Columbus, Ohio – The Ohio Cultural Facilities Commission approved $53,000 at its quarterly meeting today for facility improvements at Salem’s State Theatre.
The Salem Community Theatre was founded in 1977 and provides the community with a full season of live performances, dance lessons, voice lessons, and theater workshops. Since 1981, the group has made its home in the State Theatre, originally a movie palace, built in 1922. The Salem Community Theatre will utilize the state funding to replace the State Theatre roofing system.
The Commission approval, coupled with the signing of legal agreements, allows Salem Community Theatre to be reimbursed on a pro rata basis with funds appropriated in Am. Sub. H.B. 562 of the 127 General Assembly. Columbiana County General Assembly members who voted in favor of the bill include Senator Jason Wilson and former Representative Chuck Blasdel.
“This Theatre is not just a community theater but it is also a budding educational facility for the performing arts. As such, it is filling a wide service gap for our community. The roof project will save the historic building which at times is the ‘home away from home’ for many community members, ranging from age 3 to 73. I believe this is the beginning of a very positive movement here in Salem, Ohio. Thank you Ohio Cultural Facilities Commission,” remarks Nicole Paolozzi, Salem Community Theatre Treasurer.
The Ohio Cultural Facilities Commission is a state agency that supports economic development, expands educational opportunities, and enhances the quality of life for Ohioans by improving the state’s cultural facilities. Since 1988, the Commission has disbursed more than $400 million in capital funds appropriated by the Legislature and Governor for facility improvement projects at nonprofit theaters, museums, historical sites and publicly owned professional sports venues. The Commission partners with nonprofit groups and local governments on more than 300 projects in 72 of Ohio’s 88 counties. For more information on the Commission, visit www.culture.ohio.gov.