By Phillip Pesola–
The Citrus Heights City Council last month awarded a $25,000 development grant to a performing arts group that is planning to open in Sunrise Mall this summer.
Royal Stage, a nonprofit organization established in 2010, offers various classes and summer camps to train students in dance, theater, and art. A minimum of eight performances are also typically put on each year.
The organization announced in April that it had signed a three-year lease for an 8,200 square-foot space inside the Sunrise Mall. Plans are underway for a 200-seat blackbox theater with a lobby, stage, dance studio, and concessions area.
Funds came from the city’s Economic Development Support Fund, which was established to provide grants to businesses and other organizations for events, marketing and promotions, economic development studies, and other activities that promote the program’s goals. Stated goals include attracting new shoppers, promoting specific commercial areas, and creating or enhancing a sense of place.
Royal Stage submitted an Economic Development Support Grant request for $25,000 on May 17. Economic Development staff reviewed the application to confirm program eligibility and presented it to the City Council Finance Committee for recommendation, according to a City Council agenda packet published on the city’s website. On June 15, the Finance Committee recommended full approval of the request.
During the June 23 City Council meeting, Meghan Huber presented the grant request to the council members for final approval. The meeting was broadcast live on the city’s YouTube channel.
Councilwoman Jeannie Bruins spoke in support of the grant, saying it will help “bring something new to Citrus Heights that we don’t have right now.” She also noted the theater arts group has been around for more than a decade, and said “that speaks well for them” as an established entity.
Mayor Porsche Middleton echoed Bruins, stating she was “really excited to have this opportunity come to our city.”
The resolution to award the grant was passed unanimously. The grant will be used to help cover the costs of construction, marketing, and programming for the new space.
