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LOCK HAVEN -- The Millbrook Playhouse has been experiencing major transitions throughout the last few years, but one of the challenges has finally found a solution.
Millbrook previously had a contract with Commonwealth University-Lock Haven to house their theater workers over the summer, but when that contract expired they had to find alternate methods for housing.
"The Board of Directors for the theater has had a long-time desire for us to purchase our own housing," said Managing Director David Gritzner.
Having their own method for housing their workers gave them more control on when their workers could be in the area -- no longer having to rely on when dorm space was available from the university.
"We normally rent dorms, which limits the time and makes it very difficult to do shows outside of the summer months," explained Gritzner. "For a long time we wanted to have the flexibility to do shows at the times we would like to. Having our own housing available to us when we want to use it helps to facilitate that in the long term."
The house that the board purchased was brought to their attention, and they immediately knew it was a great option.
"We couldn't ask for a better layout for our purposes... We went and looked at it... It was really ideal for what we wanted to use it for. It's been configured and has been used as student housing. Because we're used to renting student housing, it really is ideally suited for our own purposes," said Gritzner.
The house itself is a two-story building, featuring many rooms, bathrooms and full kitchens to better accommodate the workers who stay there.
"We didn't know when or if the transaction for the house was going to go through, so we proceeded as though we weren't going to have the house available to us. We went forward with our plans to rent a (different) house, and now we have more space if we need it," said Gritzner.
Though they own the new house, Gritzner says they will likely continue to rent the small house. They hope to be able to do the larger cast shows on a typical schedule in the next season.
"Of course now we have housing available to us to do our show in October and in December without having to rent hotel rooms or lease space (elsewhere,)" said Gritzner, "Because we only had so much space available to us, we're working on a schedule that's a little different than we normally work on. We're doing fewer shows at one time and we're spreading things out -- doing shows that require a smaller cast. That was strictly based on the space that we had available to us."
With their housing challenge solved, things are looking bright for the future of Millbrook.
Gritzner said, "We look forward to continuing to do what we've been doing for the local community for many years. We appreciate everybody's support, and hopefully we'll see you this season!"
Any residents who are interested in helping out at the Millbrook in any capacity are asked to call the Millbrook Playhouse at 570-748-8083, or join the Millbrook Volunteer Team at www.facebook.com/groups/MPHVolunteer Team. Or, send an email to info@millbrookplayhouse.org.