LAKEPORT, Calif. – The group that has worked successfully for more than a decade to bring renewed life to the Soper Reese Theatre is beginning a new campaign to raise funds for the next phase of improvements.

Owned by the Lake County Arts Council, the Soper Reese Theatre is managed by a team of volunteers and technical assistants.

The theater's management reported that fundraising for the renovation of the building, built in 1947, has been ongoing for more than 12 years.

Those efforts have resulted in major improvements and additions, including a modern heating, cooling and ventilation system, a state-of-the-art sound system, new lights, green room with Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant restrooms and dressing room, plus a climate-controlled room for the symphony’s grand piano.

Theater Executive Director Mike Adams announced the new fundraising campaign in an update to the Lakeport City Council on Tuesday evening.

Adams said the key group of volunteers who have been leading the fundraising efforts – including fundraising chair Nina Marino, and Wilda Shock and Jane Alameda – have raised more than $1.7 million “in this little community,” with 15 percent coming from the city itself.

The theater now has $157,000 available for the next phase of renovation, and $230,000 in cash overall, with no debt other than a loan from the city which will be forgiven after 20 years, as long as the theater stays open, he said.
He said the next phase of work is estimated to cost a total of $800,000, including $360,000 for modern and spacious bathrooms, $250,000 for the lobby and facade, and $200,000 for the Martin Street stage and marquis. The improvements will make the theater accessible in keeping with the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

The new fundraising campaign began with a letter sent out to donors and a donor appreciation event last month, Adams said.

“The Soper Reese Theatre lives on volunteers,” he explained, adding that they only pay two people who do part-time work – a bookkeeper/office manager and a person who does maintenance.

Adams said the hope is to grow to a point where they can hire real management “and I can go home.”

Council members voiced their support for the developments.

Councilman Martin Scheel said he is excited about how it is moving forward. Mayor Marc Spillman said the Soper Reese is probably the best anchor of old South Main Street and is the defining edge of the city's historic downtown.

Separately, the theater's leadership reported that its fund drive, which began in January, has raised more than $17,500 in contributions from individuals and organizations in Lake County for the “Restroom Re-Do Campaign.”

Adams said two anonymous donors have recently offered a combined amount of $15,000 toward this campaign, to be matched with new contributions.

Achievement of the campaign goal will be announced at the Lake County Symphony concert on Nov. 20 or sooner, according to theater management.

Individuals and businesses may contribute online at www.soperreesetheatre.com and click on “Donate Now,” then check the “Restroom Renovation” box.

Checks may be mailed to Soper Reese Renovation Fund, P.O. Box 756, Lakeport, CA 95453.

All donations are tax-deductible.

More information about events at the theater is available at www.soperreesetheatre.com . For information about the fund drive, please call 707-245-7579 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

Email Elizabeth Larson at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . Follow her on Twitter, @ERLarson, or Lake County News, @LakeCoNews.