Published on August 4, 2026 7:52 pm
Last Updated on August 4, 2026 7:52 pm
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Effingham City Council members Tuesday heard plans for a renovated Heart Theatre.
Board members Amy Van Bergen, Kenny Thies and Carrie Rodman were the chief speakers. Van Bergen said the Tuesday presentation was not asking for a vote, and not asking for money. Thies said they hope the effort is “investing in the future”.
Van Bergen said earlier survey results showed that respondents don’t want the Heart to be a single movie theatre again, but needs to be a multi-purpose venue.
Van Bergen said board members from the Heart plan to meet with board members from the Effingham Performance Center next week to discuss their plans. The Heart project proponents said their plans are for a venue of up to 200 people, and say that their projects would be much different than the EPC, saying that they would be “smaller, more intimate” events.
Commissioner Larry Micenheimer said he would like to see collaboration between the two organizations.
Commissioner Jake Niebrugge got a commitment from Van Bergen that the Heart would remain a not for profit operation, and suggested that some of those who have helped with the planning for the facility might join the Heart’s board of directors.
Several others spoke on behalf of the Heart including one of Van Bergen’s sons and her sister, as well as Mallory Walls from 4th Walls Productions, Charlie Niehaus who is a performer, singer and producer, Sara Ruding of FACE, and longtime resident Sandra Wear who encouraged continued exploring on how the City could partner on the venture.
City Administrator Steve Miller encouraged time for the Council to “digest” the presentation before deciding on money.
