Encore Theatre Sets Sights to Expansion in Dexter

Taking a cue from The Beatles' 1967 hit song “With a Little Help From My Friends,” the in Dexter is reaching out to its friends in a big way.

The theater is midway through a grassroots fundraising project to purchase the Broad Street building where it currently rents space.

“We’ve been evaluating the theater space for quite a while, and we know that renting for the next 20 years doesn’t make sense,” said Dan Cooney, the theater’s co-founder.

Suite A at 3126 Broad St. has been home to the Encore since 2009, and Cooney said that with any luck, it will remain “home” for the dozens of actors, crew members and management that have come through its doors.

During the past several months, the theater has been seeking $50,000 in donations from public and private donors to put a down payment on the building, which is owned by local resident Randy Willis.

“We’re really close to our goal,” Cooney said. “It’s all been possible through the generosity of our patrons.”

Cooney said he’s impressed with how quickly the funds have been raised.

“It’s basically been word-of-mouth fundraising,” he said. “It’s very encouraging to see how quickly people have responded. It shows that Dexter is absolutely supportive of what we’re doing, and the community is willing to invest in the company. They really want us to stay and be successful.”

Cooney said he attributes the theater’s ability to keep ticket prices down while still putting on quality shows as a main draw for patrons.

“We’re small but mighty,” he said. “Most theaters operate on a budget that is 70 percent fundraising and 30 percent ticket sales, and we’re able to operate with a budget that is 90 percent sales.

“Some theaters are constantly coming back to their patrons and asking for more money, and eventually, that doesn’t become self-sustaining,” Cooney said.

“We’re not interested in being a strain on the community," he said. "We will continue to keep the quality of shows up so our revenue increases. We never want to be taking more from the community than what we’re giving.”

Cooney said that when the theater first announced its “roots” fundraiser at the beginning of the year, audiences clapped in support.

“It almost brings tears to my eyes to see how much Dexter wants us to succeed,” he said.

Once the Encore purchases the building, management will begin looking at ways to improve sound, lighting, the lobby area, seating, restrooms and a host of other upgrades to improve the audience’s experience. Cooney said any upgrades would be based on a 20-year plan, would be phased in over time and would be based on audience feedback.

“We want to do what we’re doing now but with just a little more advanced technically,” Cooney said. “Our goal is to keep the foot traffic high, keep the shops filled and keep people talking about what’s happening in Dexter. I believe by positioning ourselves to offer higher-quality shows, we will grow together with the community.”

Addressing concerns about the building’s other tenant, a branch of the Washtenaw Intermediate School District, Cooney said the Encore has no intention of evicting the school.

“We’ll sit down and talk with them and negotiate their needs,” he said. “They will become our tenants, and we’ll work with them.”

For information about the Encore’s “roots” project or to make a donation, call 734-268-6200. Donations may be sent to The Encore Musical Theatre Company, 3126 Broad St., Suite A, Dexter, MI 48130.