The mission of a San Clemente Cinema & Performing Arts Foundation is to purchase, restore, preserve and operate the San Clemente Theatre and to ensure its continued use as a cultural and architectural resource to benefit the entire community of San Clemente.
Primary Operation Goals
To preserve and operate one of the most significant remaining historical and architectural resources of the San Clemente community.
To provide a professional quality venue for the presentation of cultural, entertainment, fundraising and community events by local organizations, schools, individuals and businesses.
To serve as a catalyst for the cultural growth of the region.
To support the economic vitality of the San Clemente community by creating interest in the North Beach Gateway Recreation and Entertainment District.
To unite the San Clemente community by introducing the historic North Beach area to the significant number of new residents.
To operate as a cultural, cinema, and performing arts center which will feature the creative works of internationally known, regional and local artists.
To provide a teaching center for students of theatre arts, technology, stage craft and state of the art cinema presentation technology.
Restoration
The highest priority is on freeing the theatre from the threat of demolition and then getting the San Clemente Theatre ready for the production of community events. This has led to a more defined “phased approach” to the project. This plan will include the following four phases of work.
Phase I – Exterior Restoration and Preservation
Phase II – Building Improvements to Ensure Highest Community Benefit (focusing primarily on event production requirements)
Phase III – Structural Improvements
Phase IV – Interior Restoration and Enhancements
Phase II - Focuses on the following improvements to the facility:
Sound System
Video/LCD Projection System
Stage Lighting System
Spot Lights
Stage Lighting Equipment & Supplies
Hearing Impaired System
Stage Curtains and Rigging
Additional Drapery
Stage Equipment (microphone, risers, etc)
Production & Technical Tools and Supplies
Electrical Improvements (power and safety)
Stage and Other Production Construction
General Interior Improvements
Incorporation of the bowling alley building into dressing rooms, rehearsal space, storage, administration, shops, wardrobe, set construction, etc.
Rebuild Film Projector(s) and Movie Screen
Audience Seating
Carpentry for Seating Areas
Carpet and Other Flooring Improvements
Improvements to Proscenium Arch
Stage Extension Platform
Storage and Security for Equipment
Misc Interior Repairs
Box Office Equipment/Supplies
Letters for Marquee and Initial Repairs
Signage
Concessions & Custodial Equipment
Event Staff and Volunteer Supplies/Equipment
Architectural Restoration Plan
The facility will provide a quality atmosphere suitable for the production of most entertainment and cultural activities. The principle priorities as identified in a series of community focus groups, in no particular order, are as follows:
Live Theatre including musicals, drama, comedy and road productions
Dance, including ballet, jazz, ethnic and modern
Classic cinema, art films and film festivals
Youth and family programming
School programs including master classes for music and drama students
Choral and other vocal performances
Commercially popular, headliner acts
Jazz and big band music
Chamber, orchestra and band music
Comedy
Culturally diverse and ethnic programming
Speakers, workshops, conferences, etc.
Fundraising activities for local non-profit organizations
Community events such as talent shows, graduations, recitals and award ceremonies
Business and civic meetings, workshops and seminars
Facilitate the many fundraising events with concerts, productions, seminars, etc. with proceeds to benefit more historical preservation and “recovery” of the unique nature of San Clemente.
The people of San Clemente and those in and around Orange County who love theater must preserve and support what we have in the North Beach recreation and entertainment district, at any cost. You will otherwise attend future exhibitions, as I have recently, where photos of prominent buildings record in their descriptive identification, the word ''Demolished.'' It has already begun; let's not permit it to go any further.
“Our theater project will serve as a catalyst for the rejuvenation of North Beach, enhance a historic tourist destination, contribute to the synergy of the emerging cultural district, nurture the artistic maturity of students, and expand the existing arts organizations.”
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