Page 45 - Flathead Beacon // 12.17.14

FLATHEADBEACON.COM ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT DECEMBER 17, 2014 | 45 TOP: O’Shaughnessy Center in Whitefish.
O’Shaughnessy Center that at times, when the space is rented out for a fun- draiser or a party, the theater company has to leave its home and find another place to rehearse.
“When we rent the main space, we have to go rehearse off site,” she said. “But we try really hard to be available for the community, because the com- munity built it.”
With the demand for performance and rental space, the WTC began a new fundraising effort in 2012 with its $1.25 million goal.
Called “Raise the Curtain on Act 2,” the capital campaign has received 74 percent of the goal in the last two years. It’s been encouraging, McLaren said, because it shows the community is dedi- cated to having a space for the arts.
In 2013, WTC completed Phase 1 of the campaign, fully upgrading the main stage space at the center. Phase 2 will mean the construction of the Carolyn Pitman Community Room, a new con- ference room, two additional restrooms and a second-floor storage room.
Costume storage is precious, McLar- en said, especially during intricate plays, such as the current production of “The King and I.”
“The upstairs on the second story
would be more costume storage, which is just fabulous,” McLaren said. “With ‘The King and I,’ we have used every square inch.”
The third phase of the building ex- pansion would be to push out the lobby, which hits its narrowest point in front of the concession stand.
“Right now if we have a full house, it’s really crowded,” she said.
WTC leases the O’Shaughnessy Cen- ter building from the city for $1 each year, she said, and the company pays all the bills and for general upkeep. The city owning the building makes it easier on the theater company for insurance pur- poses, McLaren said.
The O’Shaughnessy Center is busy year round, whether that’s with top- notch performances from the WTC or hosting a group or organization. It’s this use that has McLaren confident that fundraising goals will be met.
“We really do have good supporters, and the community does step up, and the staff and the board really stepped up as well,” she said.
For more information or to make a donation, visit www.whitefishtheatre- co.org or call 406-862-5371.
[email protected]
GREG LINDSTROM | FLATHEAD BEACON
BOTTOM: Meredith Whitney works on her hair in a makeshift greenroom before a performance of “The King and I” with the Whitefish Theatre Company. GREG LINDSTROM | FLATHEAD BEACON
419 2nd StreetEast 406.270.8771
NOVEMBER & DECEMBER
featuring fantastic paintings of Mexican Artists
OSCAR SOLIS & JUANA CORTEZ
COLLECTIBLE
GALLERY SALE redware pottery by David Shaner
Book your holiday event today ...limited space available!
Hospitality 1 Luxury 1 Charm
Stop by to see works by TOM LEWIS SUSAN CRAWFORD LEE PROCTOR JASON MERGENTHALER
573 Electric Avenue • Bigfork • 406-837-0866 GALLERY HOURS: Wednesday thru Saturday 12pm – 4pm