The Foundation of Arts is working to make its Stage, Too facility into a venue that will bring more arts and entertainment options to Downtown Jonesboro this summer.

Located at 330 S. Main St. near The Forum Theatre in Downtown Jonesboro, Stage, Too has served a variety of purposes for The Foundation of Arts over the years. From receptions hosted by The FOA staff to smaller theater productions performed in a black box setting, the venue is an open space that can easily be configured for entertainment purposes or private events.

Joe Carr, creative director for The FOA, says it has been a work in progress.

“We bought new sound equipment, prepared a bar space, added new furnishings, and a new stage and sound equipment,” said Carr, who estimates the venue can seat 65 people.

The FOA has contracted with Brian Nobles, who owns and operates The Rec Room in Downtown Jonesboro with his wife, Sarah, to provide alcohol at the venue. Nobles has applied for a permit that would allow him to sell alcohol during events at Stage, Too. The first reading before the Jonesboro City Council for the private permit for The Arts Annex was heard on May 21. Two additional readings are required.

First Fridays at The FOA, as well as additional performances by local musicians, will be part of the weekend series. Carr said The FOA also plans to offer adult classes on weekends, such as painting or dance classes, prior to the evening performances. The FOA has contracted with local musician Lucas Clonts to book music for the venue on Friday and Saturday nights. Musicians interested in performing as part of “Stage, Too Weekends” are encouraged to contact Clonts by visiting foamusic.org.

“Musicians are lined up and ready to go and we have staff members who are ready to staff it as soon as we have the permit,” said Carr.

J. Jagriti, The FOA’s new development director, says making Stage, Too more accessible to the public will have several benefits for The Foundation of Arts.

“By opening it to the public, more people can come in and make connections,” said Jagriti. “They can get to know more about The Foundation of Arts and what we have planned, and then they may decide that they want to be involved in what we are doing.”

The FOA will continue to rent its Stage,Too facility, which Jagriti says also provides a financial benefit to the nonprofit organization.

“The cost of renting the venue is $300 for two hours, and an additional $75 for each additional hour,” she said. “It has a stage that can be used for smaller theater and musical acts and will be good for networking events, too.”

To inquire about Stage, Too rentals, call the FOA box office at (870) 935-2726.