula Poundstone, an American stand-up comedian, author and actress, will be performing Feb. 13 at the Peoples Bank Theatre.

Best known for her observational, “everyday” humor, Poundstone’s comedic sets often involve audience member participation and a sense of spontaneity with “no two sets ever being the same.”

The Peoples Bank Theatre crowd can expect this as well as witty banter about the comedian’s life, she said in a phone interview this week.

Poundstone

“I talk about raising a house full of kids and animals and trying to pay attention to the news enough to cast a halfway decent vote,” said Poundstone of her set, which she deemed appropriate for most age groups.

Peoples Bank Theatre is hosting Poundstone from 8 to 9:30 p.m. the night before Valentine’s Day, with ticket prices available now for purchase, either online through the Peoples Bank Theatre website or at the box office located at 222 Putnam St. Single ticket prices range from $20 to $30.

“Ticket sales have been brisk… so far this season it has been one of our best sellers,” said Drew Tanner, marketing director for the theater. Poundstone, who has had a 35-plus-year career in the entertainment industry, has worked alongside other hilarious women like Joan Rivers and Caroline Rhea. In the ’90s, she was a correspondent on The Tonight Show and The Rosie O’Donnell Show and appeared on Hollywood Squares, among other TV appearances.

Fact Box

If you go

  • Comedian Paula Poundstone is set to perform Feb. 13 at Peoples Bank Theatre.
  • The acclaimed comic will entertain from 8 to 9:30 p.m.
  • Tickets are available now at the box office or online at the Peoples Bank Theatre website.
  • Ticket prices range from $20 to $30.
  • Peoples Bank Theatre is located at 222 Putnam St. in Marietta.

She has also had a slew of one-hour HBO comedy specials. Named one of Comedy Central’s “Top 100 Greatest Standups of All Time,” Poundstone has most recently done voice over work for the animated film “Inside Out.” She presently partakes in NPR’s “Wait Wait… Don’t Tell Me,” an international weekly news quiz show that has a huge following and has won both a Peabody Award and Webby Award for humor.

The comedian likens her stand-up set to her highly-improvised commentator role on the NPR podcast.

“They allow me to say whatever I want…the panelists are unscripted, so it’s perfect for me,” she said. “There is a lot of freedom on that show. People that listen come up to me in the street and tell me they enjoy the ‘free for all’ quality of it, which makes me happy.”

Poundstone added that her jokes are written organically, often inspired by doing her mundane, motherly duties.

“I have a very common life. I try to take care of my kids, pay the bills, put recycling in the right bin on the right day. My desk is full of little pieces of paper with ideas scratched on them. Now if only I could remember why I found those words funny in the first place like ‘latex gloves,'” she said.

Renowned yet relatable, this funny lady will be one act not to miss when she makes a one-night only stop in Marietta as part of her ongoing tour.

“We had a feeling her type of comedy would be well-received here,” shared Tanner. “Also, her frequent role on ‘Wait Wait…Don’t Tell Me’ has local ties with an NPR affiliate, WOUB radio in Athens. The theater is actually doing a ticket giveaway in partnership with WOUB. She was a natural selection.”

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First performance was magic

Originally published January 9, 2016 in The Marietta Times

by Janelle Patterson, Marietta Times

With aerial acrobatics, contortion, juggling and magic, “Cirque-tacular’s World: European Edition” rang in a new era of professional performance and entertainment in Marietta Friday.

As the opening show of the newly resurrected Peoples Bank Theatre on Putnam Street welcomed more than 900 new patrons, local magician Steve Dixon, 57, of Marietta, captured exclamations with card tricks and slights of hand as people waited to be seated.

“I’m creating magic history as the first magician performing on a historic night in a historic theater,” he said as he shocked visitors and volunteers alike. “What a wonderful experience this is to be here and have such a night.”

“I think it’s really cool,” she said. “I have no idea how he did that.”

