Gilchrist Foundation Helps Restore Downtown Theater
In the early 1900s, Sioux City was a growing city was a bustling downtown complete with a multi-story, brick library/city hall, a central high school resembling a castle and a theater that would draw acts like Sarah Bernhardt, Ethel Barrymore, Jack Dempsey, Al Jolsen and John Phillip Sousa. The Sioux City Auditorium was built in 1909 and over the years has transformed into many things, including the former home of KCAU Channel 9, and with the help of the Gilchrist Foundation, it will become home to the arts once again.
The Gilchrist Foundation awarded the LAMB Arts LTD a Challenge Match of $250,000. This means the foundation will match any funds, dollar for dollar, the organization raises up to a quarter of a million dollars. In 2018, the foundation matched $157,160 and will pay any remainder raised by month end. The funds are being used to help renovate and restore this magnificent theater.
The 625 Douglas Project
LAMB Arts Regional Theatre’s mission is to provide its audience, performers and students first-class experiences where dedication, excellence and professionalism are the norm. The 625 Douglas Project will help the organization better fulfill that mission.
Moving into 625 Douglas will elevate the outstanding work that LAMB Arts Regional Theatre and School have been noted for during its 38-year history, while preserving a downtown Sioux City jewel, noted the organization.
The new space will feature a main floor with 200-plus Thrust theater with fly loft and easy handicap accessibility, a two-story atrium lobby with skylight, space for community rentals and meetings, concessions, and a 50-seat cabaret-style bar complete with a small stage and dressing rooms. The second floor will feature a 120-seat studio theater with flexible seating, education wing, costume shop, offices and storage.
Anyone wishing to be part of this campaign can contact Diana Wooley by calling 712-255-9536 or email diana.wooley@gmail.com.
Enriching The Arts in Siouxland
The LAMB Arts Regional Theatre, together with the LAMB School makes up LAMB Arts LTD, a 501(c)3 nonprofit dedicated to enriching the arts in Siouxland. It was formed in 1979 and since its inception, 3,500 students have seen free performances, 75 students have received Lamb scholarships 46 workshops for students and teachers have been conduction and 11 high school and college interns have earned credit at LAMB. This work aligns with our mission at the Gilchrist Foundation to carry out the philanthropy established by the Gilchrist family.
Orchestra music, art museums and theater were all passions of Jocelyn Gilchrist. As she grew older, she enjoyed listening to orchestra performances on local public broadcasting stations. As such, organizations related to the arts or public broadcasting are invited to apply for funding through the Gilchrist Foundation.
