THE ARTS
“That sums up exactly what Rosemary and I feel about theater.
I love how all the cogs in the wheel fit together as actors,
directors and crew work on a production.”
Theater seats were purchased from a church and put in
storage. They had an opportunity to buy old-fashioned lights
but decided against them for several reasons. “We want to be
as high-tech as possible, so we went with newer LED technology,”
explains Knight. “We use a sound board also, rather
than larger equipment requiring a separate sound room.”
Treasure Coast Theatre is not a non-profit organization, as
some community theaters are. It is an intimate space, with
55 to 58 seats depending on the configuration, giving every
patron an excellent view of the action on the generously sized
stage. Ticket pricing is average for the Treasure Coast at $20.
Because the emphasis is on performance, limited concessions
are offered.
ADA compliancy makes Treasure Coast Theatre unique.
While other area theaters were grandfathered in to new
guidelines, Achin says they’re probably the only theater
around that meets current rules. The theater will have four
ADA spaces for wheelchair access as well as two compliant
restrooms, giving them the opportunity to rent space out to
groups needing such accommodations.
Having conquered some formidable challenges already,
Knight and Achin are aware of more challenges ahead.
Knight says, “Being new, we haven’t built a base of support
with patrons and volunteers, but having been involved
in local theater for the last 15 years, we hope to draw from
those relationships and appreciate the encouragement we’ve
gotten. Since we announced ourselves, the response has been
good — we already have directors, stage managers and some
actors for the upcoming season.”
The two are also excited about offering a children’s summer
camp for kids grades 4 through 10, covering every aspect
of theater and taught by certified theater instructors. While
Summer 2019 might be too soon, they are keeping their options
open.
Treasure Coast Theatre’s first performance was held in
their renovated space April 26-May 12. Directed by Achin, On
Golden Pond starred well-known local actor Don Matlin in the
lead role, accompanied by Jennifer Gregory, Brian Pecci, Evan
Blake, David Eales and … Rosemary Knight. “I like both acting
and production,” she says.
Because of unanticipated and unavoidable delays, much
still needed to be accomplished in the very hours prior to
an opening night that was virtually sold out, but it all came
together beautifully. Treasure Coast Theatre’s debut performance
was poignant, understated, and well-cast, a fine “first”
for Port St. Lucie’s only live theater venue. E
12 Port St. Lucie Magazine
TREASURE COAST THEATRE
10175 South U.S. Highway 1, Port Saint Lucie, Florida 34952
Town Center Plaza
(772) 418-2439
www.treasurecoasttheatre.com
Tickets are $20, available online. Call the theater for pricing
on season tickets, group/student discounts and more
information. Treasure Coast Theatre is also on Facebook.
/www.midflorida.com
/www.treasurecoasttheatre.com