A theater I was involved with years ago had a similar situation and did something to turn it to their advantage.

 

They removed the theater seats and curtains before the wrecking crew arrived and sold them off.  The public could bid (donate) money towards having an actual memento of the theater in their own home.

 

Seats were sold for anywhere from $25 - $50 depending on their condition and configuratoin (some had only one arm, some had two, and some were welded together as pairs).  A large block of the better seats was bought by an out-of-town theater that was just starting out.  Many individuals bought one or two theater seats to keep them in their TV rooms or basement rec rooms as conversation pieces (or sometimes actual seating -- if they're still in usuable condition).

 

The old, worn-out front curtain was cut into 1-foot squares and sold in pieces (like the Berlin Wall) for about $5.00 a pop.  (I believe the teasers, tormentors and legs were salvaged and re-used -- a theater can never have too many of these versatile black curtains.)

 

Needless to say, this became a fantastic fund-raiser for the new theater, raising several thousands of dollars on stuff that would've just taken up space in a landfill somewhere. 

 

And both long-time audience members and long-time volunteers got to take home a keepsake of a place for which they had fond memories.

 

 

Just a little while ago, we moved into a state-of-art complex with tons of space, technical marvels, and an actual flyspace.  The old tin roofed building that held decades of memories was converted into a community pottery shop and gutted to accommodate that.

 

I was fortunate enough to be part of the final cast and did take the occasion to sit onstage after all had left and "let the ghosts speak." Of course, I like to do that from time to time after a show or production anyway (especially as a director).

 

The final time in the old house was special though.  I keep hoping enough of the "ghosts" have relocated to the new place, though, cuz they are certainly welcome.

Best of luck in the new space. Before you know it you will be asking yourself how you ever made the old one work so well.

DWolfman, I am a SM but I spend a few moments before and after each show letting the ghost speak to me. Helps me unwind and also conects me to the space.

http://www.thestranger.com/seattle/Content?oid=503829 - http://www.thestranger.com/seattle/Content?oid=503829

 We've been in the new space for about a week. It's been rough trying to learn all the new equipment, tech the kids how to use it and get ready for a show this weekend all with construction workers still running all over finishing up.

 Still very exciting to be the first in the space and find out all it's quirks.

Our carpet ended up being tacky 80's movie theater. (black with multi colored circles all over it.) Maybe I should take some good pics and post them for you all to see

So to recap, red (wine) walls,  light green seats and well that carpet...oh yes and the Grand drape is a similar red as the walls. Somehow it comes together, still not sure how though...or maybe I've just already blocked it out in the rush to get ready for opening night Friday.