About Wealthy Theatre and the Staff
About the Theatre
Wealthy Theatre, 1130 Wealthy Street, was constructed in 1911 for vaudeville and live theater, and later became a neighborhood movie house. It served during World War I as a warehouse for the Michigan Aircraft Company, and in the 1960s, offered the only regional venue for foreign films. It closed in the late 1970s and stood empty, decaying for more than 25 years before the South East Economic Development neighborhood association launched a capital campaign to fund its restoration. The Theatre re-opened in 1998 as a community arts center and heralded a transformation of the entire Wealthy Street business district.
Restoration Was Crucical
"Restoring the theatre was the pivotal turning point for this neighborhood," said Carol Moore, a resident, landlord, and community activist in the Wealthy Theatre District. "We talked about it for years. And some people thought we were crazy. But once it opened, once people started coming back, the doubters became believers."
CMC Stewardship
In mid-2004, the Theatre closed again while the Board of Directors searched for a nonprofit organization willing to commit to the continued growth and revitalization of the theatre and its neighborhood. The Community Media Center was identified and after some study, the CMC board of directors voted to pursue acquisition of the Wealthy Theatre and the additional building at 1110 Wealthy. A Capital Campaign was launched and the buildings were acquired in March of 2005.
Capital Campaign
In October, 2007, Community Media Center completed its $2.4 million capital campaign, allowing the organization to bring Wealthy Theatre into the fold, as a historic venue with modern technology.
Present & Future
Today, the Wealthy Theatre Complex is not only a landmark, community treasure with historic significance, but a pioneer in the infusion of technology into traditional theatre. We've evolved the idea of "stage and seats" in a revolutionary way, retaining the old while embracing the new. The CMC Capital Campaign allowed for critical improvements: a concert sound system, electrical upgrades; new projection screen, a grand curtain; a micro-cinema space; renovations, repainting and upgrades throughout.
The Vanguard of Community Media
Underneath the elegance and classic sensiblity that defines Wealthy Theatre, there is a matrix of new technologies. Our sound board and lighting boards are now completely digital and capable of control via networked computer. The motorized screen and grand curtain are controlled by the push of a button. Our robotic multi-camera recording system is run by a single operator via remote control, from the Tech Booth. Our premium microphones are capable of bringing out the best in whatever performance graces our stage: we have instruments mics for concerts from gospel to rock, wireless mics for theatre and comedy troupes, podium a/v connections for speakers and lecturers, and so much more.
About Wealthy Theatre Staff
Brooke LaLonde
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Brooke was born under the waning moon and into the realm of her own reality, which was temporarily placed in Bay City, MI. Brooke eventually moved on through the age of reason, many Science Olympiad competitions, and up and down the Mississippi River. Grand Valley State University allowed Brooke’s mind to wander into a new world and into the school of film and video. She started at GRTV as an intern; she finished her degree and became a production assistant; now she's the manager. And she assists at Wealthy Theatre every week.
Erin Wilson
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Erin moved back to Grand Rapids after living in New York City and Williamsburg, Brooklyn, where he bartended in the East Village at night, and taught English to immigrants during the day. Born in Muskegon Heights, he now lives within five blocks of Wealthy Theatre, where he's raising a family with his partner, Amy, who is a ballet dancer and instructor. Erin started with CMC as a MoLLIE instructor and web-design teacher, then transitioned to GRTV, where he became a manager. In 2006, CMC Executive Director Laurie Cirivello tapped Erin to begin work at Wealthy Theatre.
Francesca Amari
Francesca directs audio books for Brilliance audio, teaches Creative Drama at Grand Valley State University, and teaches and directs children’s theatre throughout West MI. She has a long history of doing p.r. and marketing for area nonprofits, including the YWCA of Grand Rapids, Grand Rapids Public Library, Planned Parenthood and United Way. A versatile vocalist, Francesca sings everything from jazz standards to pop to musical theatre to folk and is working on her first solo CD. She travels throughout the Midwest with her popular vocal trio, Boogie Woogie Babies, which just released its second CD, "Boogie, Beehives & Beyond." She also sings with Rhythm Section Jazz Band and The Fabulous Eastones.
Jeff Hudson
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Geoff left the cornfields of a tiny town in southern Michigan to travel to the "big city" of Grand Rapids in the late 80s and has been involved with the local arts and entertainment scene ever since. His long string of unusual public-access productions includes Nothing TV and The Great Daryl Nathan Entertainment Show. He was Art director for Slak Magazine and Music Revue and played for a number of years with a band called LSDudes. Currently he is a professional DJ hosting a retro night at a local dance club under the name Jef Leppard and of course works at Wealthy Theatre.
Ted Diedrich
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The Abbreviated Biography of Ted Diedrich: Ted, a native Grand Rapidian, began an internship with the CMC in 1998; after which he accepted a part time position at GRTV, a position he’s now held for nearly a decade. Now his work includes teaching classes, aiding CMC members with GRTV operations, and helping out at the Wealthy Theatre wherever and whenever he’s needed. Points of Interest: Ted was born on the 9th Floor of St. Mary’s Hospital on the 9th Day of the 9th Month weighing 9 Pounds 9 Ounces. Ted’s favorite number is 7. Ted sinks like a rock. Ted rocks!
Tom Schwallie
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A life long Michigander, Tom has been with CMC for over four years, starting as an Americorps Vista with the former GRIID affiliate. One of the original CMC staff moved to the Wealthy Campus, Tom has been involved with much of the issue-oriented programming at the Theatre. Currently Tom manages the Common Lens Documentary Series, part of the Wednesdays at Wealthy program. He produces Catalyst Radio, a weekly production on 88.1 FM WYCE. He often can be spotted in the concessions stand, doing his best to not burn the popcorn.
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