SUMMER 2007 WEB SITE NEWSLETTER
BANQUET HALL CONSTRUCTION
The first phase of the new banquet hall project raising the ceiling from 11 feet to 16 feet is complete and we are hoping to start the second phase by June 1st, 2007. This phase includes the elevator, stairway and new street level entrance. The third and final phase, the banquet hall itself, will be done this summer with a completion scheduled in late September.
The new space will be called the Hill Event Center, named for Ernie Hill, a long time supporter and contributor. This facility will feature a 5,000 sq. ft. banquet hall and reception center, two 3,500 sq. ft. meeting spaces and an elevator that will service all five levels of the center and the upper levels of the theatre. This will help those people who have a hard time climbing the many steps to the popular areas of the theatre including the Dress Circle and Balcony.
Banquet hall plans are for a small stage, state-of-the-art sound system, catering kitchen and coat check. It will be available for pre- and post-show events held at the Alabama Theatre, as well as stand alone events such as weddings/receptions, meetings, parties, dances and other gatherings while other events may be going on in the theatre. The interior decor will replicate the Alabama Theatre main floor walls. The banquet room will also be accessible and fully equipped for people with special needs. The main banquet hall will feature two of the five chandeliers from the old Tutwiler Hotel ballroom.
The other two spaces will be meeting rooms and all rooms will have access to and from the Alabama Theatre. The architect for this project is Williams-Blackstock and construction is being done by Richardson Construction Co.
The Alabama Theatre is pleased to announce new stage lighting!
Many patrons don’t realize the advancements made in lighting since some of our equipment was produced…..in 1927! This much-needed upgrade will enhance every live performance and benefit local arts organizations performing at the Alabama.
This new lighting is made possible, in part, by the Jefferson County Commission through the Jefferson County Community Arts Fund administered by the Cultural Alliance of Greater Birmingham.
NEW AIR CONDITIONING
The Alabama Theatre installed new air conditioning in January while the theatre was shut down for other repairs and the new system is working very well. In 2006 the theatre had to spend over $40,000 to keep the old 300-ton system running. But now with the help of many foundations and friends, the new system will provide all patrons with a cool, comfortable environment to enjoy our popular summer movies.
SUMMER MOVIES
This year on our web site we asked you to suggest movies you would like to see, and you really came through for us. Over 200 different titles were suggested and now we will show the top 12 titles you want to see this summer.
Many thanks to all for your cooperation, and we offer our apologies to the Star Wars voters. It turns out that Lucas Films has decided not to allow the Star Wars movies to be booked this summer. They will only be shown in pre-selected theatres with special equipment that the Alabama Theatre does not have.
SPECIAL THANKS
Special thanks to the Cultural Alliance and the Jefferson County Community Arts Fund for the recent allocation to assist the Alabama Theatre with the 2007 Summer Film Series. This support will help us reach more people and make our 2007 series an even bigger success. Our sincerest thanks to go out to them for their continuing support of the Alabama Theatre and arts and culture in the Birmingham area.
FACILITY FEE
You may have noticed on tickets you purchase for a reserved seat event at the Alabama Theatre a facility fee charge of $2.00 per ticket. This fee is to pay for wear and tear on the theatre during the large events and to pay for improvements such as new seating, new restrooms and general repairs to the building. This fee is charged by all venues in the city of Birmingham and most venues throughout the country.
We spent the entire month of January repairing the theatre and it takes several thousands of dollars to fix things that were broken or damaged throughout the year, such as chewing gum on the carpet and seat bottoms, dings on the walls and replacing the toilet paper and paper towel holders repeatedly through-out the year.
2007 FUNDRAISING
Our focus for our 2007 fall fundraising will be to complete the reseating of the balcony and finally to replace the carpet throughout the theatre. If you wish to sponsor a seat for a memorial to a loved one, to honor someone, or to just place your name on a seat, the cost is $250 and this pays for the installation of a new seat with a brass plaque that will commemorate your wishes. You will join over 1,200 other people who have helped the Alabama Theatre with seat purchases in recent years.
Only 800 balcony seats remain and we need your help to complete this project in January 2008. Call the office (205) 252-2262 (ALA-BAMA) for more information.
You may pay for your seats by phone with a credit card, mail a check made payable to the Alabama Theatre, or cash is accepted in person at our business office. And remember, in addition to your commemoration becoming a part of Birmingham history at the "Showplace of the South," your seat purchase is tax deductible!