That awe was merely a precursor to the main event, one for which families, couples and friends all made their way to the theater.

Adele McCombs, 6, of Marietta, said her favorite part of the night was when she was pulled onto the stage by the writer, emcee and magician of Cirque-tacular, Eric Walton, 45, of New York City, for a special trick.

“He pulled the rope through him,” exclaimed McCombs. “It was behind him but then it was in front. I don’t know how it got in his pants.”

Walton said he hoped the audience walked away not only amazed and enthralled but also having learned a smidgen of the historic influences of European cultures to the art of circus performance.

“It’s a global idea that we had to really showcase the heritages and cultures of the world through circus and pay tribute or homage to their contributions,” said Walton.

Also the emcee and a magician in the show, Walton introduced each act with a glance into the European influence.

One other local resident to make his debut that night was Jerry Brock, 77, of Marietta.

“It’s fun,” he said following his part in a magic trick where Walton guessed the location and face of a coin in the hands of five participants.

Brock said the most intriguing piece of the night though was when Jared Rydelek, 30, of New York City, contorted his body into impossible positions.

“I thought it was unbelievable,” he said as he laughed.

Owner of the company and lead acrobat in the show, Tad Emptage, 39, of New York City, spoke before the show about how each piece was conceptualized.

“We start with the performers and try to figure out how we can showcase the things that individual can do through our concept or theme,” he said. “After the concept, it’s written, then the designers build the costumes and I figure out the music and choreography, we rehearse and it all comes together into something I hope the audience enjoys and maybe learns something in a quirky way.”

Emptage and Walton said they both felt honored to be the first to perform on a stage that has been vacant for 30 years.

“What’s beautiful about this is the culmination for those especially around my age, we were the ones who really grew up as the digital age was born and evolved,” said Emptage. “We saw that divide in people as the stage was vacated but now we’re here to bring it back, to bring people back together and enjoy the experience of a live show.”

The pair were joined by fellow performers all living in New York City; Aaron Bonventre, 42, Jared Rydelek, 30, Ellie Steingraeber, 31, and Kelsey Strauch, 33.

Drew Tanner, marketing director for the theater, said having the circus performance on the new stage allowed the theater to showcase all it has to offer both performers and patrons.

“This show is a really cool one to start with because it’s using so much of our stage’s rigging capability,” he said. “What a way to start the season.”

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Grand Opening Weekend Update

We’re excited to have you join us for our Grand Opening weekend with performances by Cirque-Tacular on January 8 and An Acoustic Evening with Travis Tritt on January 9. Both events are SOLD OUT! There hasn’t been a crowd like this at the theatre in more than 30 years. Whether you’re joining us for one show or both, we’ve put together some tips below to help make your visit to the newly reopened Peoples Bank Theatre a memorable one.

Have your tickets ready

feature-boxoffice-concessions

To avoid delays at the door the day of the performance, be sure to have your tickets ready to be scanned by our volunteers. If you have Will Call tickets for Cirque-Tacular or Travis Tritt, we recommend that you do one of two things:

1) Switch your tickets from Will Call to Print-at-Home. Call the Box Office at 740-371-5152 or email tickets@nullpeoplesbanktheatre.com with your ticket order confirmation number to switch your Will Call tickets to Print-at-Home tickets.
2) Pick up your tickets ahead of the show. Beginning January 6, you may bring a photo ID to the Box Office Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. to pick up your ticket(s). If you cannot pick up your tickets until the day of the show, the box office will open at 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

Where can I park?

PBT-Parking-MapWhile Peoples Bank Theatre does not have its own parking lot, there are six lots within a short distance of the theatre, in addition to on-street parking throughout downtown Marietta. Our online Parking Map shows the location of parking lots available to Peoples Bank Theatre guests for evening events. Most are within one block of the theatre, which is located at the corner of Putnam Street and Third Street.

Make it a night out!

