CONNEAUT — A vacant Conneaut church could be reborn as a theater under the guidance of an Erie arts group.
The Great Lakes Film Association is studying the former Old Time Baptist Church at East Main Road and Rowe Street as a possible home for live theater performances, said Steven Opsanic, executive director.
Opsanic and Rob Taylor, GLFA assistant director, met Thursday with City Manager Robert Schaumleffel Jr. and Luciana Ratermann, planning/zoning manager, to discuss the church’s potential as an arts venue.
While the interest is extremely tentative, the GLFA is intrigued by the site.
“It looks perfect for our purposes,” Opsanic said.
The group is doing research to learn if the Conneaut site would be a good fit. So far, early reports are encouraging, he said.
The GLFA is looking for a spot to showcase a wide range of theater, musical and independent film productions. The non-profit organization, founded in 2002, was leasing a theater in downtown Erie, but recently lost it via a foreclosure action brought against the owner, Opsanic said.
The property came to the attention of the GLFA through Taylor, who sometimes travels into the area, Opsanic said. The location, just a short distance from the Pennsylvania line, is ideal, he said.
Opsanic has walked through the church and spoken to the owner, he said. The building could seat around 150 people and has plenty of room for a stage and dressing rooms.
The GLFA hopes to finalize a decision within the next month, Opsanic said.
The group is seeking reaction to the proposed plan from the public. People with opinions to share can contact the GLFA at steve@greatlakesfilm.org
Local News
Related Photos
Discussion
Old Conneaut church may be theater
- Local News
-
-
Six ready to interview for Buckeye’s super job
The Buckeye Local Board of Education will conduct interviews with six superintendent hopefuls next week, said Board President Jacqueline Hillyer.
-
Shooting suspect to be tried as adult
A 17-year-old will be tried as an adult in the school shooting deaths of three students, a juvenile court judge ruled Thursday after hearing a sheriff’s deputy describe how the teen wore a T-shirt with the word “Killer” and admitted shooting people.
-
Ohio EPA takes AIM at site of hazardous wastes
Ohio Environmental Protection Agency staff members returned this week to the site of the now-bankrupt Ashtabula Iron and Metal on West 30th Street to take samples of the unknown liquids and analyze hazardous wastes, asbestos and other potential health and environmental concerns.
-
Commissioners look at selling nursing beds
Commissioners have retained the services of a law firm that specializes in the sale of excess nursing home beds as the board looks at ways to raise additional revenues.
-
Conneaut looks at demolition funds
The city is making preparations to secure its share of nearly $692,000 in demolition funds expected to be Ashtabula County’s portion of a multi-billion dollar settlement with national mortgage lenders.
-
Volunteers get more help than needed at rescue spot
Despite their good intentions, Edward and Mary proved more hindrance than help to the Conneaut KeyBank employees lending a helping hand Thursday to a farm animal rescue operation in Kingsville Township.
-
220 graduate at Lakeside
Thursday night was a time of pomp, circumstance and smiles as 220 seniors graduated from Lakeside High School.
-
Lost money?
There is no map, and “X” may not mark the spot, but hundreds of Ashtabula County residents may have unclaimed cash ready and waiting for them through the Ohio Department of Commerce.
-
Lane to be tried as adult in Chardon High shooting
A 17-year-old boy will be tried as an adult in the school shooting deaths of three students, a juvenile court judge ruled Thursday.
-
Happy Hearts School holds commencement for its Class of 2012
As commencement exercises go in Ashtabula County, the one at Happy Hearts School was small, with just five students.
- More Local News Headlines
-
Six ready to interview for Buckeye’s super job
