Proposed Theatre Team Bows Out

A team of local drama professionals who proposed to take over management of Duluth’s Red Clay Theatre has bowed out.

In an email sent to Duluth Patch Wednesday afternoon, Joan McElroy, who would have served as producing artistic director, issued the following statement on behalf of the team: “Seeing as the council is still unsure as to how and in what capacity it wishes the Red Clay space to function (theatre, nightclub, retail space), it is not in our best interest to pursue this project at this time. We continue to thrive in our individual artistic endeavors and wish the city success in whatever future the Red Clay holds.”

The statement followed a work session by the Duluth mayor and city council Monday night (June 13) to further discuss the proposal the team had presented in May. The downtown theatre is presently operated as a rental facility by city staff.

Other members of the proposed management team were Pat McKeon, education director; Liz Bigler, technical manager; and Bobbie Flowers, business/marketing manager. They had proposed a three-year plan that would require the council’s support for the first year while the management team incorporated as a non-profit 501(c)3, and sought funding. In the second and third years, the management company would have paid $1,000 in rent a month and shared a percentage of profits with the city.

Under the team’s management, the Red Clay Theatre would have presented two mainstage productions, a monthly improv/comedy show, a film festival, fall/spring drama classes, and special promotions in 2011-12. Additional productions and more components would have been added for 2012-13 and 2013-14. 

At Monday night’s work session, Councilwoman Marsha Bomar urged the council to start negotiations with the potential team, but the council decided to put the word out it was open to other proposals, including using the theatre for rock concerts. The team had offered to provide a more detailed plan to the council with audience attendance goals and revenue projections.

Mayor Nancy Harris and council members expressed differing opinions on theatre use. They were also unsure whether the city should proceed with an addition to replace the end of the theater that was demolished due to rain and flood damage. The proposed addition includes pre-function space that could be converted to retail, a box office, administrative offices, and restrooms to support the theatre operation. Configuring the addition as a multi-purpose shell that could be used for various functions was discussed as an option Monday night.

Councilman Billy Jones adamantly opposed spending nearly $500,000 to build the addition as proposed and questioned the $5,500 monthly cost of keeping the theatre open. Jones has suggested that the theatre be converted into a nightclub/music venue similar to 37 Main in Buford.

Chris McGahee, the city's economic development director, was directed by the council to present a report at the next work session June 27 after he informed members that he had received an inquiry about using the theatre as a music venue.