Decorating Elves Donates to Local Theatre Revitalization

Since it was founded as the Sunshine Players in 1925, the St. Petersburg City Theatre has contributed to the St. Petersburg community in many important ways. As the theatre’s mission states, “St. Petersburg City Theatre aims to enrich the individual lives and collective spirit of our diverse population through community produced productions and educational experiences.” However, after a rich history spanning nearly a century, the theater recently found itself in severe and unexpected debt.

As John Collins, the director of the St. Petersburg Arts Alliance explained, “The generation that would have supported community theater is disappearing. In the fundraising world, we have this discussion a lot – where is the next generation?” St. Petersburg City Theatre was forced to respond by turning staff members into volunteers and slashing its summer budget. Eventually, the 2016-2017 season lineup had to be cancelled altogether.    

It was fully expected that the historical theater would be forced to close its doors for good in May until a group of passionate individuals began a campaign to save the theater. The “#SAVECITYTHEATRE” campaign is taking donations and encouraging local community members to help save the beloved and historic “diamond in the rough.”

Decorating Elves is one such business that is donating its time, services, and resources to keep St. Petersburg City Theatre alive. As Tampa Bay’s premier landscape lighting company, Decorating Elves wants to contribute to “#SAVECITYTHEATRE” with a lighting facelift. With the front trees and building brightly lit at night, members of the community not yet familiar with St. Petersburg City Theatre will be drawn to explore what the theater has to offer. Decorating Elves owner Nick Schriver and his team will also be placing holiday lights on the theater’s sign to draw more attention to the location.

Decorating Elves serves the entire Pinellas County region, so call (727) 418-4127 to learn more about the landscape lighting services you can obtain for your own home or business.