The Colonial Theatre in Laconia, New Hampshire, is undergoing a transformation with a fresh team at the helm. Spectacle Live, the management company behind the theater's revival, has recently welcomed several new hires, each bringing unique skills and a passion for the entertainment industry. Among them are Nicole Ferland-Kemper, Laura Riggle, and Kristen Mansur, who are not only excited about their roles but also eager to engage with the local community and showcase the theater's rich history.
A New Era for the Colonial Theatre
The Colonial Theatre, a beloved landmark in the Lakes Region, has a long and fascinating history. Its recent restoration and reopening in 2021 have breathed new life into the venue, and now, with a dedicated team, the theater is poised to become a vibrant hub for the community.
Meet the New Team
Nicole Ferland-Kemper, the new Manager of Theater Operations, brings a wealth of experience in business ownership and event management. Her journey from running a successful greeting card business to managing weddings at the Common Man has equipped her with the skills needed to oversee the day-to-day operations of the Colonial Theatre. Ferland-Kemper's enthusiasm for the role is evident as she speaks about the synergy between her past experiences and her new position.
Laura Riggle, the Social Media and Press Coordinator, is a recent graduate with a dream of working in the entertainment industry. Her role involves managing Spectacle's social media presence and creating engaging content. Riggle's excitement about the opportunity to film content showcases her passion and creativity.
Kristen Mansur, the Senior Marketing Manager, has joined the team with a goal to build narratives and stories around the venues Spectacle manages. With a background in live events, Mansur understands the importance of collaboration and the unique challenges and excitement of working in the entertainment industry.
Community Collaboration
One of the key focuses for the new team is engaging with the local community. Ferland-Kemper, in particular, wants to ensure the theater is not just a venue for large touring acts but also a space for community-based events. The recent collaboration with the local library is a testament to this vision, and the team aims to continue involving themselves in community events like Concerts on Canal.
The City of Laconia's recent ownership of the building and its commitment to maintaining the theater's infrastructure is a positive step towards this community-centric vision. Ferland-Kemper highlights the collaborative spirit between the city and Spectacle, which bodes well for the theater's future.
Preserving Historic Charm
While the new team is focused on engaging the community and creating unique experiences, they also appreciate the theater's historic charm. Ferland-Kemper, a native of the Lakes Region, has fond memories of the Colonial Theatre from her childhood. The fire curtain, with its hand-painted Venetian scene, is a particular highlight, dating back to the theater's opening in 1914. The renovation has preserved these historic elements, and Ferland-Kemper is in awe of the theater's beauty and versatility.
A Bright Future
The Colonial Theatre, with its new team, is set to become a vibrant cultural hub for the community. The combination of the team's passion, experience, and dedication to preserving the theater's history ensures a bright future. As the team settles into their roles, they will continue to collaborate, innovate, and engage with the community, creating memorable experiences and building a strong narrative around the theater and its rich history.
Personally, I think the Colonial Theatre's story is a fascinating one, and I'm excited to see how this new team will shape its future. It's a great example of how a dedicated group of individuals can breathe new life into a historic venue and create a lasting impact on their community.
