Heart Theatre Donated to Non-Profit Group

Amy Van Bergen has announced the donation of The Heart Theatre, located at 133 E. Jefferson in Effingham, to the newly established nonprofit organization, The Heart Theatre, Inc. The donation was made on December 19.

Following input from Effingham residents and historic theatre experts in November 2022, a vision for The Heart Theatre’s future was developed. The plan outlines its transformation into a versatile venue that will host:

 Movies

 Live Music Concerts

 Live Theatre and Dance Performances

 Comedy Nights/Open Mic Events

 Rentals for Corporate Events, Weddings, and Special Occasions

Van Bergen, a former Effingham resident and nonprofit executive, acquired The Heart Theatre from previous owner Tad Sligar in 2022 with the intention of transferring ownership to a local nonprofit. She collaborated with community leaders to determine the best path forward for the venue, focusing on its long-term sustainability and its potential as a multi-purpose cultural space. In 2023, the efforts culminated in The Heart Theatre being added to the National Register of Historic Places, ensuring the preservation of its historic significance.

The volunteer board of The Heart Theatre, Inc. has worked alongside experts in theatre design, market feasibility, and architecture to create a comprehensive plan for the venue’s renovation and revitalization. Key milestones in the project included conducting extensive market research and architectural assessments, identifying programming opportunities, and outlining the necessary structural upgrades.

An outdoor movie event held in August 2024 brought over 150 attendees.

The next step in the project is to launch a major fundraising campaign to support the necessary renovations. This includes expanding the theatre's facilities to accommodate larger productions and incorporating advanced technical capabilities in sound, lighting, and acoustics.

“The Heart Theatre has always been a place that brings people together,” said Van Bergen. “I’m excited to see how The Heart Theatre, Inc. will build on its legacy and continue to enrich the lives of people in Effingham and the surrounding area.”

A spokesman said The Heart Theatre, Inc. is "dedicated to creating a dynamic cultural venue that welcomes people of all ages and backgrounds to experience the arts. The organization plans to offer a diverse array of programming that includes films, live performances, educational events, and community outreach initiatives."

“We are incredibly thankful to Amy for her generosity and for trusting us with The Heart Theatre’s future,” said Nicole Wear-Maloney, an executive board member of The Heart Theatre, Inc. This is a pivotal moment for us, and we look forward to introducing exciting new programs and building on The Heart’s rich history in the community.”

Board member Larry Johnson emphasized the need for community support in the coming months: “Our next big challenge is to expand the board and raise funds for the necessary renovations. With the community’s passion and generosity, we’ll bring The Heart back to life and make it an even brighter cultural landmark.”

Originally a cornerstone of Effingham’s entertainment scene, The Heart Theatre hosted classic films and thanks to past owners Dominic Frisina and Mary and Mike Stephens, it also has a legacy of kindness—a place with heart. Organizers say under the stewardship of The Heart Theatre, Inc., it will continue to serve as a cherished space for community gatherings and artistic expression.

For more information about The Heart Theatre, Inc., upcoming events, or to make a donation or submit a board application, visit www.thehearttheatre.org or contact info@thehearttheatre.org