Little Theater on the Bay is receiving $18,990 from the Oregon Cultural Trust for Phase VII upgrades to the historic Liberty Theater in North Bend. These Cultural Development Program Awards fund non-profit projects that improve access to culture, invest in organizational capacity, support community creativity and provide historic preservation. More than 60% of Cultural Trust funding (including awards to county and tribal coalitions) is awarded outside of the Portland metro area.
Phase VII at the Liberty Theater will be a new 3,800 square foot structure built as a second story above the new restroom addition. This $880,000 project will expand LTOB’s ability to offer year-round classes and productions for youth and others that will include theater, choreography and play rehearsals. At the same level of the building will be a costume room, changing rooms and toilets for more efficiency. There is an elevator included in the plans which allows accessibility for all.
The Liberty Theater was built in 1924 as a “movie palace” in downtown North Bend and was later converted into a performance hall. The Youth/Rehearsal Space Project Phase VII creates a space where people can come together, explore their creativity and learn new skills in the performing arts.
This historic theater serves as a community gathering place and has been the subject of a seven-phase restoration campaign on track for completion in 2024. Along with the restoration of the building, the goals of this restoration include: l accessibility for cast, crew and patrons, increased youth participation, school partnerships and downtown economic development. Over $3.5 million has already been raised to support the first six phases of this restoration effort. The schedule is to have this space substantially complete by October 2023.
This project is also financially supported by the Oregon State Legislature, the City of North Bend, the Ford Family Foundation and the local community. Many thanks to Molly and David Ford for their generous donation of naming the youth space. Anyone can donate to www.thelibertytheatre.org. As you continue to support LTOB with your generous contributions, please consider donating to the Oregon Cultural Trust. This will earn you a tax credit and can be done online at culturaltrust.org. Your contribution to the Cultural Trust comes back to you in the form of a reduced tax bill or possibly an increased refund. You have just doubled the impact of your contribution at no additional cost to you!
