Building Dreams
One historic structure at a time
The Market House Theatre is no stranger to historic preservation. In 1963, a group of eight individuals found a creative use for the city of Paducah’s historic Market House, a structure that was headed for demolition. That first year produced three plays and secured the building in the hearts of Paducahans for five decades to come.
STORY BY JESSICA PERKINS
PHOTOGRAPHY BY CRAIG CURRIE
After a fire nearly destroyed the building in 1968, major renovations were made to make the Market House a more suitable place to host local theatrical productions. Then in 1996, the theater undertook a $1.4 million expansion and renovation, which included the addition of three buildings on Market Square.
In the more than 30 years that April Cochran has served as Market House Theatre’s education director not only has she witnessed the growth and renovations of the theater, but she has watched children blossom into professional actors, dancers, Broadway performers and a great deal more.
“We define success in many ways,” she says. “Our programming is geared towards theater that enhances life skills, such as communication, confidence and community building. People who take what they learn from participating at Market House Theatre often find themselves in successful careers both in and outside of the arts.”
One might conclude that Market House Theatre is in the business of building dreams and, at present, is doing that through the expansion of its downtown Paducah arts campus. The theater recently launched a $5 million fundraising campaign, which is working to provide better, more productive space for educational programs and performances. The project will establish a multi-tenant arts campus where theater, music and dance education will be available for students of all ages.
“We often have far more people audition for a play than we are able to cast in our Family Series and Signature Season,” Executive Director Michael Cochran says.
“We are often asked, ‘What can I do to get better?’ This expansion provides classroom space that will allow us to continue our current rehearsal and performance schedules, while offering more classes for adults and children to improve their performance skills.”
The Next Stage Campaign seeks to make improvements to approximately two city blocks, encompassing 10 historic downtown buildings that have been empty or under-utilized for more than a decade. Over 44,000 square feet will be renovated, which makes this one of the most substantial preservation projects undertaken in downtown Paducah history.
“Our capacity for rehearsal and classroom space is greatly limited by our current space restrictions,” he said. “The theater’s Next Stage Campaign will not only increase our rehearsal and performance space and capabilities, but it will also enhance the community by rehabilitating empty and under-utilized historic buildings.”
Building improvements include the addition of restroom space and a more patron-friendly lobby in the Market House building. Other upgrades will enhance the scene shop, allowing more time for rehearsals and performances. Five accessible classrooms will be added, as well as two rehearsal spaces.
In addition to structural upgrades, the renovations will also include more opportunities for generating sustainable revenue through rental income, a source that has proven to be helpful in the maintenance of a continued balanced budget.
For over 50 years, Market House Theatre has remained true to its mission to enhance Paducah’s quality of life as it introduces adults and children to interactive and enriching arts experiences.
“We want to continue to build on these traditions,” campaign co-chairwoman Kristin Williams says. “The Next Stage Campaign allows us to further enrich the lives of those people who encounter the theater in our local schools, summer camps, performances, music and dance classes and so many other amazing programs.”
The Next Stage Campaign has secured nearly $2.4 million in pledges, moving closer to the goal. “This project is not only good for Market House Theatre, but it’s also good for Paducah,” Next Stage campaign cochairman Chip Bohle says.
For more information on the Next Stage Campaign or to make a donation, go to www.markethousetheatre.org.
