Provocative comedy, collaborative hard work, and a renovated venue proved a successful combination as Solvang Theaterfest and the Rotary Club of Solvang joined forces to produce a live onstage show featuring comedian Brian Regan in the rebuilt Solvang Festival Theater.
Solvang Theaterfest and Rotary Club of Solvang split the proceeds from the sold-out show, and Rotary used part of its funds to donate $5,000 to Theaterfest’s Imagine! Building the Future Capital Campaign, which funded the recently completed $5.3 million renovation project.
“Thanks so much to the Theaterfest staff and board of directors who green-lighted this first ever comedy show at the theater,” said Allan Jones, event chair for Rotary Club of Solvang. “We had great support from local business sponsors and fans from all over the Central Coast which made for a truly special evening that exceeded our fund-raising goals.”
In addition to the Theaterfest donation, the event enabled Rotary Club of Solvang to fund local projects, such as Sunnyfields Park; international projects like eradicating polio and providing fresh water; and local student scholarships, senior services, and local nonprofits.
The theater’s rebuilding project, which started construction in September 2021 and concluded in July 2022, ensures structural integrity, safety and accessibility with new electrical and technical capabilities, enhancing lighting and sound.
Overall, the design improves audience experience and comfort with its higher wall, acoustical improvements, and new seating; making it one of Santa Barbara County’s most attractive and up-to-date outdoor theaters.
“It was a pleasure to work in tandem with Theaterfest to bring such a quality performance to the Santa Ynez Valley,” said Jones. “It is said that laughter is the best medicine. Everyone said they felt better after the show. We hope to bring Brian Regan back next year for an encore and provide another health service to our community.”
For more, contact Scott Coe, Solvang Theaterfest executive director at exec.director@solvangtheaterfest.org, or call 805-588-4112. Learn more about the capital campaign at https://solvangtheaterfest.org/campaign.php.