MADCAP Theaters to Take Over Harkins Theater Building on Mill

Tempe, AZ – Downtown Tempe Community, Inc, partnering with Centerpoint on Mill, will soon be opening the Mill Avenue District Community Arts Project (MADCAP Theaters), re-opening the doors of the  Harkins Theater building.  This project, planned to open in early June, will increase the live entertainment and cultural activity in Mill Avenue District, while also attracting new independent businesses to the area. 

THE CONCEPT
In order to increase the amount of live entertainment and cultural activity happening on and around Mill Avenue, the Downtown Tempe Community (DTC) is proposing to revitalize and convert the r space into the Mill Avenue District Community Arts Project (MADCAP Theaters). The 11 theaters within the building will undergo a simple re-vamping, converting them to “raw” alternative performance spaces. Each space can then be used to host a variety of performances and activities including:

• Live music
• Alternative and small theatre performances
• Dance performances
• Lectures
• Master classes by touring and locally based performers
• Comedy performances
• Independent film screenings
• Corporate Meetings

OPERATIONS
By providing affordable space to local artists, Mill Avenue District continues its reputation as an art-friendly community.  Creating an environment with unique cultural appeal will also attract new, independent businesses to the surrounding retail spaces.  MADCAP Theaters will initially open two of the theaters and the upstairs lobby Thursday thru Saturday , and eventually will operate seven days a week once theater operations are up and running.

GETTING INVOLVED
The DTC is currently working with several interested parties on sponsorship to complete the repairs needed in order to open the theater in June.  Sponsorship dollars will go directly to the cost of converting the theaters to “white box” condition, so that each performance group can customize their space for their individual needs.  There are several sponsorship opportunities available including Presenting Sponsor, Title Theater Sponsors, Lobby Sponsor, and Contributing Sponsor.  Currently, DTC is in the final stages of securing two of the eleven title theater sponsors, both  are well-known within the community.

Partnering with DTC and MADCAP Theaters will help to make the necessary upgrades to the venue in order to get it up and running. MADCAP Theaters is part of the Downtown Tempe Foundation, which is a 501c3 non-profit, so contributions are tax deductible. Sponsorship of MADCAP Theaters will help to better the Mill Avenue District and the community at large.

ABOUT THE DTC
Downtown Tempe Community, Inc. is the private, non-profit organization that manages the Mill Avenue District and is responsible for the vibrancy and excellence of the cultural, lifestyle, and commerce experience in the District.  Mill Avenue District, Inc.  works in partnership with the City of Tempe to increase the value of downtown Tempe through enhanced management and promotional services on behalf of Mill Avenue District members and other downtown stakeholders.

Technorati Tags: Arizona, Downtown Tempe Community, MADCAP Theaters. Mill Avenue District Community Arts Project, Tempe