By MARK TODD - Staff Writer - mtodd@starbeacon.com
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
