Vandal takes bat to Draper Historic Theatre

DRAPER — Volunteers are fighting to keep the curtains open on the nonprofit Draper Historic Theatre.

On Tuesday, the victim of a down economy suffered another blow. A masked vandal smashed all of the 72-year-old theater's windows.

"This couldn't come at a worse time, to be honest," said Michelle Rideout, the theater's executive producer who last month paid its electric bill out of her own pocket. "It's a very dire situation at the theater."

Sometime in the early hours Tuesday morning, video surveillance shows a person dressed in all black breaking out the glass windows and doors of the theater with a baseball bat.

Computers and a cash register weren't touched. Police say they believe the vandal just wanted to inflict damage on the theater. But the cost to replace the windows is estimated at more than $10,000, and the theater's insurance doesn't cover vandalism.

The depression-era theater has a rich history in Draper. First opened as "The Pearl" in 1938, World War II newsreels rotated on the screens and a bag of groceries was given away every Friday night.

It officially became a nonprofit theater in 1998. An average of five shows is produced a year, all on a volunteer basis, including the 200-300 area children who perform.

Listed on the Draper Historic Register, the theater is an important piece of the city's past, said Katie Shell, a member of the Draper Historic Preservation Committee.

"Preserving history and culture helps keep the character of a community," Shell said. "It reminds people of Draper's heritage. It tells a story."

But maintaining a theater — especially a historic one — during a recession is a tough battle. The vandalism Tuesday added to a list of things that need to be replaced or repaired — carpets, walls, now with broken glass burrowed into them.

Then there's the neon tubing outside, the seats, lights and sound system. Weeds need to be pulled and the exterior cleaned up.

A board member paid to repair a leaky roof; another bought the stage rights to the latest show.

For a cash-strapped theater still mourning the loss of longtime general manager Ray Jensen, it's been a depressing year. But volunteers are keeping an optimistic attitude.

"We love this little theater," Rideout said. "This theater is not a building; it's a second home for so many people."

Sales from the annual rummage sale will go toward the window repair. Theater volunteers also are asking for donations at drapertheatre.org or through an account at Zions Bank in Draper.

e-mail: astowell@desnews.com