While the future is bright at the Alhambra Theatre with the Pennyroyal Arts Council, that doesn’t mean they are without challenges, and Executive Director Margaret Prim highlighted their impact and their struggles with the Rotary Club of Hopkinsville on Tuesday.
People in Hopkinsville have grown up with the lights of the Alhambra Theatre on South Main Street, and many have performed on that stage or at least sat in on a performance, so there’s no doubt it has an impact on the people. Prim says that impact is more than just personal however, as they bring in roughly $2 million in economic impact, from ticket sales to tourism dollars, hotel booking and more.
That’s a boon to Hopkinsville, Prim says, and they remain driven to bring the arts to the city. While they’re squared away for this year’s programing, Prim says they’ll soon be facing some financial hurdles, with the loss of some key funding and sponsorships.
Prim says 22 percent of their funding comes from ticket sales, rentals are six percent, another 22 percent comes from sponsorships, and the rest of the funding is split between merchandise and concessions sales, support from county and city government and grant funding.
There’s been much to celebrate at the historic theater recently, including a full revamping and upgrading of their audio systems, creating a better sounding experience in the theater. Prim says they’re also looking into updating their website and improving their online presence, and they have a full line-up of shows set for the remainder of the year.
You can find a schedule of events and other up-to-date items with the Pennyroyal Arts Council on their Facebook page, or online at pennyroyalarts.org.