To Help “Polish the Jewel of Joliet”
Contact the development department at:
Sign up and Donate today!
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“The Rialto personifies our city and is what separates Joliet from other communities. We
have visited the Palace of Versailles, and it holds nothing over our Rialto. We feel that it’s
time to give something back to the Rialto.”
— James V. & Janice E. Smith |
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“The Rialto is a ‘Jewel’ - a beautiful, historic theatre offering cultural and entertainment
experiences for the children and adults in Will and surrounding counties.”
—Val & Bobbie Rand |
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“Our Rialto wedding was a fairy tale. People still say it was the most romantic wedding in
the most beautiful setting. The Rialto is a place like nowhere else; we must make sure it
never goes away.”
—Scott & Roxanne Slocum |
Here is your chance to be an integral part of a restoring a community icon. Make your mark in history by supporting the Rialto Square Theatre today. Contact Tina Postel, Director of Development for more information on the Campaign to Polish the Jewel of Joliet. 815.726.7171, ext. 206.
The campaign to “Polish the Jewel of Joliet” is designed to address the needed
repairs to restore the glamour, beauty and comfort of this magnificent structure for
audiences and artists alike. Refurbishing the historic Rialto Square Theatre to pristine
condition will help to ensure that this 80-year-old venue will continue to serve
and delight the community for many years to come.
Primary Goal:
Refurbish the Rialto-
$4 Million
Webster’s Dictionary defines the word refurbish
to mean…“to freshen or polish up again”.This word perfectly describes what this campaign
is designed to accomplish. Since the
Rialto’s last renovation in 1981, over three million
people have come to the theatre for performances,
tours, rehearsals and private parties.
The wear and tear to the theatre’s public
areas which resulted from these visitors is the
primary reason we are appealing to you to help
raise the money needed to address these important
issues.
Funds Raised Will Be Used to Refurbish
the Following:
- The marquee and vertical sign need repairs.
- Windows need to be replaced with energy
efficient windows.
- Theatre doors need to be replaced.
- Stage improvements such as modern dressing
rooms, an
enhanced audio system and a new
piano are needed.
- The backstage space needs to be expanded to
accommodate
the new “large shows” that come
to the Rialto.
- The internal mechanisms of the Barton
Grande Theatre
Pipe Organ need upgrading
and replacement.
- The theatre auditorium, rotunda and lobby
are in need of refurbishing.
Ornamental plasterwork
needs
repairing,
scagliola on the columns and
walls requires restoration.
New lounge furniture is
needed.
- Carpeting and curtains
have far surpassed their life
expectancy.
- The mirrors of the
Esplanade, designed after
the Hall of Mirrors in the
Palace of Versailles, will be
restored so the beauty of the
architecture can be brilliantly
reflected.
Secondary Goal:
Major Endowment Fund
Interest income from a $1,000,000 endowment
(conservatively estimated at 5% annual
interest) would provide a subsidy whereby
we could offer more competitive guaranteed
performance fees with some protection from
losses. The interest income from the endowment
would allow us to absorb unexpected
losses, under-performing ticket sales or offer
a more competitive guaranteed fee in order to
attract the level of artists the public has come
to expect at the Rialto.
Escalating artist fees, production expenses and
marketing costs will continue to make it more
challenging to be successful at the box office.
The major endowment can provide an important
foundation, for many years to come, in our
efforts to bring the finest entertainment events
to the Rialto.
The Rialto remains a cultural treasure which
contributes to the quality of life for residents
of so many local communities. But what about
tomorrow? Whether your commitment is for
refurbishing the theatre or expanding the
endowment, you can help insure that the glorious
tradition of the Rialto continues for years
to come. Please consider how you can make a
difference just like those who answered the
question “If not us...who?”
The majestic Rialto SquareTheatre is your
theatre. It is your children’s theatre and a cultural
institution that must be preserved for
generations to come.
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