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Proposed theater eyes historic Jacksonville courthouse Comment By Tony Boom for the Mail Tribune MailTribune.com By Tony Boom for the Mail Tribune Posted Jul. 17, 2015 at 3:06 PM By Tony Boom for the Mail Tribune Posted Jul. 17, 2015 at 3:06 PM » Social News JACKSONVILLE — Gavin Chalcraft has a dream location for a regional theater he wants to create featuring English and Irish plays — the historic Jackson County Courthouse now under restoration by the city. “The courthouse offers significantly more than the other spaces I have seen,” said Chalcraft. But he’s also aware City Council has yet to determine use of the second floor in the 1883 structure. City offices will be located on the first floor when work is finished. Chalcraft presented his vision for The Golden Ration Theatre Company at the council’s July 7 session. Council members will hold a study session on second-floor use in a September. They advised Chalcraft they have many steps to take before they might commit to having him — or some other use — occupy the space full time. “There are a lot of people who’ve got a lot of opinions about what the space should be,” said Chalcraft. Preliminary proposals suggested it might be used for a variety of public events. Chalcraft is attracted to the second floor because it has a 27-foot-high ceiling with no pillars, a drawback he’s seen elsewhere. Realtor Scott King with Merit Commercial Group suggested the courthouse and other venues. “Having an iconic building helps immensely,” said Chalcraft, who told councilors a permanent theater would bring economic benefit to the town. “My intention is to build a significant regional theater company,” said Chalcraft. “My vision is that it’s got to be about story and the mythological transformation of character.” Much of modern theater, and the arts, have gone the way of Hollywood, always looking to dazzle audiences with blockbusters and driven by profit at the expense of telling stories and presenting serious works, says Chalcraft. “I think it’s finding a balance,” said Chalcraft. “Plays that offer that transformative quality and still entertain.” Modern and classic English and Irish works would be featured, but there may also be Russian and European playwrights. Among authors on his three-page and growing list for production are George Bernard Shaw, Tom Stoppard, Samuel Beckett, D.H. Lawrence and Albert Camus. Chalcraft plans to mount five or six full productions a year. At other times the theater would offer readings of radio dramas, a medium that is still popular in Britain on BBC. Trained as an actor, Chalcraft had a corporate career in brand management and later set up his own consulting firm. In the late 1990s he turned to the arts and has worked in Hollywood screenwriting while also writing plays. He moved to the Rogue Valley last year and currently runs Golden Ratio Films. Two advisors are assisting. Robert Hastings of Talent is looking at management requirements and Richard Seidman of Ashland is consulting on grant writing and fundraising plans. Seidman has been a grant writer in Oregon since 1981. He has worked for ScienceWorks and Southern Oregon Historical Society locally. “He has the combination of the vision and meticulous attention to detail and implementation,” Seidman said of Chalcraft. The new venture would complement existing theaters large and small here, but have a unique niche, he said. Seed money is available to start the theater, said Chalcraft. Ongoing support would include ticket sales, corporate and brand sponsorships, workshops and grants. “I’m determined to open in the spring or summer of next year,” said Chalcraft, who added that several local spaces would be workable if he can’t be in the courthouse. Tony Boom is a freelance writer living in Ashland. Reach him at [email protected]. By Tony Boom for the Mail Tribune MailTribune.com By Tony Boom for the Mail Tribune Posted Jul. 17, 2015 at 3:06 PM » Comment or view comments Reader Reaction » STAY INFORMED Email NewsLetter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Southern Oregon Directory Featured Businesses Loading... 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