Spotlight Gala to help fund popular local theater upgrades

The historic warehouse theater, home to The Westside Players, needs a new heater and a new stage. File photo. POCATELLO — The Westside Players invite the community to a night of food, fun, and live entertainment, all for a cause close to Pocatello’s heart. The Spotlight Gala, happening May 3, is part of the Players’ ongoing Spotlight Campaign to raise $30,000 for essential repairs to their beloved Warehouse Theater. Located in Pocatello’s historic warehouse district, the 90-year-old building has been home to the Westside Players dinner theater since 1986. Now, the group is working to address two major issues — upgrading the heating system and replacing the well-worn stage — that have come to define the Spotlight Campaign. “It’s called the ‘Spotlight Campaign’ because we are shining a light on two critical needs: a new heater and a new stage,” explained Karen Suess, Westside Players Board of Directors vice president. The fundraising goal includes $11,750 for the new stage and $18,250 for heating upgrades. So far, the campaign has collected over $6,000, with a friendly competition underway between the two fundraising categories: the “heater” currently has $3,001 pledged, and the “stage” leads with $3,890. After decades of repainting and refinishing for countless productions, the Warehouse’s stage has become so worn that staples can no longer hold. The planned improvements will replace the aging surface and enhance it with an upgraded microphone system, improved electrical wiring, and a more open design for performances. Heating is another crucial need. While the auditorium itself stays relatively warm, the backstage areas — where actors rehearse, dress, and store costumes — along with the kitchen and parts of the lobby, currently have little to no heating. The upgrades will create a more comfortable environment for the performers and volunteers who make each production possible. The Spotlight Gala promises to be something special in Pocatello. Guests will enjoy hors d’oeuvres donated by local favorite The Yellowstone and a lineup of local entertainment, including a one-woman act by Kimberly Mumford, performances by “Touch of Grey” band and The Comedy Project, a company dance collaboration, and live dance music from the band “Baked Goods.” “All of these acts alone would easily be worth the ticket price,” Suess said. “Getting all this entertainment for $65 is a good value — and it’s for a great cause.” Tickets for the Spotlight Gala are $65, with all proceeds going directly toward funding the essential repairs. The Westside Players emphasize they are not going out of business — they are committed to remaining a vibrant staple of Pocatello’s arts and entertainment scene for years to come. “We have been so lucky to have this beautiful, historic space to perform in,” Suess said. “Now it’s time to give it a little love back so we can keep creating memories for generations.” Every contribution helps ensure that the theater stays warm and the curtain continues to rise on a fresh stage for years to come. To donate or purchase tickets for the gala, go to Westside Players Spotlight Campaign.The post Spotlight Gala to help fund popular local theater upgrades appeared first on East Idaho News.
Source: eastidahonews.com