The Ground Floor: Creating a new Cedar Rapids creative space

CEDAR RAPIDS — Carole Anne Beaulne knows it can be difficult for performing artists to find a place to practice their craft.

Her new business is intended to provide that space.

Beaulne is the owner of Second Stage Playhouse, located in the basement of an old church building near downtown Cedar Rapids that offers a place for creative people to rehearse, dance and plan.

'Often great ideas never get off the ground because the artist doesn't have those connections or doesn't have a place to rehearse or work,' Beaulne said.

Beaulne, who grew up in Ottawa, Ontario, has been involved in the performing arts since she started in a Scottish Highland dance class at the age of three. After moving to Chicago with her husband and family, she was involved in a children's theater company there and, when her husband's job took the family to Iowa, began performing in and directing shows at Starlighters Theatre in Anamosa.

Beaulne said she considered opening her business in Anamosa but, living in Marion, decided Cedar Rapids was a more suitable location. She set up in the former Brambles gift shop location in November and, after installing a floating dance floor in one room and creating a large rehearsal hall in another, opened for business in January.

Second Stage Playhouse has several different spaces available for booking. In addition to the dance and rehearsal spaces, the facility has space for artist studios, a kitchen, changing room and limited office amenities, including Wi-Fi.

'We rent to people and organizations that need a place for rehearsals, events, dance classes or working on something messy,' Beaulne said. 'It's a good way to give people the opportunity to do something they otherwise wouldn't have an opportunity to do.'

Revival Theatre Company used the facility to rehearse its production of 'Victor/Victoria,' which was performed in Coe College's Dows Theatre in early June. Several dance instructors use the facility's studio to provide a variety of adult and children's dance classes.

The facility also is home to Second Chapter Books, a not-for-profit organization founded by Beaulne to promote reading and introduce children to theater by bringing beloved book characters to life.

To cultivate collaboration between artists, Tuesday nights are dedicated to artist salon gatherings, where artists, writers, dancers and actors can network.

Fridays are 'Anything Goes' open mic nights, when artists can try out new material in a supportive environment.

Beaulne said she currently is looking for a partner or investors.

'I just want to see this blossom and grow and be a place for artists to work and get to know other artists,' she said.

[naviga:h3 style="padding-left: 30px;"]AT A GLANCE

Owner: Carole Anne Beaulne

Business: Second Stage Playhouse

Address: 1200 Second Ave. SE, Cedar Rapids

Telephone: (319) 213-3670

Email: secondstageplayhouse@gmail.com

Website: www.secondstageplayhouse.com

l Know a business in operation less than a year we should consider for 'The Ground Floor'? Contact michaelchevy.castranova@thegazette.com.