Tearing down walls at the Raven -- Literally!

Audiences won't see a difference, but anyone who performs on the or anyone who works backstage to support the shows, will see big differences from now on.

As I type this, Eddinger Enterprises is tearing down non-loadbearing walls and panels, and making way for a larger stage.

On one side of the stage, folks won't have to go down a half flight of stairs and then go back up another flight to get onstage -- it'll all be one level.

That means it will be SO much easier to get set pieces in and out of the theater and up onto the stage, people with physical handicaps will have easier access to the stage and backstage, and the many youngsters who take over the stage so often throughout the year can move around safely.

The tiny dressing area has been demolished and will likely be rebuilt after the stage work is completed, and the old, damaged movie screen has been removed, exposing bare walls that will be covered by curtains. (A new automated screen was purchased a year ago.)

This is just the first step an a series of upgrades over the next few years. The Raven will continue to seek donors and angels who will help fund a real theater expansion into the left side of the theater, where a green room and more bathrooms are planned.

Once those are created, the Raven will be able to host bigger shows, bigger names, and Equity actors.

If anyone out there wants to support these projects, just corner executive director Tom Brand or board president Richard Norgrove Sr., or just call the Raven at 707-433-6335.