CENTERVILLE—It was in 1989 that six people put their noses against an old fabric store window in a strip mall on Pages Lane and had a conversation about turning it into a theater. Those six people, Ralph and Joan Rogers, Margo and Dave Beecher and Beverly Olsen, founded the Pages Lane Theater that opened in 1990. Six years later it was renamed the Rogers Memorial Theater in honor of Ralph and then in 2011 became the CenterPoint Theatre.

As part of the 35th anniversary, Executive Director, Danny Inkley, announced recently a 15-year partnership between the theater and Mountain America Credit Union. 

“This marks a significant day in the history of CenterPoint Theatre,” said Inkley. “We’re so happy to announce the partnership. The centerpiece of this partnership is the naming of this stage as the Mountain America Main Stage at CenterPoint Theatre.”

Stakeholders gather to anounce the partnership between CenterPoint Theatre and Mountain America Credit Union. (L to R) Nathan Anderson, MACU COO, James Ahlstrom, CPT Board Chair, Scott Burt, MACU Board Chair, Danny Inkley, CPT Executive Director and Sterling Nielsen, MACU CEO & President. Photo courtesy of CPT

 It’s an honor to collaborate with an organization like Mountain America, he said. “They’ve shown such support for the arts, for education and for the quality of life in the community. It’s really a feather in the cap of all the people that have contributed to make CenterPoint all that it is.”

CenterPoint’s mission is to tell the stories that connect everyone, said Inkley. “If you think about your life, the things you’ve learned, the things that stick with you are the stories. Our job is to tell the best stories we can in the best ways.”

“Danny has a unique energy and vision and is an instrumental part of this partnership,” said James Ahlstrom, CenterPoint Board Chair. “That’s what really makes a community are those connections.”

Some people may say “Why the arts? Why spend money there?” he said. “It’s the life blood of the community. August Wilson said, ‘Community theater doesn’t just create a space for performance – it builds bonds, fosters community and supports the very fabric of a community.’”

“We’re very honored at Mountain America to be part of this partnership and to be part of CenterPoint,” said Mountain America Board Chair, Scott Burt. “The level of partnership we’re able to do here will really make a difference. We want to enrich lives.There’s much more to our lives than just our finances.”

Sometimes it’s nice to get away, he said. “We need a break to be uplifted and that’s what a theater is all about. So with these funds we’ll be able to enhance what a theater does.”

CenterPoint has been a vital part of the community for over three years, Burt said. “We love what CenterPoint has become. It’s a shining jewel that’s loved by the community. It makes a difference in people’s lives. Not only those who attend, but those who perform and share their talent. Together we are more.”

“Partnerships like this allow us to do such great things,” said Inkley. “We do it because we love it.”

Inkley said they have plans for several significant upgrades. “There will be an upgrade to a hospitality area on the second level. The lobby will get a makeover with new furniture, etc. We’ll make sound upgrades on the Main Stage and there will be significant changes to our second stage as well.”

The second stage will get expanded seating, he said. “We’ll be putting in some permanent seating, tech upgrades like lighting and sound. All the investments we’re making are the foundation of CenterPoint. This capital investment will allow us to reach more and more people and tell really, really cool stories in cool ways.”