Dining-300x200Looking for dinner before the show or a drink afterward? From pub fare to fine dining, Marietta restaurants serve up a mixing pot of American favorites and international cuisine to suit every palate.The Marietta-Washington County Convention and Visitors Bureau has an online dining guide to help you explore the many options available.
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OPEN AUDITIONS: Oklahoma!

Please download and complete the Oklahoma! Audition Form and bring a copy with you to your audition.

Hipp Stage Productions announces OPEN AUDITIONS for its summer theatre production of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Oklahoma! at Peoples Bank Theatre. Auditions take place at 3 p.m. January 31 and 7 p.m. February 1. Call-backs will begin at 7 p.m. February 2. At 8 p.m., there will be a dance call for ALL those auditioning. All auditionees should arrive wearing comfortable clothing that is appropriate for movement and closed toe shoes. Dance attire and shoes are preferred, but not required.

CASTING REQUIREMENTS OF “OKLAHOMA”:
We are looking for a cast of 30 adults and 4 children. The musical has 9 leading/featured roles: Laurie and Aldo Annie (20s), Curley and Will Parker (20s), Aunt Eller (50-60), Jud Fry and Ali Hakim (30-40s), and Andrew Carnes and Ike Skidmore (50-60s). Six men and six women of the 20 numbered Ensemble have to dance or show a propensity to dance. As stated AUDITIONS take place on January 31st and February 1st with call-backs on February 2nd. at the Peoples bank Theatre in Marietta.

REHEARSALS:
Acting and music rehearsals will begin at the end of February/early March; dance rehearsals will begin at the end of March/early April.

PERFORMANCES:
Performance dates are June 10-12 and June 17-19.

 

Score selections for the auditions

(click the links to download as a PDF)

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Finishing touches

Decades of work on theater exceeds expectations

Grand opening only three weeks away

Originally published December 16, 2015 in The Marietta Times

by Janelle Patterson, The Marietta Times

After 30 years of a silent stage filling the empty expanse of the Hippodrome in Marietta, new life and light have been brought back to the historic theater.

Now known as the Peoples Bank Theatre, the combined seating of the balcony, mezzanine and auditorium will soon welcome more than 900 people to enjoy stage acts ranging from Vaudeville acrobatics to country music solos and comedians. The grand opening is now only three weeks away, a culmination of decades of work for some.

“It’s exceeded a lot of our expectations as things have really fallen into place this year,” said Hunt Brawley, the theater’s director. “It really is amazing what has been accomplished and how wonderful everything sounds and looks.”

Hunt Brawley, director of the Peoples Bank Theatre, explains the final acoustic needs of the building Tuesday as preparations conclude for the January opening.

Hunt Brawley, director of the Peoples Bank Theatre, explains the final acoustic needs of the building Tuesday as preparations conclude for the January opening.

Built in 1919 as the Hippodrome, the theater at the corner of Third and Putnam streets was, in its heyday, home to vaudeville acts, off-Broadway plays, magicians and silent films accompanied by a five-piece orchestra.

Thirty years later the theater was transformed into the Colony Cinema with a colonial facade replacing the original stone archway at the entrance of the hall. The film venue stayed open for an additional 36 years before closing its doors in 1985.

But eager to bring the life and light of the arts back to Putnam Street, Dan Stephan Sr. purchased the theater in 1988 with the hope of preserving and restoring the historic landmark in Marietta.

“I remember that theater got us through many tough times,” said Marietta native, Stephan, 79, of Williamstown. “The theater is an institution in Marietta just like Marietta College, the hospital and Peoples Bank. It has served the people through the Depression and World War II, but it was there for our entertainment.”

At the time his family owned the building currently housing Peoples News next door to the theater.

The facade of the restored Peoples Bank Theatre.

The facade of the restored Peoples Bank Theatre.

“When we got in there and looked around we couldn’t see anything else being there but a theater,” he said. “It’s awesome after so long and so much cost to see something so gratifying as getting those doors open.”

