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From The Back Burner to the Big Screen: A Historic Theater’s Rebirth
After a successful detour into directing and producing in the vibrant world of theater, Sarah Hockman found her long-held dream reignited. The call came from the owner of a beloved,yet dormant,cinema – a signal that the property was finally ready for a new chapter. Hockman seized the opportunity, acquiring the historic Beach Theater in 2024 for a cool million dollars.
Upon taking possession, Hockman and her family unearthed a treasure trove of the theater’s past. Tucked away within its walls where vintage movie posters and the original, iconic red marquee letters. While some of the posters were generously donated, the theater’s massive, hundreds-of-pounds projector found a new home at the state theater in Plant City, where it has been lovingly restored.
The beach Theatre, a grand dame of 85 years, had languished in abandonment for approximately 13 years, a period that left it in dire need of a comprehensive overhaul. “We have changed quite literally everything in the space,” Hockman explained. “It’s an 85-year-old building, and 85 years ago, it wasn’t exactly meant for modern-day life.” The extensive renovations included a complete gutting and rebuilding of the foundation,a new roof,and entirely updated electrical,plumbing,and mechanical systems. “Literally everything in here is new except for the exterior, which we just put some paint on, freshen it up, put the marquee back up,” she added.
However, the path to revival was far from smooth. The 26-year-old entrepreneur faced a relentless barrage of natural disasters. The very first day of renovations was met with hurricane Debby.This was swiftly followed by Hurricanes Helene and Milton. The foundation had just been ripped up when Helene made landfall, unleashing six feet of water that flooded the theater. In a twist of fate,Milton’s powerful winds blew out the back wall,inadvertently providing crucial ventilation. “You know, when you get three hurricanes in a month and a half, you have to find the silver lining,” Hockman remarked with a wry smile.
Hockman is optimistic that the reopening of The Beach Theatre will serve as a catalyst for renewed activity in the surrounding community, notably for businesses that have been struggling in the wake of the recent hurricanes.
The grand reopening kicks off on Friday at 7 p.m. with a sold-out show. The evening will commence with 30 minutes of live music from a local artist, followed by the premiere of “A New Wave: Revival of Beach theatre,” a 40-minute documentary produced by Lunar Speedboat Productions, chronicling the theater’s remarkable change.
Additional showings are scheduled for Saturday, with single showings on Sunday and Monday.Tickets can be secured through the theater’s official website.
Source: This story was compiled by FOX 13’s Kailey Tracy, drawing details directly from the owner of the Beach Theatre.
tags: St. Petersburg, Entertainment
