Northeast Metro Business VHEDC 2018 | Page 54

LAKESHORE PLAYERS THEATRE… ENTERTAINMENT. EDUCATION. COMMUNITY ENRICHMENT. O n time and on budget. This is something you don’t often hear when discussing a large building project, but the new 22,000 square foot Hanifl Performing Arts Center is just that and just about ready to open. “As we enter the final phase of the capital campaign, our Capstone or final phase of fundraising is going really well with just $780,000 left to raise of our $9.2 million goal,” commented Kathy Blegen-Huntley, Capital Campaign Consultant. popular with just 94 plaques remaining. Other finishing touches are being completed in the spacious lobby which features a curtain-glass window, stone fireplace and full concession area that will include beer and wine. November 27, 2017 A soft opening for the community with facility tours is planned for mid-April 2018. The exciting musical “Into the Woods” will be featured later in April, followed by Lakeshore’s ever popular “10-Minute Play Festival” in June. Currently, installation of 250 brand new, ergonomically-designed theatre seats – with cup holders – is wrapping up. Seat- plaque-naming rights have been very Front perspective Also included in the building is a 72-seat Black Box Learning Lab, rehearsal space, multiple restrooms, scene shop, green room and dressing rooms for actors, and a community meeting room. Rental information for space will be available soon. Managing Director Rob Thomas says, “Lakeshore has approached several other arts organizations to partner with for theater, dance and music opportunities. Children’s Performing Arts, a nonprofit whose mission is to provide a platform to explore the world of artistic expression for children and their community, will be located in our new facility.” Hanifl Performing Arts Center For more information about the Capital Campaign and/or Lakeshore Players: • Rob Thomas, Managing Director: rob@ lakeshoreplayers.org • Lizzie Rainville, Development Associate: [email protected] • Call: 651-429-2316 • Visit: lakeshoreplayers.org LAKESHORE PLAYERS’ INTERN AIMS FOR CREATIVE CAREER Kendra Konu graduated with an Associate of Applied Science (ASS) degree in Marketing from Century College. Her goal is to work for a Minnesota marketing firm whose clients are Fortune 500 companies. As a (2017) summer intern for Lakeshore Players Theatre in White Bear Lake, Konu was able to apply her marketing knowledge and creative skills: writing press releases; 54 Vadnais Heights Business Guide & Community Profile assisting with direct mail and social media marketing; and, co-creating an advertising poster for one of the children’s plays. She says, “This was my first internship, and I really liked the hands-on experience … especially with the social media marketing. Our main focus was marketing to younger people through Facebook. This was also a good way to market to the older demographic, which are the bigger donors. I really respected how much Lakeshore appreciates its supporters and gives their all in their productions.” Konu connected with Lakeshore through the VHEDC Internship Program. Building on its 65-year history, Lakeshore Players Theatre remains committed to contributing to the arts in the Northeast Metro, and becoming a destination for entertainment and education, delivering traffic and opportunity to the business community of downtown White Bear Lake and the community at large.