Following a final show in December, the curtain will fall on Thrive Performing and Visual Arts, leaving Chardon officials to determine who will fill the next playbill.

In a Facebook post Nov. 13 titled, “A Warm Farewell,” Thrive Artistic Director Jim Boardwine and his son, Managing Director Brett Boardwine, lamented their decision to dissolve the organization, created in 2015, was difficult.

“For more than a decade, our Thrive Performing and Visual Arts team has been dedicated to achieving artistic excellence and providing entertainment. With your generous support, we have produced countless shows and grown in ways we never thought possible,” they wrote. “For the past three years, we have been proud to serve as the managers and programmers of the Geauga Theater in Chardon. During that time, we accomplished a lot. We curated a diverse range of artistic programming, built a network of professional and amateur artists, established a reputation as a destination for entertainment, developed professional technical capabilities and maintained a polished aesthetic.”

However, the Boardwines did not anticipate the time and energy managing a venue would require — or its impact on their quality of life.

“The path we followed did not lead us to where we intended or hoped. This realization prompted some tough internal discussion,” they wrote. “With heavy hearts, we have decided to not only exit the Geauga Theater, but to also cease operations as a nonprofit organization, effective Jan. 1, 2024. This decision was a difficult one. The time, love and dedication we have committed over the years weigh heavy on our minds and hearts. However, all good things must come to an end.”

The Boardwines stressed the organization has been successful and their decision was not borne from financial or conceptual failures, but rather, from a growing need for work-life balance.

“We gave our all until we didn’t have much left to give,” they wrote. “We believe that continuing at our current pace would be detrimental to our personal well-being. The time has come to say goodbye and achieve some balance.”

The directors said they are looking forward to exploring other opportunities and adventures and having the time to create without the burdens and increasing pressures of growing the organization.

Thrive’s “final bow” will be the Holiday Spectacular Dec. 9-10 at Geauga Theater and its final event under the Boardwines’ management will be the Chardon Polka Band’s Dec. 16 performance, the directors said.

“Those who purchased tickets for shows originally scheduled for January – May of 2024 will be refunded no later than the end of this calendar year,” they wrote, adding thanks to Chardon City Council and officials for all of their support throughout the years.

“The City of Chardon is currently discussing a number of possibilities and has a difficult decision ahead of them,” the Boardwines said. “We are grateful to the City of Chardon and its leaders for the opportunity to operate the Geauga Theater and for their continued support. Above all, we thank those who have supported us over the years, whether it was from the audience, the stage or behind the scenes. Thank you for sharing your talents, time and experiences with us. We appreciate you.”

Mayor Chris Grau said Nov. 14 the city’s partnership with Thrive resulted in “highly professional and entertaining stage performances viewed by thousands of theatre patrons from all over Northeast Ohio.”

“Thrive invested their time and talents in the historic Geauga Theatre and we wish them well on their future endeavors,” Grau said. “Additionally, the City of Chardon has invested in renovations to help maintain the building for many years. We value the arts and culture community and will continue to discuss management options with multiple organizations and their representatives whom have expressed interest in continuing to keep the Geauga Theatre operational and creatively engaging. Hopefully by early 2024, we will have an announcement that outlines the chosen direction of this great asset to the City of Chardon and all of Geauga County.”

Chardon City Manager Randy Sharpe told city council about Thrive’s decision during its Nov. 9 regular meeting.

Sharpe noted personality and casting conflicts within Thrive’s board of directors, an overload of work on the Boardwines and a limited income potential were some reasons for the dissolution.

Several interested parties have already reached out to city officials regarding the theater space, Sharpe said, adding, however, the city still has a lot to contemplate before a decision is made.

“Should the city put out another … request for proposal? Should we interview different parties that we know are interested, make recommendations? Do we contact the venue management company and have them take over everything? Should the city take over all the operations, hire a bunch of people?” Sharpe asked, also listing temporary closure, selling the building or a combination of options as possibilities to consider.

The city manager reached out to Paul Holm, CEO of the Fine Arts Association, a Willoughby-based arts education organization, regarding use of the space.

FAA were serious contenders for the theater following the dissolution of the Geauga Lyric Theater Guild three years ago.

Members of the FAA recently toured the theater and its annex buildings as part of a meeting, Sharpe said, adding they are currently in discussions about whether acquiring the theater is something they can take on, and the city will continue conversations with them while also exploring options.

Councilman David Lelko asked how the interested organizations might tie-in with the FAA.

“If the FAA were to be the new group running the theater, they would entertain anybody who would want to be part of that,” Sharpe said, emphasizing FAA’s desire to keep the theater community-based rather than Willoughby-based.

“The FAA’s role would be complete management,” he said.

Vice-Mayor Heather Means said the FAA would be open to working with any of the interested parties.

Angela Miloro-Hansen — CEO and executive director of local community theater company Curtain 440, one of the interested parties — was present at the council meeting.

Miloro-Hansen highlighted Curtain 440’s existing base in the Chardon area and history with the Geauga Theater.

“I would just ask that all interested parties, especially those with existing community theater backgrounds and/or companies, have the same chance to meet with all of you as (FAA) has and to share our plans and hopes for this facility,” she said.

The dissolution of Thrive has also caused complications for The Learning Cafe, an education service provider who sublets out of the theater annex at 106 Water Street. Without Thrive, TLC will be left without a lease to anybody.

Sharpe proposed TLC be given a month-to-month lease through the end of the school year for continued use of the space.

Council made a motion accordingly and passed the issue.