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Sunday, October 11, 2009 12:15 AM CDT
OUR VIEW: Rosebud Theatre's audience is still out there
By the JG/T-C Editorial Board
editorial@jg-tc.com
The announcement this week that the Rosebud Theatre in Effingham is closing in December was sad news, indeed, for the region.
The Rosebud Theatre was the unique vision of Martin Hubbard of Effingham, who operated a truck stop for many years.
Hubbard said he regularly heard truck drivers ask, “What is there to do in this town tonight?”
Hubbard then worked on developing a Branson-style theater in Effingham.
But this week, after operating for almost two years, Rosebud Theatre officials said the facility will close in December after presenting more than 120 shows for the people of East Central Illinois.
The Rosebud has featured such performers as comedian Rodney Carrington, rock superstars The Beach Boys and country music legend Willie Nelson.
Inconsistent ticket sales have hindered the Rosebud.
Hubbard no longer manages the Rosebud but Rosebud President Janie Oldfield and Dean Bingham, chairman of the theater’s investment board, both blamed the sluggish economy for the closing.
“If the economy wasn’t where it is, we would have had a better shot,” Bingham said.
Oldfield said the recession-like times of the past year mean people are spending their money on basic necessities and not on entertainment.
All of that undoubtedly is true.
But someday the economy will improve. Will someone else restart the Rosebud?
We hope so.
The same audience that Hubbard thought was here when he began working on the project several years ago should be out there again.
The Rosebud bills itself as “Branson-style entertainment.” Future operators of Rosebud will need to find a link to Branson that might help the Effingham theater.
Marketing will be key to future success but it will again require substantial operating capital until the theater can be profitable.
In addition to more than 30 private investors, the Rosebud received some city hotel/motel tax money.
Some businesses also helped sponsor several shows.
That same combination of funding will be needed again in the future. Attracting more sponsors from throughout the region may help keep ticket prices within reach of most area residents while group sales also will be extremely important.
Operating a for-profit entertainment facility in East Central Illinois cannot be easy.
With the University of Illinois Assembly Hall offering a great lineup each year and the Little Theatre on the Square in Sullivan staging quality musical theater and other professional shows, there is a lot of competition for live entertainment dollars.
The Rosebud Theater is a wonderful facility with about 1,500 comfortable seats.
Anyone who has attended a show there knows the theater is clean and comfortable, and easily accessible to all.
It would be a shame if the Rosebud Theatre’s doors are closed for good.
We look forward to the day when economic conditions are right for the curtain once again to rise on the Rosebud Theatre.
— JG/T-C Editorial Board
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even steven wrote on Oct 12, 2009 11:14 AM: