1-8-18 Handout- Joe Gerrity VOis
Summary of Adele Grage Cultural Center Theatre Usage Issues
January 2018
Background
The Cultural Arts and Recreation Department manages the Adele Grage Cultural Center, balancing the
interests of our residents,the organizations and individuals utilizing the theatre, and theatre patrons.The
City allows the entire community to utilize the center; nonprofits receive a discounted rental rate of$25-
per-day.
Historically, Atlantic Beach Experimental Theatre (ABET) has been afforded priority usage of the theatre—
with some parameters—at a rate of$200 per year.That scenario changed in October 2016 when the City
Commission awarded First Act a contract to also use the theatre at the$200-per-year rate.The outcome of
that coexistence has been disastrous, according to ABET and Cultural Arts and Recreation Director Timmy
Johnson.
The two organizations have been strongly encouraged by the City Commission and City management to
work out their differences.They were informed that if the two groups do not reach a compromise
regarding the coexisting use of Adele Grage, the outcome may be less favorable than either group desires.
The two organizations have since communicated; however, an accord was not reached. Now, ABET has
informed the City of Atlantic Beach that ABET"will look at leaving"Adele Grage if the City continues to
contract with First Act for utilization of the theatre.
Guidelines Moving Forward
The City is willing to enter into contracts with ABET and First Act utilizing the following guidelines (among
others yet-to-be-determined):
• Henceforth, the City will collect the requisite nonprofit fee ($25-per-day)for theatre usage. Both
organizations also have access to the Gail Baker Community Center, depending on availability, at
the discounted rental rate.
• Funding provided by ABET or First Act through grant matches to renovate or otherwise improve the
Adele Grage Cultural Center may be credited toward the theatre usage fee.
• ABET will be afforded priority usage of the theatre from September 1 through May 31, not to
exceed 21 days in any month. First Act and other organizations and individuals may use the theatre
when it is not reserved by ABET.
• First Act will be afforded priority usage of the theatre from June 1 through Aug. 31, not to exceed
21 days in any month. ABET and other organizations and individuals may use the theatre when it is
not reserved by First Act.
• Stage set construction shall not commence more than 14 days in advance of each production.
• The Cultural Arts and Recreation Director shall govern the Adele Grage usage schedule and
determine the deadline for making reservations for priority usage of the theatre.
• The Cultural Arts and Recreation Advisory Committee will be asked to review the Adele Grage usage
fee structure.