The Algonquin Arts nonprofit organization recently made a down payment to purchase the theatre from current landlords and founders Fran and Jack Drew, theatre officials have announced.

After several years of fundraising, the nonprofit garnered enough money to place a down payment on the historic theatre, it said, and will be resuming its capital campaign to raise funds for the remaining balance, as well as for capital improvements to the complex.

The capital campaign was established in 2003 and then set a goal of $2.6 million, with $1.6 million allotted for the purchase of the building [far below its market value] and $1 million for theatre restoration, Algonquin said.

Although the economic downturn slowed the capital campaign during 2008, the decision was made to proceed with the purchase due to the potential for increased grant and funding opportunities, and lower monthly operating costs for the nonprofit, the theatre said.

This down payment would not have been possible without the support of many individuals and businesses, including the OceanFirst Foundation and the Gary & Tamar Tolchin Foundation, the Algonquin said.

Next, the nonprofit will resume its campaign to raise funds for theatre improvements, such as lobby and bathroom expansion, comfortable seating, and overall cosmetic and infrastructure improvements to the historic theatre, the organization said.

The balance of the purchase price will also need to be raised during the next few years, the theatre noted, but Algonquin Board President John Newman is confident “this purchase will ensure that Algonquin Arts remains an active, cultural beacon for the Jersey Shore.”

The capital campaign is separate from the theatre’s general operating budget, which also is in need of continuous support, the Algonquin said. Both campaigns will continually be supported through a series of fundraisers and appeals.

On Sunday, Nov. 14, the theatre will host “It’s Madame With an E,” featuring the puppet diva herself, to debut the Algonquin Arts’ Stars of Stage and Screen Celebrity Benefit Series.

The performance will begin at 8 p.m. Tickets are $30 per person for standard seating, and $50 per person for VIP seating and a dessert reception.

Madame and her creator and stage partner, Wayland Flowers, are famous for their stints on Hollywood Squares and Solid Gold.

Also, changes are underway to ensure the theatre’s place as a landmark destination for culture at the Jersey Shore, the Algonquin said. With many new faces on the Algonquin’s board and staff, the theatre will see an influx of new ideas and programs in 2010, the board said.

Recently, the Algonquin appointed Julie Stanford as the new education coordinator. Her primary role will be to coordinate all education events and theatre school programs for the education department, the theatre explained.

Ms. Stanford also is a theatre school teacher, the sole teacher of The Head Start Program and the assistant teacher for the acting studio at Asbury Park High School, which is directed by Algonquin Arts.
A Middletown resident, Ms. Stanford graduated from Montclair State University with a bachelor’s degree in theatre studies.

“I am thrilled to be a new team member at Algonquin Arts,” Ms. Stanford said in a press release. “This position allows me the opportunity to exercise everything I enjoy and am passionate about, ranging from teaching classes to assisting the education department with events and student enrollment.”

“With our educational programs now running at full speed, we will now focus on expanding the scope of our live entertainment in the coming year,” said William Whitefield, director of arts and education at the Algonquin.

And, the Algonquin’s Web site, www.algonquinarts.org, will be relaunched during the coming months with a new look and more information for the community to stay connected with the theatre.

Algonquin Arts would like the public to be involved in the transformation, the organization said. The Algonquin is open to suggestions and ideas. Please call the box office at 732-528-9211 or send an e-mail to: boxoffice@algonquinarts.org.