COLDWATER, MI — The scene shop for Tibbits Opera House received a much-needed excavation improvement this past week as Parrish Excavation of Quincy completed installation of a leach basin and a new gravel driveway.

The excavation work took two days and alleviates a long-standing problem of poor drainage. With the grade of the entire property going toward the building, winter and spring snow and rain routinely flooded the building. Between the standing water and the freezing and thawing there were times when it was unsafe for staff, volunteers, the building, and its contents.

The project originally planned for the spring, like everything else, was delayed due to the state-mandated shutdown. The scene shop located on Division Street is used for storing scenery and props, and as a workspace for building sets for Tibbits’ professional theatre shows as well as local productions. Coldwater Community Theatre, Coldwater High School and Tibbits Young Audiences use a great deal of the scenery for their shows and Coldwater Rotary Club stores the risers and sets for its annual show in the scene shop. The space would normally be abuzz with activity throughout the summer but the theatre’s revised schedule all but eliminated the set building for this year.

Partial funding for the project came from Coldwater Rotary Club and a local donor. Those wishing to contribute to the project fund may contact Tibbits at 517-278-6029. Online donations may be made at Tibbits.org with “Scene Shop” in the description.