It was always our intention to establish a theatre in a storefront or warehouse. Our founders had all worked in such venues in other cities and had seen how these ventures added vitality to the neighborhood. When Theatre B was established, it was clear that the community was ready for that kind of revitalization. Over the past 12 years (10 of which have been in our current building at 716 Main) we’ve helped develop cultural and economic activity in a neighborhood once full of empty buildings. We’ve helped downtown become a vibrant center to a growing town, and that renaissance is ongoing.
However, as property values rise dramatically, we are being priced out of the market. With our rent increasing 125% in the past two years, it’s uncertain how long our little theatre at 716 will remain viable. 
In order to help us explore the questions of whether, where, and when to move, Theatre B is bringing in Artspace Projects from Minneapolis. Artspace is America’s leader in artist-led community transformation.
Artspace will visit this spring to conduct stakeholder meetings and undertake preliminary site analysis. Depending on what we learn, we may bring them back to conduct an operational analysis and feasibility study.
Our Ensemble and Board are also hard at work articulating our vision for the future and what we need to make it happen. That work is ongoing, but we know that it is a future where artists and storytellers are central in creating a sense of place.
This is an uncertain moment, but it is full of incredible possibility. If you would like to participate in stakeholder meetings and help us explore the possibility of a new home, please let us know by emailing us at info@theatreb.org. Meetings will be held May 11 and May 12.
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