The Lompoc Theatre Project, a long-standing endeavor to restore a historic theater, has received a significant boost with a $6 million donation from Santa Barbara philanthropist Cheryl Goldberg. This donation marks a pivotal moment in the project's journey, which has spanned over three decades. After years of challenges and setbacks, the project is now gaining momentum, with the leader, Mike Herrier, expressing optimism about the project's future.
Herrier, who has been involved for 13 years, recounted the journey, noting that it took four years to overcome initial obstacles and secure possession of the theater. The past three years have been transformative, with the project finally taking flight. Herrier predicts that with one more year of effort, the project will be fully funded by the end of this year or early next spring.
The Lompoc Theatre, once restored, will serve as a permanent home for various performing arts organizations, offering a range of community events and educational programs. The facility will feature an outdoor plaza for mariachi concerts, a courtyard for weddings and senior events, a 450-seat theater, and an educational space for classes. This transformation will significantly enhance the cultural offerings in the area.
One of the beneficiaries of this project is the Lompoc Pops Orchestra, which has been performing in smaller spaces for years. Brian Asher, the Artistic Director, highlights the limitations of their current venue, the First United Methodist Church of Lompoc, which can only accommodate about 300 people and has limited stage facilities. The new theater will provide a true concert hall experience, a dream come true for young performers.
Supporters of the project emphasize that it is about more than just preserving a historic building; it's about inspiring the next generation of performers. Asher underscores the importance of providing young artists with a professional performing environment, as opposed to churches or community centers, which do not offer the same level of prestige and excitement.
Despite the significant progress, the project still requires approximately $5 million to complete the full restoration. Herrier encourages community members to support the project through donations, which can be made via the theater's website (https://lompoctheatre.org/future). The project is on track to open Phase II in Spring 2027, with Phase III, the final phase, expected to be completed by 2028.
This donation and the project's progress are a testament to the power of community support and the dedication of those involved. The Lompoc Theatre Project is not just about restoring a building; it's about creating a cultural hub that will enrich the community for years to come.
