Fundraising Information
A quick look around reveals the need for fresh paint, new curtains, restoration of seats, and marquee, lobby, and facade renovations. Assessments by a preservation architect revealed significant needs for the building including a leaking roof and water damage, electrical and HVAC work, and ways we can improve service to those with disabilities. Hollywood film companies are forcing all theaters to transition to digital film format and the cost is putting many hometown theaters out of business.
The Main Street Batesville Foundation is partnering with the Melba Theater and any gift is tax deductable. Help us preserve the theater for future generations. You are invited to support this work with a contribution to the Melba Theater. To learn more about giving opportunities or to make your gift today, please go to www.melbatheater.org. Be sure to Like us on Facebook!
History
The Melba theater was originally constructed in 1875 as an opera house and converted to a mercantile store a few years later. It was eventually remodeled in Art deco style and reopened in 1940 to become one of the Arkansas' first cinemascope theaters. Though the theater closed in the early 1990s, repairs and alterations were made and it reopened in 2000. In 2015, just before the theater had to close its doors again, it was purchase with the goal of renewing this historic treasure. The downtown Main Street business district, which includes the Melba Theater, is included in the National Register of Historic Places.
Renovations
The theater is in extreme disrepair. Assessments have been made a preservation architect, structural engineers, and contractors to determine needs and goal for the Melba to continue as a thriving entertainment establishment. The result of these assessments is the development of a three phase plan to repair and renovate this historic landmark to its former glory. The Melba also has a vision to host not only movies, but concerts, business events, theatrical performances, and other live events.
Phase 1-COMPLETE!
Assessment of building, purchase of property/assets, roof repair, general cleanup, including some hazardous materials, vapor barrier, tuck pointing, facade renovation
Phase 2-COMPLETE!
Restore seats, replace curtains, upgrade to digital projection and sound, HVAC, electric-including lights/fire safety, family/ADA accessible restroom, sound system for events, paint, and flooring
Phase 3
Balcony renovation
Donate to Melba Restoration
Save My Seat
Be a part of the Melba Theater. Literally.
YOUR SEATS
"Save My Seat" is an opportunity to celebrate your family, friends, business, or the memory of a loved one by naming a seat in the historic Melba Theater. Your naming opportunity is through the life of the theater seats. Once you contribute, you will be given a comfirmation of your seats and location. Naming a seat is a great contribution to the Melba Theater and will allow you to be recognized by all the guests who visit. Seats will be assigned by the Melba Theater. Naming a seat does not guarantee that you will be sitting in your named seat for the performances you attend.
YOUR PLAQUE
Your plaque will be in the shape and font type of the image below. It is roughly 3.5 inches wide and 1.125 inches tall. There is a maximum of two lines per plaque and the inscription will be all lowercase and centered. If you want to order more than 5 seats, please contact us via email at [email protected].
* The use of telephone numbers, websites, email addresses, mailing addresses, and social media handles may not be permitted. All messaging will be approved by the Melba Theater and will follow the specific naming recognition guidelines. You will receive a confirmation of your final plaque design. *
YOUR COMMITMENT
Seats are $50 each. Your participation begins with determining how many seats you would like to purchase. Then, complete the order form and mail to:
Batesville Downtown Foundation
P.O. Box 3967
Batesville, AR 72503
Make checks payable to:
Batesville Downtown Foundation
Memo line - Melba Theater Restoration
Save My Seat gifts are fully tax deductible and do not include tangible benefits of goods and services.
QUESTIONS?
If you have any questions regarding the Save My Seat campaign, please call 870.307.5917 or email [email protected].
To download the application form just click the button. You can make the donation online by clicking the donate button below.
