Will Rogers Theatre
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Dead Air with Cory Daniels on WRWO 94,5 FM - March 25 2022
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Dead Air with Cory Daniels on WRWO 94,5 FM - February 11 2022
Letter of Support from H S Zersen
Christmas with a WWII Paratrooper
Letter of Support from Comedian Reena Calm
Certificate of Appropriateness from the City of Charleston

Help us bring the Will Rogers Theatre back to life!
Proceeds from the sale of our product line go to support historic restoration efforts for the Will Rogers Theatre.
About the Artist
Carol Halm was born, raised and still lives in a quaint town called Ottawa in Illinois. She has worked in watercolors for over 45 years and has spent 25 years in colored pencil. She has worked on many commissions as well as licensing. She attended at Illinois Valley Community College and has spent countless hours perfecting her craft. She works in various styles such from realism to whimsical and had completed several projects for companies such as Current, Dayspring and PCCrafter. Three dimensional works, murals, kitchen products and clothing have also been among her accomplishments. Besides spending time with her daughter and her family, she loves spending her time creating.
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I own two historic theater, the Will Rogers Theater in Charleston IL and the Majestic Theatre in Streator, IL. Both are in dire need of restoration. It is a long story how I came to this situation. Estimated costs are a million dollars each.
The Majestic hosted performances by several well-known stars, such as Groucho Marx, Jack Benny, Ed Wynn, Eddie Cantor, Sophie Tucker and Eva Tanguay.
The Will Rogers is on the National Historic Register.
I am seeking funding for both projects.
My business plan calls for working with the non profit organization Here and Again Inc., an organization dedicated to promoting the arts and entertainment industry as a way to educate and create employment in the entertainment industry.
My Corporation, Summer House Entertainment Inc will operate the theater as a for profit. We will attract clients from a 50 plus mile radius of each venue hosting live National Acts opened by local artists who perform in a Here and Again Inc program called Song + Story. We will also be able to host film festivals and local events as well as first run movies.
The National acts that play the theaters are an economic boom to the communities. Patrons who attend events will often spend the night (or two) at local hotels, buy gas, and eat in restaurants.
Raising the quality of life with a vibrant theater attracts employers who want their employees to be happy in the communities in which they live. This is classic economic development.
Mixing Song + Story participants with National Entertainers gives local up and coming talent the opportunity to network with entertainers who have been successful, giving them more opportunity for success in the entertainment industry.
I am hopeful you see the benefits that I am proposing and help me find a way to fund the projects.
The Majestic is in an Opportunity Zone 17099964300, TIF and Enterprise Zone and the Will Rogers is also in an Opportunity zone track 17029000500, TIF and Enterprise Zone.
Please let me know if you have any questions. I will look forward to hearing any suggestions or opportunities you may have to offer.
I may be reached at
Katie Troccoli katiet1@sbcglobal.net of call or text 815-228-2058
Here and Again Inc. is a nonprofit organization based in Ottawa, IL for the purpose of creating economic and creative opportunities in the arts in the Illinois Valley and beyond. I’d like to share with you the story of how we began, challenges we've faced, and what we're doing to change the face of artistic culture in the Illinois Valley.
I purchased the Majestic Theater in Streator and the Will Rogers Theatre in Charleston with the intention of creating a space for local talent to be showcased. From 2009 to 2014 I, with the help of a dedicated team, operated the theater through highs and lows. The local talent I witnessed during this time was the inspiration for Here and Again Inc. So, I began the paperwork to form a non-profit organization. I really thought that our first projects would be in film, but life hardly ever goes according to plan.
One day, shortly after starting the paperwork for NPO status, a local pastor came into the Majestic to get some popcorn for his youth group. While the popcorn was popping, I gave him my elevator pitch for Here and Again Inc. I had no idea that this encounter would change my life. About a week later the pastor returned and invited me to a meeting with some of his friends at his house. At the meeting I met Greg and Marjory Haynes and we discussed the possibility of a community radio station. We all agreed that it would no doubt have a positive impact on the community. Thus, our first project WRWO 94.5 FM/LP was born! This gave me the motivation to officially apply for NPO status.
As things went on, we found the perfect place to broadcast WRWO from in Downtown Ottawa, in the place now called Wallace Hall. Though it has in no way been easy, things are falling into place through faith and with the help of many dear family and friends. It’s quite a story already, but it’s not over yet!
Here and Again, Inc.’s purpose is to raise the quality of life in the community through the use of education in the arts, music, radio and other media; to have a positive impact on the people and community in which we live and work. We invite you to help us build a flourishing local arts community. Please consider partnering with Here and Again Inc. to help further opportunities in the arts for the Illinois River Valley area.
We look forward to serving our community together with you!
Here and Again, Inc.’s purpose is to raise the quality of life in the community through the use of education in the arts, music, radio and other media; to have a positive impact on the people and community in which we live and work. Our mission is to further preserve architecture used in communication, theatre, and the arts where our positive works may be displayed and used. The intent is to further employment opportunities and training through the use of our education programs and architecture which becomes an anchor for distressed communities.
One day local artists will open for National acts on the Will Rogers Theatre stage.
We are seeking old photos of the Will Rogers Theatre to update our plans to move forward with restoration. Please share with us your old photos of the exterior and interior of the Will Rogers Theatre and store fronts. Thank you.
Photos may be e mailed to
katiet1@sbcglobal.net or text to 815-228-2058