BETHLEHEM, Pa. — Pennsylvania Youth Theatre, which has been looking for a new home with the impending razing of the Banana Factory arts and education center, apparently has found it.
If all goes to plan, the nonprofit performing arts organization, which for the past 25 years has been a Banana Factory tenant, could be moving about three miles away to the former Light of Christ Lutheran Church.
“Our mission is to educate, entertain and enrich the lives of young people and their families through the art of theater."Valerie Reinhardt, Pennsylvania Youth Theatre managing director
Last February, Lehigh University bought Light of Christ, at 2020 Worthington Ave, along with St. Peter’s and St. John’s Windish churches, for $3.75 million.
And PYT now acquiring the property is contingent upon getting all appropriate city approvals, according to the group’s Managing Director Valerie Reinhardt.
Business as usual
PYT’s proposed use of the building for education purposes is permitted by right within the city's High-Density Residential District, but Reinhardt went before the city Zoning Hearing Board on Wednesday seeking a special exception to avoid an off-street parking requirement.
The zoning panel ultimately approved her request.
The property has been used for church purposes since the 1950s and has never had off-street parking. PYT looks to keep it that way, Reinhardt said.
And with students ages 3-18 and about 40-50 total students attending classes on a given day, Reinhardt said only a handful of them are driving their own cars, anyway.
The school has eight faculty members.
PYT plans to have a student drop-off area along the Worthington Avenue side of the building.
Staying in town
Reinhardt said PYT holds a “longstanding” relationship with the city of Bethlehem, Bethlehem Area School District and other prominent groups around the Lehigh Valley, making the search for a new spot in town all the more important.
The school offers drama and voice classes from September to April, while the dance division is in session from September to June.
Summer camps go from June to August, but the group offers classes during the school year, too.
“Our mission is to educate, entertain and enrich the lives of young people and their families through the art of theater,” Reinhardt said.
“We use a comprehensive performing arts curriculum, literature-based performances and vigorous outreach programs to challenge children to develop their talents, to think creatively and to acquire an appreciation and understanding of the arts.”
