Historic Kenosha community theatre worries about future after weekend rain causes flooding
CBS 58 KENOSHA, Wis. (CBS 58) -- This weekend's rain left a Kenosha business cleaning up a big mess, and worried about their future. Rhode's Center for the Arts in downtown Kenosha has been around since 1927, but after several portions of ceilings collapsed, and now a pipe burst, those with the theatre are asking for help.
"It has been the center of culture and arts for literally 100 years. We've had everything from the accidental premiere of the Wizard of Oz to presidents speaking on the former Grand Opera Stage, and the fact that it's still maintaining that mission today is incredible," shared Abby Miller, president of the board of directors for Lakeside Players.
The center reportedly brings in about 15,000 guests each year, while supporting around 5,000 artists. All of it is done through donations. That's part of the reason repairs have fallen behind, said Miller.
"it gets to a point where everything's so deteriorated."
Just one year shy of their centennial, Miller is worried this historic building may not make it. As you walk around the center, buckets are scattered, ceiling debris is on the floor, and you can see up where the ceiling used to be. Miller estimates there are currently 10 holes that need replacing.
During shows this weekend, volunteers like Madison Storm had to siphon kiddy pools and buckets every two hours just so water wouldn't flow onto the stage.
"There was water everywhere, so we had to put buckets up there, and it's set in the renaissance. So, putting a Lowe's bucket up there kind of really takes you out of the scene," noted Miller.
They're hoping to fix the problem, which is the roof. But estimates have come in up to $750,000. Miller said that's a high cost for a community theatre group which relies on donations. She stresses the fixes need to be done quickly, because she worries heavy snowfall in the winter could cause the roof to collapse, and she doesn't believe they'd be able to come back from that.
"It's hard and heartbreaking, especially, we do everything we can. You know, we have a show going almost every weekend. We have volunteers who are here day and night, putting their hearts and souls into this place... it's hard when it never feels like enough." -- Abby Miller
"I want to see it stand for another 100 years, and I want to see people continuing to come in and find a community and family here and be able to create art. Especially in a time where it feels so dire, and so many things are being censored or banned. We want to see people come here and feel comfortable and at home," shared Miller.
The Rhode Center for the Arts is being considered for a National Historic Landmark, but that application has been two years in the making. Miller hopes through that and other grants they've been applying for, some of the costs for a new roof could be offset.
They're looking for your help. That could be through donations made HERE, volunteering, or going to see their shows.
