News
Student prepared to take on Fox Theater project
The Pointer
jspra793@uwsp.edu
Two months ago, University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point student, Drew Jackson embarked on a journey to re-open the downtown Stevens Point Fox Theater.
Located a few blocks from Jackson’s home on Main Street, the theater has sat idle since it closed in 1985.
Prior to closing, the theater has had quite a remarkable past. Houdini performed in 1897 with a multitude of others to follow, helping to gain the theater its credentials to become a historical landmark in 1982.
The last few years produced a retro-style marquee that tantalizingly flickers back at passersby.
Jackson has developed a proposal broad enough to spark the attention of current theater owners in hopes that they will re-open the doors.
“It will boost the economy,” Jackson said. “It will bring more diversity to downtown.”
Jackson hopes to see the building become a second-run single screen theater.
He also recommended a tutoring center he calls “Scholars for Change,” where, during the day, UW-SP students can volunteer to educate students from the alternative school making the theater much more to the community than just another theater.
“We want to make a Fox Theater Scholarship,” he said.
Jackson said the scholarship could go to volunteers and students from UW-SP or the alternative school which will give back to the community.
He has also spoken to UW-SP film students, members of the local band Green Tea and many others about possible performances at the theater once re-openned.
The idea for an improvisation or acting school was proposed to Jackson by a fellow UW-SP student.
He has gained over 20 signatures from downtown businesses in support of the idea of the project.
He has also made contacts with all of the necessary business components to renovate the 24-year-old building.
“Aside from the support, I have every aspect taken care of,” Jackson said.
He has contacted numerous companies to see to the bathrooms, bats, booking agents, chair installations and more.
Previous theater owner Jeanette Sanders passed away two years ago leaving ownership to her children and Ada Sanders.
Jackson hopes to meet with the owners to reconcile an agreement with the help of Sarah Robinson, the executive director of the Association of Downtown Businesses.
“It’s unfortunate to have that quality of a building sitting vacant downtown,” Robinson said. She added that they need to speak to the property owners before making any further decisions.
Adam Malooly holds a business and marketing degree and is helping with the financial aspects of the project.
“I think it’s very viable,” Malooly said. He also acknowledged that it will be a long process.
Jackson is receiving technical support from Kory Schneiderman who used to be a manager and part-time projectionist for a budget theater in Madison.
He has been researching costs of projectors, sound equipment, screens and other requirements if the theater becomes operational.
“I think people in our area should be respectful and appreciative to the family no matter what the outcome is,” Schneiderman said. “Mistakes that may have been made in the past – for changes to the downtown – will hopefully be remedied and bring our downtown to a new life.”
For more information on the Fox Theater Project, visit http://isolated-design.com/foxtheaterproject/ or send e-mail inquiries to foxtheaterproject@isolated-design.com.
