Plans for the transformational development of the Fox Theatre complex on the corner of Stone and Congress were announced last October. The final purchase of the properties to be redeveloped was completed earlier this year, with an announcement on a campaign coming soon that will fund an expanded lobby connecting to the theatre, as well as new food and beverage facilities, and meeting and event space.
We sat down with Fox executive director Bonnie Schock to get her perspective on this huge project.
Now that the property for the expansion has been secured, and prior to the formal kick-off of the capitol campaign, how can area patrons, donors, and friends best participate in actively supporting the theatre?
We’re thrilled at the enthusiasm people are showing as we’ve shared this big, bold vision for an expanded Fox Tucson Theatre! Much of the work of the project and even of the capital campaign is behind the scenes for a while longer. First and foremost, though, we ask folks to recommit to keeping today’s Fox as strong as possible. The very best way for the Fox Family of patrons to be involved in the expansion is to keep on showing up to events, inviting friends and family to join in a shared experience, spreading the word about this special place far and wide, and continuing to give to our annual fund efforts.
How do you see the expansion bringing new value and energy to our downtown's ongoing renewal?
The Fox has been called the crown jewel of Tucson. Rightly so. As today’s downtown Tucson grows and evolves, we know that the arts lead the way. The corner of Stone and Congress is the very heart of our City. This investment in an expanded Fox places creativity, community, gathering, and togetherness at the center for the long term.
On a personal note, you received your M.F.A. in Stage Directing. How have you been able to incorporate the creative and artistic elements of your background in your current administrative role?
Too often the arts are considered as something ‘over there’ and outside our reach. But, the truth is humans are making things each and every day. My own work has always consisted of shaping experiences, community connections, spaces, and places. As an organizational leader, the context of that work has shifted from an individual production to an institutional and community-wide scale. Ultimately, I believe in togetherness and the transformational power of shared experience, and that is at the very heart of special places like the Fox Tucson.
For more information visit the website at https://foxtucson.com/.
