CLEARFIELD – The Clearfield Arts Studio Theatre, Inc. (CAST) has announced that it has entered into a sales agreement with the Members of Temple Beth Shalom to purchase Temple Beth Shalom located next door to CAST.
According to CAST Board of Directors President John McBride, the attorney for the Members of The Temple recently contacted CAST Executive Director Ruth Loffredi, asking if CAST would be interested in purchasing the Temple.
“Buying the Temple has long been a dream of ours,” said Ruth Loffredi. It’s a wonderful building and will allow us to offer so much more to the people of Clearfield and the surrounding area.
The Temple, which is actually attached to the CAST Building, has a nice amount of room on the first floor which can be used for many community activities and classes, workshops, rehearsals, showing old movies, smaller performance events, etc. and will be available to local organizations and groups for meetings for a small fee during those hours CAST is not using it.
The second floor, which is currently the worship area, will be the setting for more reserved activities such as church groups, lectures, awards ceremonies, meetings, poetry readings, book reviews and music recitals.
“The possibilities are endless,” continued Ruth Loffredi. “And we’re conveniently located right in downtown Clearfield where we should be as Clearfield County’s Center for The Arts.”
CAST, a non-profit organization, has set a goal of $65,000 for this project expansion which includes the purchase of the building and necessary renovations.
The campaign to secure funding for the building purchase is under way. Those who wish to contribute to the fund drive immediately can send their checks to The CAST Temple Fund, P O Box 613, Clearfield PA 16830. CAST representatives will also be contacting businesses and individuals who might be interested in contributing to the campaign.
Any contributions in any amount will be greatly appreciated and the names of all contributors, regardless of the amount, will be listed in a special book that will be displayed in the Blue Room at CAST.
Gifts by businesses, families or individuals (including gifts made in memory of someone) in any of the following categories will give donors the opportunity to make a lasting imprint on the future of the cultural arts, and more particularly live theatre, in Clearfield and the surrounding area and will be listed by contribution category on a plaque that will be displayed on the wall of the CAST lobby:
Those who give $5,000 or more – Platiunum
Those who give $3,000 or more – Gold
Those who give $1,000 or more – Silver
Those giving $500 or more – Bronze
CAST is a non-profit 501 (c) (3) organization so contributions are tax deductible.
CAST has been presenting live theatre productions since 1983. During those years they’ve also provided a venue for countless concerts, classes in the arts including music lessons, dance classes, art and creative writing classes, acting classes, mystery dinner theatres and a young peoples summer theatre workshop.
“This is a chance for area residents to make an investment in the future of Clearfield,” said CAST Managing Director Susan Loffredi, “It’s a very positive move for the downtown area and will help CAST to become even more of a bright light in downtown Clearfield.”
