The Pulse Opera House

Interview with Cynthia Smyth-Wartzok

Q. Have you been successful in getting grant money or other funding for the renovations of the opera house?

A. The funding for the opera house has come from many sources, including grants, major donors (donors who donated $10,000 and up), fundraisers (such as celebrity auctions, mud volleyball and "Evening for the Pulse" shows, individual memberships and ticket revenue. We have successfully purchased the building, renovated the interior (including totally reconstructing the stage and audience areas), purchased and recovered the seats, added electricity and air conditioning, replaced the windows, painted the outside and added a $26,000 fire escape. We have no outstanding debts.

Q. Any plans for fundraisers?

A. We are just beginning to plan for fundraisers in the coming year.

Q. When do you anticipate the renovations may begin?

A. The anticipated start date will be in 2000.

Q. What will be added or changed to the existing facilities?

A. Within the past two weeks, we acquired the space underneath the opera house. This space will be used to add a lobby, restrooms and an elevator.

Q. What are some of the challenges of the space now for actors/crew/audience?

A. We have outgrown our space over the past 13 years. Now that we are attracting sell-out crowds, we really need the lobby space. This will allow us to move the box office downstairs and will help make the wait before the house opens much more pleasant. The elevator will make the theatre accessible to those who have been unable to attend because of the stairs. Of course, the restrooms will be appreciated by all!

Q. Can we use a photocopy of the proposed plans/blueprint?

A. I'd be glad to share this with you. I have an 8 1/2 x 11 copy that we're using for grants.

Q. Who owns the opera house?

A. The opera house is owned by a not-for-profit corporation - Warren Theatre Guild, Inc. (aka Pulse Opera House).

Q. How large is your board of directors?

A. Our board is composed of 11 business leaders from Warren and the surrounding area.

Q. What are their responsibilities?

A. The board meets monthly to advise and monitor the activities at the theatre. They primarily help with fundraising. For example, they are in charge of the season sponsorships.

Q. What are the dimensions of the stage area?

A. The stage is 16' x 20.' A 22' x 12' thrust is added for some shows.

Q. What are some of the challenges presented by the small stage?

A. Having such a small space forces us to be creative in our sets and staging. The intimacy of the space makes it a unique experience for theatre attendees. You really feel like you are a part of the action--because you almost are!

Q. Who stars in Little Shop?

A. Seymour TONY SIRK

Mr. Mushnik RANDY NEUMAN

Orin, Skip Snip, Mrs. Luce, et. al RICK HENLEY

Voice of Audrey II KERRY ARNOLD

Audrey JANA HENLEY

Crystal COURTNEY ELMORE

Chiffon KIRA CHRISTIANSEN

Ronnette DANNAH DEAN

Puppeteers CAROLYN TEXLEY

STEVE RODENBERGER

Accompanist EILEEN DYE

BOB JARBOE

Q. How does the small size of the stage and theatre lend itself to this show?

A. After "Little Shop of Horrors" became a success off-broadway, there was an attempt to tour the show. It was pulled off the road when it became apparent it didn't work in large theatres. The plant, Audrey II, has to grow big enough to take over the stage. No matter how large the plant was, it always looked small on large stages. At the opera house, it is possible to see the plant in the proper perspective.

Q. Do you pick your season with this in mind?

A. We stick with shows that "fit" into our theatre. That "fit" may mean physically, such a single set shows or shows that work with roll-drops or other 19th century theatrical conventions. The "fit" may also be the type of show. Turn-of-the-century dramas, such as "Ten Nights in the Bar Room" or "Pirates of Penzance" fit well because of their style.