Stephan helped to form the Hippodrome/Colony Historical Theatre Association with Brawley in 2000 as a nonprofit raising money to restore the historic Marietta landmark. Then in 2004 he donated the building to the nonprofit and over the next decade the group worked to repair the roof, fire curtain, rebuilt the stairways and other structural elements and cleared the building of asbestos-a $2 million endeavor.

The final nudge to push renovations into high gear was an investment of $3.7 million from Peoples Bank in 2014. Construction and the remaining renovations to the building, including new seating in replica of the original house seats and a new stage and rigging cost the nonprofit an additional $5.5 million. According to Brawley the overall cost of the renovation was $7.5 million.

“We’re finishing up the technical aspects and doors and lights now,” he said. “We’re continuing to have training sessions from our lighting and sound guys since all of this is brand new equipment and setup.”

With the final construction and renovations wrapping up Brawley said some acts have been booked six months out and his staff is working to fill the gaps in weekends between each major performance.

“We’ll also start filling in programs with film,” he explained. “We think it’s going to be more of the classic films like ‘Casa Blanca’ and ‘Gone With The Wind’ as well as some newer offbeat Hollywood films that didn’t make it to the local theater.”

Brawley said the variety of acts to hit the stage beginning Jan. 8 should offer entertainment for any audience.

As the first band to enter the orchestra pit in the Peoples Bank Theatre, Laura Evans and Company, a jazz and adult contemporary group based in Charleston warms up prior to a private event at the theater Tuesday.

As the first band to enter the orchestra pit in the Peoples Bank Theatre, Laura Evans and Company, a jazz and adult contemporary group based in Charleston warms up prior to a private event at the theater Tuesday.

“The stage is really built for one-night shows and we’re trying to have a lot of different things available,” he said. “We’re trying to show stuff that you’d usually have to go to Columbus or Pittsburgh to see.”

Jeri Knowlton, executive director of the Marietta-Washington County Convention and Visitor’s Bureau, said she is anticipating an increase in tourism in Marietta thanks to the opening of the theater.

“We think that the theater has the potential to drive up overnight stays,” she said. “Especially from the group and tour travel perspective. Those types of groups are looking for evening entertainment options so I’ll be interested to see how the different shows play to different crowd demographics.”

Knowlton said she is especially excited to attend the Travis Tritt solo show during opening weekend.

“Tickets were gone in a day and I definitely think that shows the local community support this as well,” she said. “I am one of those people who has been waiting to see him for years and years and I couldn’t believe it, he’ll be here in my town.”

Knowlton, who also attended an appreciation event last weekend at the theater, said the acoustics in the building will make the show worth the wait.

“The sound system in the place is impressive,” she said. “I can’t wait to be there and hear him perform.”

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Announcing the 2016 Spotlight Series

Peoples Bank Theatre is excited to announce our inaugural series of concerts in our newly-restored historic hall.

The Winter-Spring 2016 Spotlight Series features 10 performances, encompassing a mix of music, comedy and dance. Tickets will go on sale to the general public at 12:00 noon on December 1.

The series includes:

Beginning 12:00 noon December 1, tickets may be ordered online at peoplesbanktheatre.com or by calling the box office 740-371-5152.

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Opening: Part-time Bartender

We are currently looking for a part-time Bartender. Candidates should possess knowledge of drink preparation in a wide variety of applications, a strong commitment to quality service, a very high standard of excellence, and an awareness of local, state, and federal health and sanitation laws. Must be able to stand for long periods of time, and have the ability to lift up to 35 pounds.

