On December 31, 2003, the Emporia Granada Theatre Alliance successfully completed the 3-year $2.6 million “Granada Theatre Community Keystone Capital Campaign.” This was a campaign to renovate and operate the historic Granada Theatre as a versatile, aesthetically pleasing facility for the community and region.
To ensure that the Granada is a successful business enterprise well into the future, the Alliance has stressed flexibility and functionality in it’s interior design planning. The key element in that process has been the decision to construct a series of elevated concrete platforms, or terraces, into the main auditorium floor. This will allow us to provide seating at tables for dinner theatre productions, wedding receptions, rehearsal dinners and family reunions, as well as business meetings and conferences. If a traditional seating style is desired for a concert or theatrical performance, the same chairs can be “ganged” or joined together on the terraces to create rows. The balcony will have 419 permanently installed chairs on the existing balcony risers.
Theatre Style seating on the main floor will allow 399 people to see the stage performance or program. Combined with balcony seating, 818 individuals may view the stage. This arrangement may be used for theatre performances, concerts, film screenings, holiday programs, town hall meetings, and recitals. Conference Style seating will provide 136 seats for business meetings and conferences with tables being set up parallel to the stage with chairs on one side facing the speaker. This arrangement may be used for seminars, symposiums, workshops, guest speakers, conferences, and meetings. Banquet Style will provide 224 seats at tables set up perpendicular to the stage with chairs on both sides of the tables. This arrangement may be used for dinner theatre, rehearsal dinners, wedding receptions, parties, and reunions.
Goals of the
Emporia Granada Theatre Alliance, Inc.
- Develop the Granada Theatre into a community keystone serving a variety of needs related to tourism, arts, business, meeting space and education.
- Bring people and revenue into the community, specifically the downtown area.
- Enrich the quality of life for families and children in East Central Kansas.
- Preserve one of Emporia’s historically significant landmarks while making it a viable and meaningful part of each new generation.