Footlights Theatre Performing Arts Center Finds a New Home at PACA

Contributed

The Footlights Theatre program is celebrating their 50th year in operation, offering the dramatically inclined youth of Erie an outlet for their creativity. This anniversary also marks a new collaboration between the program and local venue PACA, as Footlights is moving into the space at 1505 State St.

The Footlights Theatre program is celebrating its 50th year in 2025. To celebrate the golden anniversary, they have moved into a new space that will expand opportunities for the youth theater students it serves. The studio is on the second floor of the Mayer building at 1505 State St., right down the hall from PACA's theater, a space that some may recall as the former home of PACA Technical Director Dave Schroeder's PACA [LiVE!] concert series.

"Finding a home at PACA was just sort of a natural progression. I came in last year as the artistic director (of PACA) and really found a welcome place there. Mark Tanenbaum (PACA's executive director) has wanted to bring youth theater into PACA and forming this partnership seemed the natural way to go," says KC McCloskey, co-owner of Footlights. "We've not had a theater of our own or a consistent place to perform and being able to incorporate into the PACA theater season will give our student performers more opportunities, and we are able to give them directing, stage management, and technical production opportunities as well," she adds.

A Bit of History

1975: Alex Clemente (The Erie School District), Len Ekimoff (City of Erie's Parks and Recreation Department), and Jim Schneider create a summer recreation program free to all Erie children regardless of experience, background, or social status. Initially called Student Summer Theatre, they presented You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown that summer.

1994: Students hold a contest to rename the program and the Student Summer Theatre program was reborn as The Footlights Theatre Program.

1998: Current Footlights co-owners KC McCloskey and Sara Little meet during a summer show production.

2012: McCloskey takes over as director.

2017: Footlights begins to expand beyond a summer program.

2020: Little and McCloskey form their business partnership and begin offering studio classes.

2024: Footlights officially moves into the Mayer Building at PACA.

Honing Skills with David W. "Mr. Director Sir" Mitchell

"Footlights moving into the PACA building couldn't make better sense" says co-owner Sara Little. "The aura and the vibes you feel as you walk through the halls screams — well, calmly whispers — inspiration," she quips. "Exposing our students to a building filled with a variety of artists soothes my soul," she adds.

Little and McCloskey both have long performance histories in Erie. Little began dancing at Little Dance Studio as a child and eventually became a dance teacher there. "During middle school, I joined Footlights Theatre, then under the direction of David W. Mitchell. I quickly transitioned to the staff at age 17 (my first job) and choreographed Annie and Bye Bye Birdie," Little recalls.

McCloskey adds, "I started my journey in theater at The Roadhouse when I was 17 in their production of King Lear. Through that production I met David W. Mitchell, who invited me to join Footlights. I worked with Dave for the next 25 years both at Footlights and at All An Act Theatre Productions."

In a video put together in celebration of the upcoming 50th anniversary, a multi-generational group of former Footlights students talk about what they took away from their youth theater experience. Many were recorded saluting and referring to David W. Mitchell by his preferred moniker "Mr. Director Sir."

The video is filled with heartwarming memories and gratitude. Former students talk about the confidence they built, enabling them to pursue degrees and other opportunities both in and out of the limelight. There are recollections of multiple summers growing up with the same students and even some that found their future spouses. The video is full of familiar Erie faces gushing with "thank yous" for Footlights, what the experience meant to them and how it enriched their lives.

Co-owners of Footlights Theatre program KC McClosky (left) and Sara Little have helped to build Footlights from a free summer program to a robust, year-round, instructional, youth performing arts program which will now keep its home at PACA. (Photo: contributed)

What's Next

McCloskey wants the community to know that "Footlights is fully inclusive and supportive of all our students and staff. We're passionate about what we do and we value what the performing arts can bring to our lives. Class enrollment is ongoing and auditions are happening soon."

Upcoming productions in the works are student directed — they are Firefly Tales in October and auditions for She Kills Monsters and Six, Teen Edition in November, both of which will run in the spring.

Footlights mom Jennifer Blount says one of her favorite things about the program is "they challenge the kids to help them grow as actors and people. They give them different and sometimes difficult material but are so wonderful with teaching the kids that they get many great learning experiences." Blount, whose children Olivia and Dustin were amongst the first of the Footlights group to migrate over to PACA, adds that the move "gave the kids an opportunity to learn how to adapt to a new setting to perform in." Blount also says "Footlights is a great theater community and we have been welcomed with open arms at PACA."

Co-owner Little, who has a varied performance background and who recently made her own stage return in PACA's production of Pippin, says of the move, "I have always been a big believer in being well-rounded and knowing all the ins and outs of how an organization works."

Little believes that newer and more experienced performers working in the same setting is key to development. "Being steps away from the PACA theater gives countless opportunities for our students to see and work with adults in our community," she adds. The collaborative model will allow students to not only build on acting, dancing and singing abilities but also on back-of-house skills like set building and costume design under the guidance and care of the Footlights staff.

Here's to another 50+ years!

While the Footlights Summer Program is funded through the City of Erie Parks and Recreation Department, for the remainder of the year they rely solely on monthly tuition from their studio classes. For questions or class information, or to make a donation visit: footlightspac.com or email the owners: kc@footlightspac.com / sara@footlightspac.com

Edwina Capozziello is a Tampa, Florida transplant and Erie's biggest fan who is fulfilling her lifelong dream to see her name in news print thanks to this publication. She can usually be found at a local event or thrift store with a black iced coffee in hand. You can reach her at edwina.capozziello@gmail.com.