Shows may go on at shuttered Washington Theatre

A new group is interested in restoring the movie house to a performing arts venue.

A new act is in the works for the Washington Theatre.

The building at the crossings of Routes 57 and 31 in the center of Washington has been closed almost a year, and demolition was considered in 2014.

But a new proposal combining entertainment with education has the building's owners ready to take a risk on the nearly 90-year-old building, if residents will back it.

"We feel that the benefit to the community is grand enough to justify the effort," said Dennis Shuman, one of the property owners. "It will bring the community not only together, but bring the quality of the community up."

PREVIOUSLY: Theater's operator evicted, site's future again in question

The Cultural & Performing Arts Centre at the Washington Theatre is the group taking on the project, planning to turn the theater building from a movie house into a performance venue involving the community.

The goal is for the center to host musical and theatrical performances and classes, all while reaching out to the community for input and partnerships.

"As I go through the town and meet people ... I find out this community is more eclectic than it may appear," said Jay Arrington, CPAC's president and founder.

Arrington -- an author, educator and playwright -- said he moved from Passaic, New Jersey, to the borough weeks ago so he could oversee the project. He said he learned of the theater through an area church where he regularly sings.

The entire project is anticipated to cost between $1 million and $2 million, Arrington said.

Last month, he went before the borough council to request $50,000 to help get the project off the ground, a request council said it would consider. That money would go toward repairing the roof and interior before real renovations could be done, he said.

The organization, which is applying for non-profit status, is planning its public-outreach campaign, said Chara Ann Tappin, CPAC's community engagement director. Community involvement will be an important part of the arts center not just during the fundraising but in its long-term operation, she said.

"We want this to become almost a self-sustaining entity," Tappin said.

Eventually, CPAC plans to run a contest with the state chapter of the American Institute of Architects in which students will submit renovation designs on which residents will vote.

Once it is up and running, the center could host a work-study program that gets area youths involved, ideally connecting them with residents who have interests or backgrounds in the arts.

"This is our initial vision," Tappin said. "We may wind up with something that's even better."

All involved say they are aware that previous efforts to restore the theater failed. They also say there is potential for a boost to the borough and its businesses.

Both Tappin and Arrington said CPAC is being methodical with its plans, building up support and resources. Shuman, the building owner, said there is significant risk in this kind of investment, but that CPAC's actions so far have been positive.

"The vision is in place, it's just a matter of getting there," Arrington said. "The only thing I see in my head when I think of the theater is people standing up and clapping."

FIND OUT MORE

You can find out more about the Cultural & Performing Arts Centre at the Washington Theatre by following them on Facebook or Twitter, or emailing cpacatthewashingtontheatre@gmail.com.

Steve Novak may be reached at snovak@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @type2supernovak. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.