Firehouse Community Theatre prepares for lease renewal talks

LABELLE, Fla. (WINK) — For more than three decades, the Firehouse Community Theatre has served as a gathering place for actors, volunteers and audiences in LaBelle.

Now, as the organization’s 20-year lease approaches renewal, theater leaders are asking residents to show city leaders why they believe the venue remains an important part of the community.

The volunteer-run theater operates out of a city-owned original firehouse in downtown LaBelle. Its current lease expires in October 2027.

Firehouse Community Theatre President Michael Shough said early conversations with city officials raised questions about what happens when that lease comes to an end.

“We don’t exactly understand what’s going on,” Shough said. “We just know the words were said that maybe our lease was not going to be renewed, and we don’t understand that.”

Shough said no decision has been made regarding the future of the lease, but supporters want to start the conversation early and demonstrate the theater’s value to the community.

The theater has been asked to give a presentation to the LaBelle City Commission on July 9 highlighting its impact on the city.

That effort has also sparked an online petition and a push to collect stories from people who have been involved with the theater over the years.

Supporters say the theater’s role extends far beyond the stage.

“Our children don’t have anything to do. Our middle-aged don’t have anything to do. Our seniors don’t have anything to do,” Shough said. “A lot of our seniors cannot drive to Fort Myers. They simply cannot, so they come here.”

The organization is preparing for its 34th season and offers plays, youth theater programs and community events throughout the year. Dozens of children participate in summer productions annually, with some former youth performers now returning as directors and volunteers.

Among them is 18-year-old Leslie Chaidez, who first joined the Firehouse Theatre as a child and now serves as the youth representative on the theater’s board.

“Looking back at my little eight-year-old self and to see how far she’s come, especially with this theater, it’s heartwarming,” Chaidez said. “If this program were to go, it would be heartbreaking.”

Vice President Breeza Zeller said the theater fills an important role in a community with limited arts opportunities.

“Our community members love coming to see these shows,” Zeller said. “We have a great audience. Everyone is always really happy to be here and participate.”

Shough said the theater has invested heavily in the property over the years, paying for roof repairs, air conditioning systems, utilities and other improvements while operating as a volunteer-led nonprofit.

“We really want to be able to continue that for decades and decades and decades to come,” Zeller said.

WINK News reached out to the City of LaBelle for more information about the lease renewal process and is working to learn more about what discussions, if any, have taken place regarding the theater’s future.