The Lear Theater will have a very strong economic, cultural and community impact in Reno. A recent marketing study and master cultural plan showed that there is a very strong need for a Theater the size of the Lear. A Theater of this type would provide a home not only for local performing arts groups but also provide a venue for community and business functions. When an analysis was done of the theater going audience in Reno, it was found there are not enough opportunities being provided to the population to attend theater. Reno currently has a number of cultural opportunities but there are not enough venues to accommodate the growing needs of local arts groups. The Lear Theater would ultimately serve the goal of bringing together the diverse multi–cultural community of Reno.
Economically it could represent a tremendous boon to the growth and redevelopment that is currently happening in downtown Reno. A recent study done by the University of Nevada Reno’s Small Business Development Center shows a Theater like the Lear would contribute $2,000,000 annually into the local economy. Reno is currently one of the fastest growing communities in the United States. The people and businesses that are moving into Reno will, according to projections based on similar sized communities, support and attend a facility like the Lear Theater. The influx of people that will come downtown to attend performances at the Lear will lead to the growth of other businesses to support the night time activities, such as restaurants, specialty shops, galleries, and coffee houses.
The Lear Theater will expand opportunities for the already burgeoning Reno arts community by providing a venue in an attractive, historic building designed for diverse performing arts experiences. It will shine brightly among the "chain of pearls" along the Truckee River - Reno’s Arts District - and contribute to the mix of environmental, artistic and historical attractions that, when combined with gaming, distinguish Reno from most other tourist destinations in the world. And for the residents of the Truckee Meadows, the Lear Theater will be a source of pride, inspiration, celebration and community - a gathering place and workspace for all ages, cultures, and forms of artistic expression.
