Buskirk-Chumley Theater opens doors for free use

The Buskirk-Chumley Theater will open its doors to several winning grant applicants, providing full use of the stage for one day free of charge.

An informal meeting on Monday explained the application process to interested local applicants, who have until Nov. 13 to apply for a 2010 spot.

Applicants must be within the city limits of Bloomington, thus eliminating applicants from the surrounding areas such as Brown County.

The grant, which is sponsored by the city of Bloomington’s Department of Parks and Recreation and the Bloomington Entertainment and Arts District, is open to public, as well as private events.

Miah Michaelson is the assistant director of Cultural and Arts Development within the city of Bloomington’s Department of Economic and Sustainable Development and called the application “highly competitive.”

She noted that out of 28 applicants last year, only eight made the cut and were allowed use of the theater.

Michaelson said the number of slots available is not expected to change much this year.

Grant applicants undergo a rigorous approval process, during which they are reviewed by a committee.

They are judged on community benefit, the appropriateness of the event for the venue and the feasibility of the project, as well as the financial impact and any cooperation that the project might have with other local organizations.

“The goal is to provide low-cost access to the theater,” Michaelson said.

Last year’s winners were a mix of art organizations, service organizations and individual artists. They included Dancing with the Celebrities, Dark Carnival Film Festival, an event from the Monroe County Public Library and a songwriter showcase.

Michaelson said the most popular of last year’s events was Dancing with the Celebrities.

“We’re not necessarily looking for events that will sell out,” Michaelson said, and added that they looked for applicants who “use the facility to its fullest extent.”

Meeting attendee Joshua Hogan said he is hoping to gain use of the theater.

“I’m hoping to host a benefit for the Boys and Girls Club,” he said.

Bloomington resident Melissa McReynolds said she aims to use the theater to “hold a CD release event for a local singer-songwriter.”

She said the grant was a great opportunity and called the theater “a beautiful space for events of artistic value.”