Executive producer Linda Hale said the increased classroom and rehearsal space will dramatically improve the situations. "As you know, we have outgrown our theater. We have had to schedule like crazy to fit in recitals and showcases for parents and friends. Ryan Radebaugh (who is the theater school director) and I have many more fun classes that we will offer as soon as we have the space," said Hale.

The new building will also have a costume rental shop with a storefront on the main level. Currently Archive Costumes — which supplies the show costumes as well as offering a large inventory of costumes for rent to the public — is shoehorned into the facility basement.

In May the privately owned theater became part of the Hale Center Foundation for the Arts and Education, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, and is asking for community help in raising money to pay for the new building.

"We are currently friend-raising as well as fund-raising and invite everyone to help us, as best they can, to reach our organizational, programmatic, educational and financial goals," said Jim Murphy, chairman of the foundation's board.

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E-mail: haddoc@desnews.com