SIDNEY — Raise the Roof for the Arts (RTR) has announced new leadership with five new Board of Directors elected at the organization’s annual meeting.
Joining the board are Chris Geise, vice president Dickman Supply, Amy Gleason, Sidney City Schools; Doreen Larson, Edison State Community College; Jenny Lenhard, Emerson Climate Technologies; and Josh Ross, Ruese Insurance. They will serve with current board members Judy Westerheide, president; Bill Zimmerman Jr., vice president; Julie Covault, treasurer; Alyson Morris, secretary; John Coffield, Jerry Doerger, Dan Freytag, Rudy Keister, Mardie Milligan and Tom Milligan.
The Raise the Roof for the Arts board is a 15 member volunteer board that meets on a monthly basis, whose work includes the fulfillment of the RTR’s mission: to renovate and operate the Historic Sidney Theatre for cultural, artistic and educational purposes that benefit the Shelby County community and region.
“I am interested in serving on the Historic Sidney Theater Board – Raise the Roof! – because I have a family legacy of singers and actors. My mother was a singer and actor at the Cleveland Playhouse and my nephew is currently a professional opera singer. I have many musical and performing arts connections in many genres and I hope to be able to attract a variety of quality events to the Theater,” said Larson, who is president of Edison Community College
Built in 1921 for full stage performances and silent films the theatre has been a fixture for the arts in Shelby County for decades. A fully renovated Historic Sidney Theatre will provide an opportunity to bring quality arts entertainment to the Shelby County region as well as saving a piece of Shelby County history and defining who the county is for future generations.
The total cost needed to revitalize the Historic Sidney Theatre is $3.5 million, with more than $2.9 million raised and a challenge gift of $200,000 once RTR reaches $3.3 million. It is clear, the vision to transform the Historic Sidney Theatre is happening right now.
“We greatly appreciate the generosity of individuals, local businesses and volunteers who are making it possible for the theatre to once again be a focal point for the arts in Shelby County,” said Executive Director Sarah Barr.
More information about the theatre or upcoming events can be found online sidneytheatre.org or by stopping into the RTR office 120 W. Poplar St. Monday to Friday from9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
