KAISERSLAUTERN, Germany -- After taking seven months of shows on the road, Kaiserslautern Military Community's thespians have returned home to a newly renovated theater at Kleber Kaserne.
KMC Onstage found temporary homes for five productions this season, while workers rebuilt the Kleber theater roof, said Nate Records, U.S. Army Garrison Kaiserslautern Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation artistic director.
"Luckily, they were shows that weren't too hard to make portable," Records said.
Productions were held at the Galaxy Theater on Vogelweh, Heaton Auditorium at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center and the Kaiserslautern Community Activity Center on Daenner Kaserne. Meanwhile, Kleber's theater underwent multiple changes -- a new roof, renovated seating, a new technical booth, spotlight towers and a work room for costume designers.
"The seating area is now on risers and reconfigured, which will give patrons a better theater experience," Records said. "The renovations are really nice."
There's also an expanded lobby area with a Java Café. While serving the local workforce community, the Java Café will also run the concession booth during performances, Records said. Soon, Records anticipates one more final upgrade -- an expansion for a set designers' workroom and an actors' practice area.
In late-March, KMC Onstage returned with "The Foreigner," the situational comedy by Larry Shue, said Leo Kosley, the director. Last minute renovations challenged the seven cast members and support staff during preparation for the production.
"They all have been very patient with all the changes," Kosley said. "I am very excited to bring this play to the community."
Renovations also helped consolidate operations, Records said. Before, work rooms, ticket sales, offices and stage were scattered throughout the KMC.
"It was difficult to make the patrons feel like they were being take care of," Records said. "With these changes, we will be a much smoother machine."
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