Celestia Theater draws 36,000 guests in first eight months of programming

WADSWORTH — The Celestia Theater welcomed about 36,000 ticketed guests during the first eight months of its current programming period, with nearly seven in 10 attendees coming from outside Medina County, according to the Wadsworth Square Foundation. The foundation estimates that spending associated with the theater and its audiences generated about $2.335 million in off-site economic activity during the period, including activity at local restaurants, retailers, hotels and gas stations. The Wadsworth Square Foundation, which operates the historic theater, reported about $950,000 in ticket revenue during the first eight months. About 31 percent of attendees came from within Medina County, while 69 percent came from outside the county. The foundation calculated the economic-impact estimate using the Arts & Economic Prosperity 6 methodology. The $2.335 million represents estimated off-site economic activity associated with the theater's programming and audience, rather than money paid directly to the theater. Tom Weyand, executive director of the Wadsworth Square Foundation, said the attendance demonstrates the theater's reach beyond Wadsworth and Medina County. "The numbers demonstrate that the theater is much more than a place where people come to see a show," Weyand said. The foundation projects that a full 12-month period at the same pace would bring about 54,000 ticketed guests and $1.425 million in ticket revenue. Using the same methodology, the foundation estimates that a full year at that pace would represent about $3.5 million in total economic activity in Wadsworth. The projection is based on annualizing the first eight months of actual results and is not a guarantee of future performance. The 893-seat theater hosts concerts, arts programming and children's programming. The foundation said those offerings provide entertainment for residents while also attracting visitors from outside the county. The foundation plans to continue tracking attendance, visitor geography, ticket revenue, programming and estimated economic impact on an annual basis. Weyand said the organization also faces preservation and improvement projects at the historic theater. "While we are still below our projected operational numbers, we are very optimistic about our growth potential and we are starting to see that happen," Weyand said. The Wadsworth Square Foundation is a nonprofit organization responsible for operating and supporting the historic performance venue, as well as its ongoing preservation and restoration.