Empire Theater lists member drive projects

Attendees line up outside the Tekoa Empire Theater in this 2011 photo for a jazz concert. Theater board members are seeking memorial donations to re-upholster seats, install a dance floor at the base of the stage and to replace windows above the Empire marquee.

Tekoa Empire Theater's 2017 membership drive will include more rewards for donors, including mailings for free popcorn and movie showings.

Organizers will offer three memorial donations. First will be continuing to re-upholster the seats in similar fabric to the original time period when the theatre was built. Nearly 100 seats have been covered, and organizers now seek a sponsor to cover the labor costs of the remaining 120, estimated at $75 per seat.

Second, board members seek a memorial sponsor to cover the installation of a dance floor at the base of the stage for live band performances. Some labor for this has been donated.

Finally, the theater board members are working with staff at Avista to replace windows above the Empire marquee. Although the cost of that project has not come in yet, they are looking for a financial sponsor in advance.

In 2017, Empire Theatre will also offer group space for birthday parties or other community needs, starting at $125.

Movie parties include the added benefit of free popcorn per rental.

Board members are now working with Tekoa Mayor John Jaeger regarding expansion into the adjacent Jaycee Club (owned also by the City of Tekoa). The city rejected original bids and will send out a new call to complete the construction that will connect the two buildings with handicapped accessibility.