SPIRIT LAKE, Iowa – Okoboji Summer Theatre (OST), owned and operated by Stephens College, recently held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for its newly built Joan Bing Kirke ’63 Rehearsal Hall and renovated Weaver Patio, both of which were funded last year by gifts in celebration of OST’s 50th anniversary. A dedication ceremony for both projects, as well as the Theatre’s recently renovated Frances Shloss Green Room, is scheduled for Friday, July 25, 2008. All renovations were funded by donations totaling more than $650,000.

“Sometimes dreams come true...and sometimes what you are given surpasses what you could have ever imagined. That is the case with these renovations, which make our lives and our art so much easier,” says Artistic Director Beth Leonard, who also serves as Dean of the School of Performing Arts at Stephens College during the academic year. “Everyone who has ever worked at this summer theatre owes a tremendous debt of gratitude to our supporters.”

The Joan Bing Kirke ’63 Rehearsal Hall, a $500,000 building that has been under construction since last fall, will be used for professional actors and students. The new facility, featuring dressing rooms, dedicated rehearsal space and a storm shelter, was made possible by Des Moines resident and Stephens graduate Joan Bing Kirke and her husband, Gary. Anne Thorne Weaver, a long-time resident of Okoboji and Omaha, gave $85,000 for the much-needed upgrade to the Theatre’s front patio, named in her honor. Upgrades include a new exterior front on the theatre reminiscent of the airplane hangar that once occupied the building; a new concessions stand; and planter boxes that double as seating for patrons.

Renovations to the Green Room, used by actors to rehearse during the day and relax when not on stage, were made possible by Frances Shloss of Okoboji and Beverly Hills, Calif. Her father was one of the original 10 businessmen who purchased the airplane hangar decades ago to convert it into a summer theatre.

In its 51st season, OST is currently performing the musical “The 1940s Radio Hour” through July 20. For more information about this play and others, contact the OST Box Office at (712) 332-7773 or visit www.okobojisummertheatre.org.

Stephens College, located in Columbia, Mo., is historically committed to meeting the changing needs of women. Stephens engages students in an innovative educational experience focused on pre-professional fields and the performing arts, and grounded in the liberal arts. Stephens is celebrating its 175th anniversary in 2008.

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