Desired qualities include:

  • 2 years of experience tending bar and serving
  • Excellent communication skills (oral and written)
  • Diplomacy skills as they pertain to customer interaction
  • Ability to maintain a clean workspace
  • A willingness to learn and grow as a bar tender and as an overall team member
  • Upbeat, positive, and professional attitude
  • Problem-solving ability
  • Ability to work independently with little supervision
  • Ability to be flexible in a changing environment
  • Reliable transportation

Required experience:

• Bartending: 2 years

If interested, send cover letter, resume and three references to our Theatre Director, Susan Ferrell: sferrell@nullpeoplesbanktheatre.com.

Equal employment opportunity.

No phone calls please.

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Openings: Box Office Manager, Concession & Box Office Staff

Peoples Bank Theatre is looking for a part-time Box Office Manager and part-time concession and box office employees. Hours are flexible and will include weekends and evenings.

If interested, send cover letter, resume and three references to our Theatre Director, Susan Ferrell: sferrell@nullpeoplesbanktheatre.com.

Equal employment opportunity.

No phone calls please.

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Gift Certificates Now Available

Looking for something special for that someone special? Give the gift of live entertainment! Peoples Bank Theatre gift certificates allow that person on your list to pick the exact shows and tickets they want. Redeemable online or at the box office, gift certificates are available in denominations of $25, $50, $75, $100, $150 and $200.

Click here to order online, or call the Box Office at 740-371-5152 Monday through Friday, between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.

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Grand Opening Tickets Now On Sale

Tickets for our Grand Opening weekend featuring Cirque-Tacular on January 8 and a Special Acoustic Evening with Travis Tritt on January 9 are now on sale. Ticket sales will be available exclusively through the event listings here on our website and our Facebook page.

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Peoples Bank Theatre accepting resumes for part-time Volunteer Coordinator

TITLE: Volunteer Coordinator – Part-time DATE PREPARED: 09/2015
REPORTS TO: Theatre Director STATUS: Part-time, Non-exempt, Hourly

POSITION SUMMARY: Recruit and maintain adequate number of event volunteers (ticket scanners, ushers and customer relations) and administrative volunteers (office assistants, tour guides and theatre history researchers) to provide appropriate event coverage and administrative support where needed. Supervise and assure all volunteers are properly trained to be able to provide exceptional customer service and support

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Volunteer Program

  • Recruit, orient and train event and administrative volunteers. Manage the purchasing of shirts, name tags, penlights, etc. so that volunteers may have a uniform appearance. Manage the background check process for all volunteers.
  • Match interested volunteers with opportunities that suit their skill set and best serves the Theatre. Ensure that each volunteer feels comfortable with their volunteer opportunities and fully understands all responsibilities.
  • Supervise and engage with volunteers and manage volunteer expectations so volunteers are able to provide a high level of customer service to patrons and office staff.
  • Manage volunteer database and scheduling software. Enter and monitor events and required volunteer levels.
  • Review and update online volunteer application materials, volunteer descriptions and guidelines to ensure ease of use for prospective volunteers.
  • Manage the delivery to information to volunteers who don’t have electronic access (computer/email) and mail scheduling event calendar, individual’s confirmed schedule, newsletters and other communications in a timely manner so materials are received when access is given to those who have electronic access.
  • Early in year one, develop an Event Advisory Committee and a Tour Guide Committee, both comprised of volunteers and directed by the Volunteer Coordinator.
  • The Tour Guide Committee will promptly develop a tour for visitors.
  • In year two, develop a high school, event volunteer program.
  • Recognize the necessity to assure volunteers feel appreciated and informed. As budget permits, hold events to thank volunteers, purchase items or send individual correspondence.
  • Perform other duties as required.

