Disclaimer: This petition is NOT endorsed by Home Made Theater, the City of Saratoga Springs, or the Wilton Mall. It exists solely to gather and show community support for Home Made Theater and to encourage dialogue around securing a sustainable situation for the organization. The proposals outlined are conceptual ideas only. They are not formal negotiation documents or official offers. Their purpose is to inspire collaboration and creative thinking among stakeholders.

I have long enjoyed the accessible and high production quality that Home Made Theater has provided our community in the past 40+ years and am saddened that the next generation of Saratoga Springs is losing this cherished cultural resource. In a time when participatory, uplifting, and reflective entertainment is needed most, we must ensure that Home Made Theater has a stable and reliable home to continue its artistic contributions to our city.

For many years, Home Made Theater operated at the Spa Little Theater, providing us with countless memories and an appreciation for the arts. However, due to changes at the Spa Little Theater and location uncertainty, the community theater has struggled to find a permanent space, thus jeopardizing its ability to produce regular, professional-quality theater experiences.

Furthermore, I am asking to see if there is fellow support to help reanimate the theater. While I am not on the leadership of the theater (only a volunteer, actor, and passionate audience member), I do not have much voice solo, but I hope that together we can push for a meaningful and long-term partnership with the theater and community.

To help I have drafted two potential proposals establishing an official relationship between Home Made Theater and the City of Saratoga Springs or the Wilton Mall.

With Proposal 1, Home Made Theater could be given residence at the Saratoga Music Hall (a beautiful yet hidden gem)

Residency Agreement:

• The City grants HMT full-time residency at the Saratoga Music Hall for a symbolic lease of $1 per year (like their rent for the Spa Little Theater). This includes access for rehearsals, performances, and educational programming.

Facility Investment:

• HMT will assume responsibility for all upkeep and necessary renovations to enhance the Hall’s functionality as a performance venue. Planned improvements including installation of moveable tiered seating banks and general maintenance and upkeep.

Community Commitment:

• HMT pledges to make the space available to other local arts and civic organizations during “dark” periods (non-performance times), fostering broader community engagement and maximizing public benefit.

Benefits to the City:

• Revitalization of a historic venue with minimal public expenditure Increased cultural tourism and economic activity downtown Established arts education and experiences for residents

With Proposal 2, Home Made Theater could be given residence at the one of the cinema theaters in Wilton Mall

Residency Agreement:

• Wilton Mall grants HMT a strategic partnership to repurpose one of its cinema theaters into a dedicated space for rehearsals, live performances, and educational programming.

Facility Investment:

• HMT will assume responsibility for all upkeep and necessary renovations to enhance the space's functionality as a performance venue. Project investments could include: construction of a larger stage and backstage area, lighting and sound upgrades, and other general improvements needed for live performances.

Cinema Concession Commitment:

• Wilton Mall’s cinema can retain the ability to sell concessions during HMT performances, as long as the items sold are appropriate to live theater audiences. This ensures continued revenue for the cinema.

Benefits to Wilton Mall:

• Increased foot traffic and visibility through regular live events Revitalization of cinema spaces
• A shone commitment to the community and arts scene

Please join me in urging the City of Saratoga Springs, Wilton Mall, and Home Made Theater to take action in formalizing a symbiotic relationship. By doing so, we preserve the arts for future generations and affirm the importance of community-centered experiences now more than ever.
Let's keep the curtain raised for our beloved theater. Sign the petition to show your support.