Rabbit Run breaks ground on multiyear restoration, renovation project
Published by: The News-Herald
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The Rabbit Run Community Arts Association recently celebrated a major milestone in the history of Rabbit Run Theater with a groundbreaking ceremony marking the start of phase one of a multi-year capital project aimed at restoring, renovating and preserving the historic venue.
For the last 80 years, Rabbit Run has welcomed generations of audiences, performers and volunteers to its historic barn in Madison Township, noted Board President Jonathan Gordon.
“This (event) represents the beginning of an ambitious effort to ensure that this unique cultural landmark remains a vibrant home for the performing arts for generations to come,” he said, addressing a moderately sized crowd of stakeholders, donors, community members and officials.
“This (project) really is a long time coming,” Gordon added. “We’ve been entrusted with something really rare. The work we are kicking off isn’t just cosmetic — it’s work that allows us to continue to tell these important stories on stage every summer, and the board has spent years considering those needs.” According to the association, phase one will address several key needs for patrons, performers and infrastructure, including an expanded women’s restroom, an enlarged concessions area with a covered waiting space, a new dressing room for performers and significant upgrades to the theater’s electrical system.
“This is an exciting moment in the long history of Rabbit Run Theater,” said arts association Executive Director Brint Learned. “When this theater officially opened in 1946, I doubt anyone thought this barn would fill each summer. Scores of individuals have come through these doors: young performers who discovered talents they didn’t know they had; friendships, romances and more than a few marriages have begun here; and careers have been launched.
“This project is about respecting and preserving that history while making the improvements necessary for Rabbit Run to continue serving our community well into the future.”
Phase one has received “significant support,” officials noted, through public investment, including $100,000 from the State of Ohio through the One-Time Strategic Community Investments Program and $125,000 from the Lake County commissioners through American Rescue Plan Act funding.
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