Pensacola Adds New Entertainment Venue - Sanctuary in the Groves - Theatre West

Things are buzzing at Pensacola's Sanctuary in the Groves - Theatre West. Opening night, Thursday, April 29, kicks off with Always...Patsy Cline, insuring a great start for the new entertainment venue. Putting in long hours for a successful opening, Theatre West co-founders Rick Burroughs and Paxton McCaghren promise, "Sanctuary in the Groves- Theatre West is a wonderful place to relax and enjoy some of the finest live theatrical performances and entertainment on Florida's Gulf Coast."

McCaghren and Burroughs established Sanctuary in the Groves - Theatre West to provide a showplace of the arts for the southwest area of Pensacola, Florida and coastal Alabama. McCaghren, an Escambia High School teacher, has been involved with theatre and entertainment for over twenty years. Shortly after moving to Pensacola he recognized the need for an arts venue on the west side of Pensacola. Westside theatre goers had a 20 mile trip to downtown venues.

McCagren's background prepared him to handle the artistic aspects of Theatre West. He holds a Masters in Theatre, worked for a professional repertory theatre, toured with a children's theatre company, and participated in collegiate and community theatres in Panama City, Pensacola, Huntsville AL and Summerstock Theatre.

Burroughs participated in high school theatre, and rekindled his relationship with entertainment when he relocated to Pensacola, performing with the Pensacola Little Theatre. Burroughs holds a law degree and works as a Trust Officer with Synovus Trust Company. His background helps him handle the business aspects of the theatre.

Located at 9732 Sidney Road, Pensacola, FL 32507, Sanctuary in the Groves - Theatre West is housed in a renovated church building just one mile from the intersection of Sorrento Road and Blue Angel Parkway. Theatre West's building was discovered on the Pensacola Multi-listing service. Walking into the building, McCaghren and Burroughs knew immediately they had found the right place for the new theatre and entertainment venue. "As churches relocate there's a trend for theatres to move into the buildings and create true community theatre," says Burroughs.

Although Sanctuary in the Groves - Theatre West is located in a former church building, the exterior now boasts an eye-catching coat of barn red paint. Burroughs and McCaghren have created an inviting atmosphere of jewel tones and antiques. Former Sunday school classrooms became Gallery Rooms where community artists are invited to display their work. Theatre West is a 75 seat playhouse and the old church pews have been replaced with comfortable seating. "Even the back row has great seats," adds Burroughs.

The 2010 season opens with Always...Patsy Cline. Additional shows for the season include The Foreigner, And Miss Reardon Drinks A Little, The Miracle Worker, and Murder in the Magnolias.

For information and reservations call 850 912-4087 or visit http://sanctuarytheatrewest.com.

Sources:
http://sanctuarytheatrewest.com.
Interview with co-founder, Rick Burroughs