Photograph by Jacqueline Ramseyer

Stage Director: Ginger Shafer says she was 'awestruck' when she first saw the inside of the Heritage Theatre.




Public Citizen

Behind the Curtain

Ginger Shafer has been managing the restoration of the Heritage Theatre at the Community Center

By Moryt Milo

For almost three decades the Campbell Community Center has been hiding a dust-covered gem under its roof. But Ginger Shafer is determined to help restore that treasure to its former brilliance. Worn and tattered, the Heritage Theatre, originally built in 1938 as the Campbell High School Auditorium, continues to wait for its curtains to rise once more.

Shafer says she was excited when the nonprofit Friends of the Heritage Theatre asked her to become the project manager. "I knew I could do it because I love Campbell and this project is very important to a lot of people."

From the moment she walked into the auditorium Shafer said, " I was awestruck by the potential of it." And the potential is huge. Built by renowned architect William Henry Weeks, the theater boasts a balcony, orchestra pit and comfortable seating for 800 patrons.

Shafer explains that it is "one of the only venues of theater performance space left in the area." She points out that the Heritage Theatre, once renovated, will be similar to the Montgomery Theatre in downtown San Jose. She is also quick to add that the Montgomery's 523-seat venue is slightly smaller. Since the Heritage Theatre will have greater seating capacity, it will be able to rent itself out to a diversity of professional groups.

Shafer became involved in the Campbell community after relocating from Costa Mesa in 1994. She jumped right in by coordinating the KiddieKorner for the PruneFestival. It was through this experience that Shafer discovered what a "great community Campbell is." She says, "I had done community events in Southern California for many years, but I'd never seen it flow together the way it happens here."

In 1996, she became an active member of the Chamber of Commerce, moving on to become vice president of community events in 1998. In the latter position she coordinated the PruneFestival, Oktoberfest, the Toy Program, Celebrate Campbell and the annual Golf Tournament.

She says the community atmosphere in Campbell is different. The "businesses, city, police and citizens all work together toward a common goal." And it is this attitude that gives her the confidence in knowing she can meet the projected timetable and seek out the necessary funding to begin the renovation of the theater by 2002.

Once restored, the theater will become home for young actors from two Campbell school districts. Currently all the schools use either their gyms or cafeterias for school plays, special events and assemblies. Shafer says that the Heritage will not only offer the students an opportunity to perform in a live theater venue, but will also offer them a chance to experience and learn about all aspects of drama, from acting to stage production.

For Shafer the success of The Heritage Theatre is more then just raising the curtains; she sees it is a positive addition in the continued redevelopment of the downtown.

"I think it's important to this whole area," she says. "Silicon Valley needs a theater. This one is going to be great."

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