The LSSU Elders met to discuss the Soo Theatre Project, Inc. on Wednesday, February 14, 2007.  Tom Ewing, general manager of WSOO and Colleen Arbic, Vice President of the Soo Theatre Project. Inc, led the discussion. 
Ewing spoke first, briefly describing the Project and some of the people involved. He then showed a moving PowerPoint presentation, chronicling the history of the building, from its opening in 1930 to the restoration efforts and shows that have been performed in the theatre. After the presentation, Colleen Arbic discussed the future plans of the restoration project.  The biggest issue currently is that the building complex needs a heating system, which will cost upwards of $250,000.  The theatre received a very generous donation from Mackinaw Crossings Theatre in the form of over 800 seats, lighting and sound systems, sets, costumes, props and pretty much everything a theatre could need.  The STARS program  Soo Theatre Arts Resource Studios  which provides dance, voice, instrument, and visual arts lessons to over 300 community members was also discussed.  
Arbic and Ewing said that they appreciate the support from the university and hope to see the relationship grow even more, as children experience dance and theatre at the community level and then grow up to attend Lake State.  For more information, call (906) 632-1930, email them at sootheatre@lighthouse.net or go to their website: www.sootheatre.org. 
