Published: 3/18/2016 10:21:52 PM
TURNERS FALLS — The Shea Theater is back and in full swing after undergoing nearly $100,000 in renovations over several months, but the stage still doesn’t have a permanent lighting and sound system.
Organizers launched a new online fundraiser this week to purchase the new equipment, which will cost about $50,000. As of Friday afternoon, the campaign had brought in about $3,270. The goal is to have the permanent sound and light system mounted to the ceiling, ultimately reducing rental equipment costs and drawing in nationally known acts.
“It’s important because no matter what groups are coming in there, we would like to present them and their talent in the best light possible,” said Christopher “Monte” Belmonte, a Turners Falls resident who took over the lease for the town-owned downtown theater.
Individuals and businesses already contributed nearly $100,000 to renovate the theater, but after installing a new bar, new carpet and a new paint job, that money is running low.
The Shea Theater was closed for several months undergoing these renovations and reopened a few weeks ago with the weekend-long series “Light Up The Shea.” The opening night show with the Bollywood dance party band, the Red Baraat, sold out with close to 350 people attending.
Most recently, the Shea brought in a production of “Grease” with actors from the Four Rivers Charter Public School. This weekend, the Franklin County Technical School’s acting troupe, The Players, will come to the stage for a production of “A Night of Romantic Comedy.” Shows in April also include a night of storytelling, music and dance with immigrant community members from the Center for New Americans.
Going forward, the organizers will try to keep a balance of community theater and nationally known acts, said Belmonte, who is also a Northampton radio personality. He said sound and lighting improvements will make it easier to court quality acts.
The Shea organizers have been working with Greenfield’s Klondike Sound, a sound company that has done production work for the Green River Festival and The New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival.
To donate to the fund for Shea’s new lighting and sound equipment, visit:
bit.ly/1MppWv0
For a complete listing of upcoming shows, visit:
sheatheater.org
You can reach Lisa Spear at:
lspear@recorder.com
or 413-772-0261, ext. 280