ZELIENOPLE – The leader of the venture to bring live theater downtown asked borough council members for their support Monday night.

Ron Carter, president of the nonprofit Strand Theater Initiative, asked council to draft a letter endorsing the project6. Such a letter, Carter said, would make his idea to renovate Main Street’s former movie theater more attractive to funding sources such as non-profit foundations and endowments.

“That’s why it’s important that the whole community get behind this, not just financially, but officially,” he told council.

Council did not take any action on his request, but members peppered him with questions about his plans.

President Charles Underwood asked whether there would be adequate parking. Carter, who resides in Cranberry Township, said a second building on the rear of the lot would be demolished to create 20 to 30 spaces.

In addition, the theater would use street parking as well as seek a parking arrangement with a nearby shop of church from which it would shuttle patrons.

“There’s no question it’s going to bring traffic into town, which in my opinion would be a good thing,” Carter said.

Council member Russell Robertson asked about ticket prices and show frequency.

“We would charge only enough per ticket to cover our costs, versus trying to build more profit margin into it,” Carter said.

Carter estimated that for a theater group charging the Strand $5,000, ticket prices would run between $25 and $30 for each of the 200-300 seats.

“That’s certainly a lot less than you would find at a Heinz Hall or a Benedum Center for the same level of professionalism,” Carter said. “Those average $80 a show.”

For a theater group charging about $10,000, ticket prices would cost more.

“But that will be a big draw,” he said. “We know we’re going to pack the house with that.”

Carter said the theater would attempt to attract 35 professional shows a year and also would host shows by local amateur groups.

Council members also asked what Carter would do if he did not reach his fund-raising goals.

Carter said the low estimate on buying and renovating the theater is about $1 million. However, he said he could proceed with half that amount. In that case, he would simply scale back his plans.

“You can do minimal modifications to the stage and to the backroom area and wardrobe and not spend the kind of money we’re talking about,” he said. “We may not give you all the bells and whistles, but we’re still going to give you the professionalism that you’re going to enjoy.”

Council members also asked how soon Carter could translate his vision into reality.

“My timetable on this is very much aggressive,” he said. “I would like to have the funding in place and be operational by this time next year.”