By TR Robertson
Tuesday was a special day for Oceanside’s Sunshine Brooks Theatre as a large crowd took part in being a part of the Red Ribbon Ceremony marking the near completion of Phase 1 of the popular theatre’s Revitalization Project. Beginning last December, the theatre began Phase 1 of the $2.2 million Brooks Capital Campaign program, representing the largest investment in the historic theatre in decades. Phase 1 included expanding restroom capacity from two restrooms to six all-gender restrooms, installing a modern HVAC air system for improved climate control, creating a more open and accessible lobby, enhancing the concessions area, upgrading Studio 219 and improving public gathering spaces, all while preserving the building’s historic character.
The 90-year-old Sunshine Brooks Theater opened in 1936 as a motion picture theater, first known as the Rancho Santa Margarita Theater.
Over the years, it changed to the Margo Theater, then the Towne Theater, and finally the Sunshine Brooks Theater in 1993, when the City of Oceanside obtained it from Hattie Hazel “Sunshine” Brooks. The City of Oceanside Community Development Commission voted to acquire the theatre. The Pacific Coast Players staged the first live performance on stage on March 18, 1995, staging “Comedy Under Construction”.
The ceremony began with John McCoy, President of the OTC Board of Directors, welcoming those in attendance and talking about the importance of the projects OTC has begun. He introduced a number of dignitaries in attendance, then introduced Sunny Soto-Briscoe, a Luiseno descendant. Sunny explained the purpose of what she would be doing and the connection of the Luiseno tribe to this area. After the Blessing of the Land, John introduced Leann Garms, Vice President of the OTC Board of Directors. Leann also spoke about the importance of what OTC is doing and their relationship with the City of Oceanside. She said Oceanside citizens and City Hall represent a community that recognizes that art, history, and culture matter. She said that beginning Phase 1 was a challenge and the staff and performers should be applauded as they continued to present programs and plays working around the obstacles the construction involved.
Leann introduced County of San Diego Supervisor Jim Desmond, District 5, who spoke about how theatre is “near and dear to his heart” while growing up, and he is glad they were able to provide some investment grants to assist with the project. Following Jim was Esther Sanchez, Mayor of Oceanside. Mayor Sanchez said she is blessed to have grown up in Oceanside and has fond memories of the early days of this historic theatre. She said the theatre was the heart and soul of early Oceanside, along with other iconic places like the California Surf Museum, the Oceanside Library and many more Oceanside areas. The Mayor also said many of these had gone through tough times and with the help of citizens they have all been able to thrive and succeed. Leann next recognized the partners, donors and supporters who have contributed so much to OTC.
Next on the program were Kevin “Bax” Burroughs, OTC Artistic Director and Michelle Jimmink, OTC Director of Operations. “Bax” also spoke about the performers and technical people who kept theatre going during the Phase 1 construction. Michelle spoke about the importance of young people getting involved in the theatre and the various camps and programs available for young people, including the newest camp that has 73 students involved. They both then introduced some of the members of the most recent summer program, allowing them to talk about what they liked best about the program and a memory they had from their experience in the most recent Youth Theatre performance of “The “SpongeBob Musical – Youth Edition”. Following this was a short song from the musical, performed by three members of the cast.
Jacqueline Rossow, President of Jacqueline Rossow Associates, spoke about their involvement, followed by the founders of the Oceanside Theatre Company and Co-Chairs of the Revitalize the Brooks Campaign Committee, Christopher and Tracy Williams. Chris and Tracy spoke enthusiastically about why they started the OTC and how important this is to the Oceanside community. Tracy said, “theatre matters and it is our job to support it”.
Following this, Jim Desmond and Esther Sanchez were asked to take part in the Red Ribbon Cutting ceremony and then everyone was invited to walk through the lobby area and the hallway leading to the new restrooms. OTC is known for the artwork hanging on the walls that is related to some of the performances for their season and they plan on continuing to do this once all projects for the lobby and concession area are completed.
Phase 1 still has a little to finish before it is wrapped up. This includes the completion of the concession stand area in the lobby and cutting an additional passageway next to the box office that will allow patrons to have a second entrance into Studio 219. They are also trying to raise funds to build some storage areas right across from the new restrooms. Phase 2 is not ready to start yet but will include the outside façade facing Coast Highway, remodeling the box office and possible improvements to the stage area and backstage area.
For more information or to find out how you can donate or become involved, go to www.oceansidetheatre.org or call 760-433-8900.