Event-related

  • Responsible for onsite, offsite or other special event management for all patron areas with attention to excellence in customer service (internal and external), front of house and volunteer relations, community building and staff, volunteer and patron safety/security.
  • Prepares details for the pre-event volunteer briefing (run times, holds, attendance, Playbills, inserts). Conducts the pre-event volunteer briefing or schedules appropriate individual to conduct the briefing in Volunteer Coordinator’s absence.
  • Oversees event protocols to include ticket scanning, house opening, curtain rising/holding, emergencies and evacuations.
  • Reports building concerns (HVAC, lighting, cleanliness, fixtures, bathroom/room conditions, etc.), via internal radio or via work order (based on need to address).
  • Completes incident forms and investigations as necessary.
  • Reports/addresses suspicious or dangerous activity, using security staff as necessary.
  • Ensures volunteers performed post-event walk through of assigned area, gathered found patron items and provided them to Customer Relations to log and assigned event space is closed.
  • Perform other duties as required.

REQUIREMENTS:

  • High school graduate or equivalent, College experience desired.
  • Two or more years of volunteer management experience and/or training preferred. Experience in performing arts or entertainment a plus.
  • Possess strong customer service, interpersonal and presentation, communication and listening and exceptional writing and organizational skills.
  • Ability to multi-task in a fast-paced, high-energy environment, deal with emergent issues, and juggle multiple projects. Possess a high level of energy and be self-motivated.
  • Be able to maintain the confidentiality of privileged information.
  • Strong computer skills and ability to research, collect, and interpret data.
  • Ability to work irregular hours, including evenings, weekends, daytime and holidays as needed.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
The physical demands described in this position description are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand, sit and may lift objects up to 50 pounds. The employee frequently is required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear.

This position description is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all functions, responsibilities, skills and abilities. Additional functions and requirements may be assigned by supervisors as deemed appropriate.

Interested individuals should forward a cover letter, resume, writing sample and three professional references to info@nullhipp1919.com by Monday, October 5, 2015.

Wage commensurate with experience.

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Announcing Our Grand Opening Weekend: January 8-9

TravisTritt

The historic Peoples Bank Theatre is excited to announce its Grand Opening weekend lineup for January 8 and 9. The two-day celebration kicks off with the New York-based acrobats of Cirque-tacular and culminates with a special Saturday evening acoustic concert by Grammy-winning country music star Travis Tritt.

Tickets go on sale to the general public on October 15.

“It is hard to describe how exciting this is,” says Hunt Brawley, Director of the Hippodrome/Colony Historical Theatre Association. “After thirty years we are finally bringing life back to this wonderful theatre, and we are doing it with a bang!”
“We are thrilled to present Cirque-tacular and Travis Tritt on our opening weekend,” Brawley adds. “They demonstrate the talent and wide range of programming we plan for the Peoples Bank Theatre in the future.”

Cirquetacular

The weekend’s opening by Cirque-tacular is a nod to the historic theatre’s vaudeville roots. Over the last eight years, the Cirque-tacular has given thousands of aerial and ground acrobatic performances throughout the world. Repeatedly praised by critics, for their “mind-boggling artistry and athleticism” and their “great feats of daring at the extreme edges of human capability”, their acts have reached millions live and millions more through appearances on most major television networks. Cirque-tacular’s performers have been hailed as “mesmerizing,” “incredible,” and “truly impressive,” as the cutting edge leaders of the modern revival of American vaudeville entertainment.

As the opening weekend’s headlining artist, Travis Tritt will take the stage where previous country music legends—like Tex Ritter, Kitty Wells, Ernest Tubb, and Randy Travis—once stepped up to the microphone before a Marietta audience.

Travis Tritt’s appearance at Peoples Bank Theatre will be a rare opportunity featuring the multi-platinum artist in an intimate solo-acoustic setting where his powerful voice and his guitar are the subject of the spotlight. The audience will experience an up-close and personal event punctuated by personal stories and anecdotes about his life and musical influences.

Performing some of his biggest hits, including “T-R-O-U-B-L-E,” “It’s A Great Day to Be Alive,” and “Best of Intentions,” the Grand Ole Opry member will bring his award-winning songs to life and leave the audience with a truly memorable experience.

As the restoration of the theatre nears completion over the coming weeks, Peoples Bank Theatre will announce more of events currently in the works for 2016, including concerts, dance performances, musicals, and the annual Colony Film Festival.

