Come contribute to The Encore Musical Theatre’s expansion and purchase of a new building. This will offer patrons the opportunity to see amazing shows in a comfortable venue!
The Encore Musical Theatre Company in Dexter are excited to announce the launch of the $2.5 million “OUr Next Stage” Capital Campaign to purchase and renovate the historical Copeland building in downtown Dexter, MI.
With financial support from the Benard L. Maas Foundation in the form of $500,000 along with an Anonymous gift of $200,000 and a $100,000 gift from Jack and Martha Hicks, the generous funding has given Encore’s campaign the major push it needed towards purchasing and renovating the Copeland building.
“The Benard L. Maas Foundation believes in Dan Cooney and his vision to transform The Encore into an elite regional theatre,” said Matt Engelbert, the Maas Foundation’s President, “we now have the proper space to become a true Midwestern destination for those who love quality, professional musical theater.”
Encore’s adaptive renovation and re-use of the 20,000 square foot space will include flexible new seating for up to 250 patrons, a new sound and lighting package, spacious bathrooms, and a large lobby with full bar and patron seating. These changes will allow the non-profit arts organization to grow and strengthen, accelerate artistic innovation, and amplify engagement within the Dexter-Ann Arbor community.
“It is impossible to overstate the positive impact that creating and supporting arts and culture has on a community; the many thousands of patrons who have visited The Encore over the years have dined in local restaurants, shopped in local stores, and contributed in a meaningful way to the vitality of the area,” shared Encore Board President Jamie Mistry.
After 12 successful seasons and over 75 main stage productions on Broad Street, The Encore is embracing the much-needed expansion by moving to the Copeland building. “This is a monumental move for us a decade in the making,” Artistic Director Dan Cooney said. “The heart of The Encore has been built around us through the dedication of our patrons, artists, staff, and community. This next step simply would not be possible without that commitment, and this new building is an investment and promise to our Encore family who have supported us since 2008.”
To help The Encore reach their renovation goals, feel free to visit Encore’s Next Stage website. To follow and check out their upcoming performances and information, check out their Facebook.
