| The Sky Is Falling
OCT was riding on the crest of a state award winning play and a successful season when the ceiling fell in -literally. During a dress rehearsal for the last play of that fifth season, "Sweet Charity," chunks of plaster dropped from the theater ceiling just above the stage. No one was injured, but finishing details on the set were delayed. The play was to open in four days. The construction company made temporary repairs and the play went on as scheduled. Historic Cabarrus, Inc., the lessee of the building, discovered during those repairs that extensive repairs were necessary to the roof as well as the ceiling. OCT was forced to vacate the building and the entire upstairs area was demolished. Historic Cabarrus, Inc. organized a fund raising campaign to "Repair the roof and fix the theater area." Members of Historic Cabarrus, Inc. and Old Courthouse Theatre, Inc. went before the County Commissioners to ask for an allocation of $60,000 for the emergency repairs. This was a one time only request. It was estimated that repairs would cost $120,000. The Cannon Foundation had agreed to donate $40,000 providing the other $80,000 could be raised by September. The County Commissioners turn them down with a 3-2 vote. The reasoning was that Historic Cabarrus, Inc. had signed a five-year lease agreement that mandated the county "shall have no obligations or duties concerning the maintenance, preservation, or upkeep of the premises." and no tax money was to be used. Supporters of Historic Cabarrus, Inc. and Old Courthouse Theatre, Inc. reminded the commissioners of the volunteer hours and the over $200,000 raised in the restoration effort of the county owned building. Not one cent was tax money. A similar request was made to the Concord Aldermen who initially turned them down but then voted to give Historic Cabarrus, Inc. $3000. This money was a portion from the sale of an old fire truck and not tax money. News of the plight of the "old" courthouse went all the way to Governor Jim Hunt. Gov. Hunt and Eighth District Congressman Bill Hefner indicated they would help secure funds for the restoration project. Rep. Dwight Quinn sponsored a special appropriations bill for $50,000. In the meantime, Historic Cabarrus, Inc. and Old Courthouse Theatre, Inc. stepped up their efforts to raise funds. Ultimately monies were raised from grants and donations from businesses and individuals. Restoration work could continue and OCT would be back at "home" soon.
The Gypsy Years Began
OCT presented four seasons or fourteen plays at Winecoff School, Concord High School, and Concord Middle School auditoriums. Storing props, costumes, set pieces, lighting instruments, and all the "stuff' needed for productions in basements; attics, sheds, truck trailers, and homes. Rehearsals were held where space could be found. The school auditoriums were often hard to find for newcomers and had to be rented for rehearsals and performances. Props, costumes, and set pieces had to be put away each night because classes used the stage and "dressing rooms" as schoolrooms during the day. The uniqueness of OCT was hard to maintain outside of its physical home. It was hard being dispossessed carting "stuff' back and forth. Everyone worked hard to keep the artistic quality high, but along the way patrons, props, costumes, and patience was lost. The cost of renting the school auditoriums, and storage space had become almost prohibitive adding about $2000 per play. With each production the hope continued that soon OCT would be home in a beautiful new theater at the historic courthouse. Plans were made to return for the 1983-84 season.
The theater had been asked to raise $100,000 to be used exclusively toward the theater area proper. It did so and the monies were put in escrow to be used for theater purposes. These monies were not used in any restoration of the Historic Courthouse. In the fall of 1983 the new roof and clock tower were finished, but the second floor was still gutted. At that time OCT was informed that the theater should raise $300,000 for the theater area because funds for further renovation were unavailable. OCT must also do this without being given a long-term lease on the theater space; no control over use of the space; no storage space, and must pay a minimum of $500 a month rent. OCT had approached several foundations that were seriously interested in funding the theater but would not consider any arrangement that did not include at least a 25-year lease and control of leased area. With reluctance OCT realized the necessity to move from the Historic Courthouse and look for a new home.
In December 1983 it was announced that OCT had bought the old Belk Building in downtown Concord. The 50,000 square feet would provide office, rehearsal, storage, and scene shop space. The ninth season would be performed in the school auditoriums, but rehearsals could be held in the Belk building. OCT hired an architectural firm to research and draw plans for the new theater. It was estimated that the Belk building could be made into a splendid facility, but due to stringent building codes the cost would be $2.5 million. It was an amount well beyond OCT's means. Once again it seemed OCT would be homeless.
A New Home
In April 1984 OCT petitioned for re-zoning of the First Baptist Church property on Spring Street NW. First Baptist was moving to new facilities on Branchview Drive. OCT asked for an option to buy the building. The church building would give OCT all the space needed for an auditorium, stage, dressing area, storage, and office space with minimal renovation. The Belk building would be sold. The Concord Planning and Zoning Board approved the request. The Historic District Commission gave their approval. In October 1984 First Baptist agreed to sell the building on Spring Street to OCT.
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