Lincoln Theatre making stage accessible

Nov. 01--MOUNT VERNON -- The Lincoln Theatre is raising money to purchase a mobile lift to make the theater's stage accessible to those with disabilities or limited mobility.

The theater's board has been talking about making the stage accessible for years, but the need became apparent during the past few months, Executive Director Roger Gietzen said.

A child was unable to participate in a drama camp and an actor was unable to audition for the upcoming production of "Annie" because they couldn't get on the stage, Gietzen said.

"It's going to make a world of difference," he said of making the stage accessible.

The lift will be a mobile, motorized platform that will be set up to the left of the stage when needed to help people gain access to the 4-foot-high stage, Gietzen said.

"There's so many things my grandson is excluded from as far as activities," Andrea Poolman said of her 7-year-old grandson JJ Poolman, who has cerebral palsy and uses a wheelchair.

She said he wasn't able to access the theater's stage to participate in drama camp over the summer.

"There are so many things that aren't accessible or inclusive for kids," she said.

Andrea Poolman said she's happy her grandson will have the opportunity to participate in theater programs after the lift is installed.

The campaign to raise money for the lift began in mid-October when the theater booked motivational speaker Amberley Snyder, who will need a lift to access the stage. The theater has ordered the lift, and has committed to having it installed by Snyder's event on Nov. 8.

The theater is now raising funds to cover the expense.

To kick off the fundraiser, Skagit Farmers Supply donated $1,500, Gietzen said. As of Tuesday, the campaign had raised $3,240 of its $10,000 goal.

David Wilder, an area advocate for accessibility, said installing a lift will allow people with disabilities equal access to a community resource.

"The Lincoln Theatre is a place where community events and programs are held in this county," Wilder said. "All citizens should be able to attend and participate."

On Wednesday, Skagit Academy students rehearsed a modern rendition of "Robin Hood" at the theater.

While the school has never had a disabled student take the drama class, Denelle DeVries, who was working with the drama students, said she's grateful they will have the ability to in the future.

"It would at least allow (disabled students) the opportunity to make a choice," she said.

By raising money for the lift, Wilder said the theater is showing an effort to include more people in its programs.

-- Reporter Julia-Grace Sanders: 360-416-2145, jsanders@skagitpublishing.com, Twitter: @JuliaGrace_SVH

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