It will take from one to three weeks for the city's parks and recreation department to learn all the logistics and operations of the Roanoke Rapids Theatre, Interim City Manager Ed Wyatt told council tonight.

Wyatt said the venue is currently in a transition phase as it prepares to rent the venue for acts and city staff contacts those who worked with Elizabeth Branham, who has decided to step down from running the struggling theater. “The staff will start becoming familiar with the operation of the theater.”

Wyatt said there have been many questions, concerns and suggestions made, especially by those who have had an interest in booking shows at the building.

There will be a meeting of city staff and tourism next week to discuss a range of ideas about the theater, said Wyatt. Those ideas including selling the venue, advertising and promotion. “We intend to have discussions with the Economic Development Commission on the development of the parcels (around Carolina Crossroads).”

Mayor Emery Doughtie said there have been initial talks with the Halifax County Arts Council on bringing the North Carolina Symphony to the venue.