Thanks to an allocation of approximately $3.2 million from the Allan Hancock College Board of Trustees, the Marian Theatre repair and upgrade project will finally get underway.
The money comes from the Measure I bond passed by voters in 2006 to go toward the completion of the project. For several years maintenance has been deferred on the building, which also houses the Marian and Severson theaters, dressing rooms, the green room, a paint shop, a sound studio, and a dance studio and office space.
Work will address areas of the building that have fallen into disrepair or could become unsafe and will improve one set of lobby restrooms, backstage dressing rooms, and heating and air conditioning systems; install new water and gas lines and electrical wiring; make structural modifications inside the theater; and ensure accessibility throughout the complex.
During the construction process, PCPA will continue producing a full season of shows. Construction will begin after the 2012 holiday show closes in December; subsequent spring and fall shows will be held in the Severson Theatre. Fiddler on the Roof will be presented in the Arroyo Grande Clark Center and then transfer to Solvang to launch the 2013 Summer Season.
The work is expected to be complete within seven months.
This article appears in Jul 12-19, 2012.