Beginning October 15, tickets may be ordered online at peoplesbanktheatre.com.

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Groundbreaking Ceremony at Peoples Bank Theatre

At 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, January 14, 2015 a Ground Breaking Press Conference was held at the Peoples Bank Theatre to an enthusiastic group of dignitaries, supporters and press. Peoples Bank announced it will make an additional $3.7 million investment to directly fund the final construction of the Peoples Bank Theatre, a $7.5 million restoration project.

The investment is the largest corporate outlay given to the theatre to date. The funds will be used for the final phase of construction. The investment consisted of acquiring state and federal tax credits to fund the project.

“This is a huge step forward for the viability of the theatre,” said Hunt Brawley, Hippodrome/ Colony Historical Theatre Association director of development. “Without Peoples Bank this would not be possible. We have tried for years to gain credit from national banks for this final phase. That’s been the difference – national versus local. Peoples Bank, a community bank, has made this happen by stepping up when and where others have not. This is a significant investment and we are very appreciative of Peoples Bank’s ongoing support.”

Fundraising for the project began in 2004. Brawley indicated that approximately $2 million has been spent on design, demolition, roof replacement, environmental remediation, and structural repair.

Under the direction of general contractor Grae-Con Construction Company, final construction will take approximately 10 months to complete. A grand-opening, red-carpet event is planned for December.

Sponsorship opportunities (such as naming rights for the lobby, stage, and auditorium) are still available to assist the theatre with long-term operating needs and added value items like state-of-the-art audio-visual equipment, etc. Seat Sponsorships are another way to give. Seat availability can be seen on the website or at the HCHTA office. Charitable donations for the project may be made online at www.hipp1919.com or by contacting the Hippodrome/Colony Historical Theatre Association at 740-373-0894.

 

Memorable Quotes:

Hallelujah!”

–Bill Wesel, original HCHTA
Board Member

“We’re dedicated to the restoration of the theatre and aiding in the revival of Putnam Street. Supporting the arts and culture in this region is a commitment Peoples Bank made nearly a century ago.”

-Chuck Sulerzyski, Peoples Bank President & CEO

“Seeing this project come to fruition is important for Marietta, Washington County, and the entire Mid-Ohio Valley. We must continue to find ways to elevate our cultural offering –whether it’s performing arts or preserving our historical structures.”

-Marietta Mayor Joe Matthews

“Schools and colleges have many financial obstacles and are frequently seeking new ways to provide access to a broad range of arts programs. Having access to a premier venue like this will serve to enrich the lives of all students in this region.”

– Dr. Joseph Bruno
Marietta College President

“It is impressive to see a community rally to preserve its historic structures. Peoples Bank and the Hippodrome Colony Historical Theatre Association, along with countless other individuals and businesses, are accomplishing something remarkable with the revitalization of the theatre. I am looking forward to seeing the curtain rise on the first production in the renovated space.”

Bill Johnson,
U.S.Representative
6th District-Ohio.

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Submissions Open – 9th Annual Colony Film Festival

The Ninth Annual Colony Film Festival: Focused on Emerging Filmmakers has opened submissions for documentary, drama and animated films.

The festival, sponsored by the Hippodrome/Colony Historical Theatre Association, will be held on March 20 and 21, 2015 in Marietta, Ohio. The Colony Film Festival seeks to develop a strong local film community and encourages filmmakers to share their experiences when introducing their films during the festival. The competition is open to students and non-students both amateurs and professionals with an additional category for local filmmakers (within 50 miles of Marietta).

Awards will be presented for the best film in each category, feature length, short, animated, student, local, and Best of Festival as selected by the panel of judges.

Entry fee per film is $25.
Submissions may be made on-line at colonyfilmfestival.com with a deadline of February 23, 2015.
Contact: info@nullcolonyfilmfestival.com or 740.373.0894.

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