By Jana Wiersema
From a young age, Columbus native Shalee Darringer found herself drawn to the Crump Theatre.
Every time she passed it, she’d look at the building and longed to go inside.
At five years old, Darringer had a dream: When it was time for her to do her senior project in high school, she wanted to involve the Crump in some way.
Now, in Darringer’s final year at Columbus East High School, that dream has become a reality.
For her senior project, Darringer is focusing on helping the Crump Theatre and, as she put it, promoting “healthier lives in our community.” As part of these efforts, she’s organized a volunteer clean-up day for the Crump this Saturday, with two shifts: 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 12:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. Each shift has a maximum capacity of 80 people.
In addition to the fire and safety hazards that have kept the building from reopening, Darringer said that the Crump has water damage, mold and mildew.
To help get rid of the damage, some of the workers — called the “demo crew” on Darringer’s sign-up page — will be tearing out carpet, removing attached materials and getting rid of anything that can hold water. A hauling crew will then carry all “unnecessary items” outside.
Darringer said that both the demo and hauling crews will be provided with N-95 masks and gloves for their own safety. She stated that the building will be aired out before the first shift begins, and workers will be placed near doors on the first floor, away from any of the “extremely harmful spots.”
She added that there will only be a relatively small number of people working inside the building; the majority of volunteers will be outside in order to socially distance.
For more on this story, see Monday’s Republic.
