Pelzer Auditorium renovation ushers in historic rebirth

After more than a century of performances, the Pelzer Auditorium is undergoing an ambitious upgrade to address aging infrastructure while improving comfort and accessibility for audiences and performers.

“Pelzer is on the verge of a rebirth,” said Will Ragland, founder of Mill Town Players, the nonprofit professional theater company that operates the historic venue. “Water and sewer systems are being upgraded and new residential construction is underway, so this $1.2 million renovation couldn’t come at a more opportune time.”

A rich history

The Pelzer Auditorium building was built in 1920 by the Pelzer Manufacturing Co. In its heyday, the mill employed hundreds of families who lived in tightly organized mill villages and the auditorium served as a community hub for graduations, traveling musicians, vaudeville acts and other events.

The building later became a movie theater in the 1940s before returning to use as a school auditorium. “From 2009, it remained empty until we founded the Mill Town Players,” said Ragland.

Responding to community critiques

People have been known to come from miles around to see performances at the venue. “Last season we attracted 31,000 theatregoers,” Ragland said.

Patron surveys, however, made it clear that seating was one of their biggest shortfalls.

“The seats were wooden, with no cushioning and as our audiences aged, they stopped coming,” said Ragland. “So now it’s not only about improving that experience, but also helping those with mobility issues with wider entrances and more room in the back and the front.”

The new configuration will reduce capacity from 556 to 400 seats, allowing for cushioning, wider chairs and greater legroom.  Aisle lighting and railings will also be added, as will space between balcony rows.  “I think people may actually want to sit in the balcony now,” said Ragland.

A new rear vestibule will prevent late arrivals from disrupting performances.

If someone shows up after the curtain goes up, it won’t distract the audience or the actors,” said Ragland.

Other upgrades will include approved acoustics, a modernized audio system and refinishing the auditorium’s original wooden floors.

Funding  the renovation

The project received a $1 million grant from the South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism. The remaining funds will be raised by the Mill Town Players, through individual donations, grants, funds from local organizations and the sale of dedication plaques on the new seats.

Ragland said the response from supporters has been overwhelming. “Donations have ranged from $5 to $3,000,” he said. The Mill Town Players will also pursue historic tax credits since the auditorium is located in a designated historic district.

The goal during all this, according to Ragland, is to keep ticket prices affordable, typically in the $20-$25 range. “That’s a great price when you consider that many other theaters charge closer to $45 and $50,” he said.

Mill Town Players operates with a full-time staff of just three, supported by volunteers and paid artists. “Season 11 featured 71 performers, 30 musicians, 21 technicians, 19 designers, six directors, four musical directors and two choreographers,” said Ragland. “All of us wear many hats.”

Lasting impact

Cameron Woodson has been performing in plays since 2016 and he, too, wears many hats, working as an artistic associate building sets and serving in multiple production roles as well.

“I help with props, costumes and a lot of the behind-the-scenes work, while acting in the shows,” he said. “The renovation will take the patron experience to the next level.”

Woodson said that he is especially looking forward to the reopening this July with the musical Guys and Dolls. As a Pelzer native, he is very proud of the organization.

“I have family in Pelzer and attended school in this area. That’s how I got involved in theater and is where I met Will, who was my theater teacher,” Woodson said.

Woodson and Ragland aren’t the only ones looking forward to the reopening.

S.C. Rep. Blake Sanders said, “The renovation of the Historic Pelzer Auditorium is an investment in both our past and our future. By restoring this landmark with historically appropriate upgrades, we are ensuring that this beloved space can continue to serve generations to come. This project will make the auditorium more welcoming, more inclusive and more functional for community events, performances and economic activity throughout Pelzer and the surrounding region.”

Ragland hopes the renovation will also attract more businesses. “What we’ve needed so long is a nice restaurant on the river where the cotton mill used to be, but for now I’m just excited for everything that’s in motion. It really does feel like a rebirth,” he said.