Masque theater relocates to a new home

Ruth Kegel wants the public to know Masque Community Theatre is alive and well.

First and foremost, as president of the nonprofit organization Kegel is out to squelch the rumor that Masque permanently disbanded last August when its home of six years at 8825 N. 56th St. was shuttered to make way for the city's downtown redevelopment project.

She also wants it known that, contrary to comments she recently heard, Masque will not be moving into the soon-to-be completed building on the property it once occupied.

Instead, she wants to get the word out that Masque has relocated to 8917 N. 56th St., in what used to be Publix.

The 2,200-square-foot facility, which has served as Masque's rehearsal and storage site since fall 2010, recently was transformed into a black box theater with a 15-by-12-foot stage and seating for up to 65 people.

The space is provided rent-free by property owner Vlass Temple Terrace LLC, the master developer of the redevelopment project. And Masque officials hope they will be able to call the space home for at least 18 months.

Prior to tearing down walls to increase seating capacity, painting and installing the stage and theater lights, Masque had to rent other venues for its productions, which proved costly..

Kegel credits Masque vice president Lee Virgillio, treasurer Charlie Strange and executive producer Joe Thomas with initiating the idea, devising a plan and devoting numerous hours toward transforming the space.

Vince Kegel, Spence Gabriel and youth actors Alex Cheine and Devin White also contributed to the effort.

"They took their idea and went with it," Ruth Kegel said. "It's great because even in this economy we'll still have a dollar at the end of the day."

Strange said he was motivated by the difficulty in finding places to rent for performances and the expense.

"The cost was just something we couldn't afford," he said. "And the good news is that it didn't take any substantial dollars to do this."

"We've all got skill sets that helped make it work," Virgillio said.

Ultimately, Masque has visions of hosting productions in the arts and education center planned for the redevelopment area.

To celebrate its 25th anniversary, Masque is gearing up for its first in-house production of "Closer than Ever," set to debut April 29. The show was scheduled to run in February but was delayed because several cast members were ill.

The space also will be available for rent. Call Virgillio at (813) 767-6849 for details.

Visit www.masquetheatre.net for information about upcoming performances and other Masque happenings.

(813) 731-8026