Article by Christopher Cichorek/Photos by MaryAnn Ketcham

Fort Pierce – On Wednesday, February 5, 2025, the Sunrise Theatre Foundation, along with the Sunrise Theatre staff and volunteers, City of Fort Pierce officials, and sponsors attended a dedication ceremony for two major projects sponsored and funded by the Sunrise Theatre Foundation.

What started as an idea from volunteer usher and unofficial Sunrise Theatre historian, Tony Lella, has become a reality, thanks to the Sunrise Theatre Foundation and its many friends and donors. The lobby staircase now has additional handrails to assist patrons' entrance into the main theater. He presented his idea of adding additional handrails to both the Sunrise Theatre Advisory Board and the Sunrise Theatre Foundation as a safety measure that was needed. The Foundation listened and responded to the call, deciding to take this on as their first capital project to enhance the Theatre’s infrastructure.

Code named “Stairway to Heaven”, The Foundation wished to honor past Executive Director of the Theatre, John Wilkes. Fundraising activities commenced quickly with the participation of many long-term theatre supporters like Donna Regan and the Wilkes family, the project really took off. In the Fall of 2023, the Foundation had reached its financial goal to complete the project under the direction of the Theatre’s Technical Director, Holland Ryan.
Acting Director of the Theatre, Marisa Quijano said: “The handrails came out great. They look like they’ve been there all along.”

The evolution of technology has profoundly transformed the performing arts landscape, making it crucial for venues like the Sunrise Theatre to stay ahead of the curve. Today's performances are not just about the music or the acting; they are immersive experiences that incorporate stunning visuals, graphics, and videos that elevate the audience's engagement. As artists seek to deliver unforgettable performances, they demand high-definition video projectors to enhance their shows.

Unfortunately, the Sunrise Theatre has been relying on outdated projection technology, which falls short of these expectations. This gap forces the Theatre to incur substantial costs by renting high-definition equipment at $7,000 per show, a financial burden that impacts the Theatre’s ability to provide quality live arts events. By investing in state-of-the-art video projectors, the Theatre can attract top-tier talent, enrich the performing arts experience for our community, and ensure that every show is a memorable event while reducing operating expenses by about $100,000 annually.

Thanks to the incredible support from our community, highlighted by several successful fundraising events and a generous seed donation from the Michael Brown Family, the Foundation was able to procure a state-of-the-art Vivitek Laser Projector for the Theatre's use. This significant upgrade promises to enhance the performing arts experience for the Theatre’s patrons, bringing a new level of vibrancy and clarity to our productions. It represents not only a commitment to improving our facilities but also aligns perfectly with the Foundation's mission to foster accessibility and arts education within the Treasure Coast community.
Our innovative collaboration with Technical Director Holland Ryan, has led to the successful acquisition of a cutting-edge digital projector from Illuminate Production Services, a local gem here in Fort Pierce, FL. This high-tech marvel, first showcased during the unforgettable performance by the legendary Beach Boys, promises to elevate the quality of our productions and enrich the cultural experiences, all while saving tens of thousands of dollars in rental fees each year! These savings will not only help the Theatre to reach its financial goals but also pave the way for our next ambitious project: replacing the outside marquee with stunning high-definition digital screens that will keep our community informed about upcoming events.
For more information on the Foundation please visit their website www.sunrisetheatrefoundation.com.
Contact - Christopher J Cichorek 772-200-4766