Once and Future Gems

We often think of historic theaters as ''gems'' (a prize, treasure, precious stone) because these buildings once stood out among other structures in their neighborhoods and often served multiple purposes: sources of pride for the community, gathering places, spaces where the talented artists of the day would contribute to the livelihood of neighborhood activity by sharing their talent. Despite this once-treasured status, many of these buildings are now literally falling down.

Understanding the past and potential future role of these facilities in their community, we're both excited and encouraged when we see these buildings refurbished, and last year AMS was asked by The Black Archives, History and Research Foundation of South Florida to help develop a business plan for its soon-to-be restored Lyric Theater facility. The 400-seat theater is the oldest legitimate theater in Miami, and when reopened, The Black Archives plans for the Lyric to offer a wide range of activities, including theater, music, movies and a meeting space for community organizations. We worked with Archives staff to understand who in the community might use the space, what programming might work successfully, what staffing was needed and what it might cost to run the theatre after its restoration.

In many ways, the Lyric's journey is characteristic of many historic theaters. For years, beginning in 1913, the Lyric Theater was a key center of entertainment for the African American community.  The theater was located in what was known as ''Little Broadway'' and is the only surviving entertainment venue in the area. Active for nearly 50 years, the Theatre showcased vaudeville acts and movies and hosted the likes of Aretha Franklin, Sam Cooke, Redd Foxx and Ella Fitzgerald. The theater thrived in the district until construction of an expressway overpass in the mid-1960s. After it closed as a theater, the facility was used as a church before being left to deteriorate.

The Black Archives saw an unpolished gem in this treasured but now neglected community facility, and – propelled by the vision of a revitalized community and once-again vital community resource – acquired the theater. The organization has worked diligently to rehabilitate the building, replacing much of the facility's infrastructure (electrical system, restrooms, water lines), and restoring the theater's seats, architectural detail and original decorative elements.

The Lyric's roof was replaced and its exterior resealed and painted, and a new two-story lobby, dressing rooms, offices, box office and concession area have also been added. The final stage of revitalization will expand the stage, adding wing and fly space, a new loading dock, rehearsal room/black box, catering kitchen and storage space.

In the fall of 2005, the Black Archives partially re-opened the Lyric lobby as a welcome center for the community and rents the space for receptions and parties, the new activity hinting at what will come when the full facility is re-opened to the community.

Much attention is paid in our industry to the new and dramatic architectural designs of our most modern performing and visual arts facilities, which in many ways offer our communities arts and cultural experiences and opportunities which rarely if ever previously existed. The restoration of historic community structures such as the Lyric offers these opportunities as well, and something more: a chance for audiences to see and feel some of the community's history, to be connected with past audiences, performers and cultures, and to more fully understand and appreciate the past and future potential of these 'gems.'

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