Frequently Asked Questions about The Sebastiani Theatre Foundation & the Sebastiani Theatre.
What is the Sebastiani Theatre Foundation?
A 501(c)3 tax-exempt nonprofit corporation launched on the
Sebastiani Theatre’s 75th anniversary, April 7, 2009, to raise money to
preserve, enhance and maintain the Sebastiani Theatre for community
entertainment and education for current and future generations.
How will the Sebastiani Theatre Foundation use my donation?
Donations will fund building improvements and repairs, including the
installation of a modern, energy efficient heating and air conditioning
system. The Sebastiani Theatre currently has no air conditioning, which
hinders its ability to hold live performances in the summer.
Who owns the Sebastiani Theatre?
Since 1986 the theatre building has been owned by an Oakland-based
investment group, which purchased it from a member of the Sebastiani
family. Roger Rhoten operates the theatre business, providing movies, a
variety of live entertainment and, with his family, the Rhoten
Productions day camps for children and youth.
Who is the leaseholder of the Sebastiani Theatre?
The City of Sonoma holds the lease with the theatre’s owner. The
theatre’s operator, Roger Rhoten, subleases the theatre from the City.
Each pays half the rent.
Does the City of Sonoma subsidize the Sebastiani Theatre?
As the leaseholder, the City has decided to provide a community
service and sublease the theatre to an operator for half what it pays in
rent. If the City’s participation were a subsidy, the City would not pay
rent to the landlord, but would give money directly to the operator.
Why don’t the Theatre’s owner and operator pay for repairs and
improvements?
As is common with commercial leases, the leaseholder is responsible
for most repairs and improvements. Because the Sebastiani Theatre is a
75-year-old building, it has very high maintenance and operational
costs. Box office receipts don’t provide enough revenue to cover these.
Community support is necessary to keep the theatre economically viable.
What if the Theatre’s Owner Sold the Building to Someone Who
Wanted to Turn It Into a Shopping Center?
City zoning prevents the theatre from being converted to another use
without the City Council approving a general plan amendment. Sonoma’s
land use policies encourage historic preservation. Because the theatre
is a treasured landmark that preserves the Sonoma Plaza’s historical
charm, it is unlikely the City Council would ever change the zoning.
What is the relationship between the Foundation and the Sebastiani
Theatre operator?
The Sebastiani Theatre Foundation is a separate entity and is
presently not involved in business operations. The Foundation’s current
goal is to fund theatre repairs and improvements. The theatre operator,
Roger Rhoten, is on the Sebastiani Theatre Foundation’s Advisory Board.
What is the long-range plan for the Sebastiani Theatre Foundation?
The Foundation plans to eventually take over the theatre business —
to be the operator that contracts with the City. This would occur when
the foundation, the city and the operator are ready to make the
transition. The Foundation would continue to be a nonprofit corporation.
What happened to the Friends of the Sebastiani Theatre?
FOST suspended operating several years ago.
When I buy a membership in the Sebastiani Movies Lovers’ Club, am
I making a donation to the Sebastiani Theatre Foundation?
No, the Movies Lovers’ Club is provided by the theatre’s operator
and is part of his business.
Besides donating, how can I help the Sebastiani Theatre
Foundation?
We are looking for volunteers to assist in fundraising activities
and tasks. Volunteers are needed for managing an auction, obtaining
auction items, selling tickets, registration, preparing materials,
decorating and a multitude of other tasks involved with putting on
events. This is such a good way to be a part of the team of individuals
and groups working toward preserving the Sebastiani Theatre. Please call
707-540-6119 or e-mail
info@sebastianitheatrefoundation.org to let us know how you want to help.
Also, stay up to date on our activities by becoming our fan on FaceBook,
and sign up for our email newsletter.
