Campaign to renovate Capitol Civic Centre

MANITOWOC - A fundraising campaign to renovate the Capitol Civic Centre theater is underway in Manitowoc.

If the $1 million goal is reached, it would help pay for repairs and upgrades to the theater originally built 91 years ago.

Fundraisers say it is time to put a new shine on what they call the "Jewel of the Lakeshore."

It's been almost one hundred years since this theater first opened in downtown Manitowoc.

"This is a gorgeous facility to have recitals in," said Tammy Sterwald, Kaleidoscope Dance Studio owner.

Sterwald is busy with last-minute details. Students from her dance studio will hold their annual recital at the Capitol Civic Center this weekend.

"Doing pretty much anything. Ballet, tap dance, hip hop, musical theater, lyrical, we have it all," said Sterwald.

But years of use have taken their toll, and the Civic Centre needs some work.

Flaking paint, and crumbling plaster.

"The lighting system is 25 years old. We can't get parts for it anymore. We got some audio that needs some upgrading. We have some rigging that needs upgrading," said Matthew Schliesman, Capitol Civic Centre executive director.

A million dollar fundraising campaign is underway.

Changes to the restrooms and the lobby will give theater-goers extra room.

The Capitol Civic Centre will also get a facelift on the outside. Fundraisers say that new look will help bring business to the downtown.

"You usually dine before you go to the theater, so we help the downtown restaurants. You do a little shopping before you come to the theater, and we help our downtown shops," said Christine Kornely, theater board member.

Over the years the theater has gone through many changes and seen many different faces. Now, more than a million people have passed through the doors. 1,000 tickets have been sold for this weekend's show.

"For these little girls, even the 18-year-old girls who walk out on stage and perform in a venue like this to like a sold out house is incredible," said Sterwald.

"You add your applause, you add your wows, and your ahs. It has a force, it has a depth it has a meaning that I think people can feel," said Schliesman.

Plans to renovate the theater are in the early stages.

A target date to have the project complete is the late summer of 2013.