Footliters Announce Plan to Purchase Cadillac 4 Theater

The Cadillac Footliters, a local 501c(3) charitable community theatre organization and cornerstone of the Cadillac community since 1964, announced a plan today to purchase the historic Cadillac 4 Theater located in downtown Cadillac. With the Cadillac 4’s parent company currently in bankruptcy and facing liquidation, the Footliters’ plan proposes to protect the site and availability of movies in downtown Cadillac, while adding a live theatre, music, and event space for other community groups’ utilization.  

“Since we lost our home to fire 30 years ago, the Cadillac Footliters have searched for a new permanent place to call home, and with more than 50 years of community support we’re thrilled to be in a position to immediately assume ownership of the Cadillac 4 and establish the next generation of community-owned and -driven arts and entertainment in Cadillac,” said Joseph Baumann, president of the Cadillac Footliters’ Board of Directors. 

Footliters intends to place a bid on the theatre in bankruptcy. Today’s announcement comes as the theatre’s future is increasingly uncertain amidst Michigan’s response to the coronavirus pandemic.

“We were saddened to learn of the Cadillac 4’s status because of its historic presence and status as the home for movie-goers in the Cadillac community,” said Baumann. “As extended stay-at-home orders and other factors continue to cloud its future, we’re thrilled to provide a vision and plan for an immediate, viable, and community-based solution.”

Footliters’ plan for the space includes preserving a downtown movie theater while expanding entertainment offerings to include live theatre, music, and events in collaboration with community partners. 

“In this uncertain time, preserving the Cadillac 4’s core mission, meeting the Footliters’ vision to engage, enrich, and entertain, and ensuring the long-term viability of this Cadillac landmark could not be a more perfect fit,” said Baumann. “We’re thrilled at the prospect of saving this downtown monument to Cadillac’s rich theater history, establishing a permanent home for Footliters, and serving as an important foundation to downtown Cadillac’s imminent economic recovery following the coronavirus pandemic.”

Read the article in the Cadillac News -- May 13, 2020

Cadillac Footliters

Strategic Plan 2019-2022

Cadillac Footliters Receive $3,000 Grant from

Cadillac Area Community Foundation

CADILLAC, Mich.– Cadillac Footliters’ growing reputation for quality theatre experiences will grow even further in 2019 with technical improvements to their live performances. The non-profit local theatre company recently received a $3,000 grant to improve performances with new microphones from the Cadillac Area Community Foundation. 

“As Cadillac Footliters continues to grow, our need for new and additional microphones is vital to continue and improve the quality and impact of our performances,” said Joseph Baumann, president of the Cadillac Footliters. “We’re exceedingly grateful to the Cadillac Area Community Foundation for their support of Cadillac Footliters and the arts in our community.”

The grant, which was awarded from the Lakin/Weeks Fund for the Humanities, a field of interest fund held by the Cadillac Area Community Foundation, will fund the purchase of six new wireless headset microphones. 

“As we’ve produced shows with more than 30 cast members this past season, these new microphones will both improve our sound quality and allow more cast members to utilize microphones on stage at once,” said Baumann.   

Cadillac theatre-goers can experience the new microphones in action at the Footliters’ next production, “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time,” at the historic Elks Lodge on January 25, 26, and February 1 and 2. More information, including ticket sales, can be found online at www.cadillacfootliters.com

ABOUT CADILLAC FOOTLITERS

Now in its 55th season, Cadillac Footliters is a 501c(3) non-profit community theatre organization founded in 1964. For more than 50 years, Footliters has served Greater Cadillac with a mission to engage, enrich, and entertain the community with quality theatre experiences. Learn more at www.CadillacFootliters.com

Cadillac Leadership Class 2018-2019 

The Cadillac Area Chamber of Commerce Leadership Class of 2018/2019 is excited to announce our community service project: Leadership in the Spotlight! 

We are partnering with the Cadillac Footliters and Junior Footliters to help them take their show on the road! To do this, they need a portable stage and sound equipment. This will enable the Footliters to increase their reach in the community and perform at community events and small venues throughout the area. The Cadillac Area Chamber of Commerce Leadership Class of 2018/2019 needs your support in this endeavor!

Our goal is to raise $30,000.00 for the purchase of portable, modular stage platforms, sound and music equipment, backstage intercom equipment, and a trailer to haul the equipment. This new equipment will give them mobility, along with increasing performance opportunities, enhancing their large stage productions, and enriching the educational experience for the Junior Footliters by providing them appropriate stage and audio equipment. 

The Footliters are an organization that has been serving the Cadillac community since 1964. Participants ranging from eight years old to senior citizen are able to share their creativity and incredible abilities with our community through this amazing program. Approximately 150 performers and crew produce six shows a year and hone their skills in various youth summer camps. 

It is because of their dedication to performing arts education that we choose the Footliters. Please help us give the Footliters the ability to stage performances in a variety of locations and increase their artistic offerings to our community with your donation.

Thank you for supporting our class project and the Cadillac Community.

Sincerely,

The Leadership Class of 2018/2019

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