Englert/Hancher alliance continues
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The Englert Theatre has been a community institution since it was built in 1912 and served as a vaudeville performing space and home to the Englert family. Later, in the 1930s, the space became a single-screen movie theater showing the Hollywood’s most popular films. In the 1980s, the Englert added in another screening room. The Englert closed in 1999, but it was renovated and reopened in 2004 as the theater it is today.
A wet partnership
For the past year, the Englert has offered its facilities for Hancher performances as the UI tries to recover from the June 2008 flood.
“We’ve been fortunate we weren’t affected,” said Sean Fredericks, the Englert’s managing director. “We could be a home away from home for a number of performances.”
Similarities and differences
Fredericks said both Hancher and the Englert are successful theaters but house different types of events. While Hancher is able to put on bigger productions, including major Broadway shows and Cirque du Soleil, the Englert specializes in local community performances.
“Our niche is definitely in live music,” Fredericks said. “There’s no bad seat, so we can create an intimate environment.”
The Englert also puts on shows from community theaters in Iowa City, and this year added a late night Alley Cabaret in connection with the UI’s Division of Performing Arts.
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Students in on the act
Fredericks said volunteers are always needed to usher, market, and work in the box office. UI student Ashley Baldinelli, who works in the Englert’s box office, said her colleagues and all the different shows are what she likes most about working at the theater. She also encouraged students to volunteer at the Englert.
“At first, I had no knowledge of theater,” she said. “I thought it was just acting, but there’s a lot of behind the stage things, too. It’s a great open environment.”
As a nonprofit business, the Englert has consistent support from locals, and donations increase every year.
“Fundraising is always a challenge, but we’re lucky to be in a community that supports the arts,” Fredericks said.
Can’t contain Hancher
Hancher’s shows may be spread throughout Iowa City, but Chuck Swanson, the auditorium’s executive director, said the audience should still expect great shows.
“We want to make a Hancher experience even without our venue,” he said.
Although shows for the upcoming season have yet to be announced, Hancher will continue its “Can’t Contain Us” theme, and Hancher officials are grateful for the Englert’s support.
“It’s great for us to have a facility like the Englert when we don’t have our own,” Swanson said. “The arrangement has worked well.”
Aside from attending Hancher-sponsored events, students can benefit the auditorium by serving as ushers or manning the box office.
At present, it is not clear whether Hancher will reopen. The Englert will continue to offer its space to the well-known auditorium and offer a multitude of events.
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