MARYSVILLE – The show must, and will, go on for Red Curtain Foundation of the Arts.

After 2 1/2 years at the old Dunn Lumber location on Grove Street, the foundation will be moving behind the Goodwill store on State Avenue.

The last play performed at the previous site, “It’s a Wonderful Life,” played a key role in the move.

The foundation’s Scott Randall explained that one cast member’s brother sells real estate locally. They were able to work out an arrangement for a seven-year lease for the warehouse.

Foundation volunteers packed up everything over the past week and moved it to the new spot.

“It’s a Wonderful Life” also brought in a profit as four of the shows sold out. A few other plays also have shown profits.

“We’re in a better position than when we moved in here,” he said of the old site.

At its new home, Red Curtain will have six-to-nine months to get it ready for operation. During the buildup it won’t have to pay full price for the site.

Red Curtain had found another location, but it was much smaller. It would have been a fine spot for performances, he said, but it lacked storage space, and areas where it could put on its arts classes.

But thanks to its more-profitable plays and a Brandy Carlisle grant, Randall said he believes Red Curtain can afford the higher rent.

“People are starting to hear about Marysville as a place for the arts,” he said, adding it took awhile for Red Curtain to get noticed. “The community hadn’t had a comprehensive arts program before.”

He said he is so glad they have their own space that it doesn’t have to share.

“It’s been month-to-month here, making it hard to plan,” he said. “We feel more secure with where we’re at.”

With a permanent facility, Randall said it should be easier for them to receive government grants and support from major corporations.

“Arts funding is still really slim,” he said, adding they developed a relationship with the Tulalip Tribes last year, which has helped.

Randall said the foundation is planning three plays for next year: “Arsenic and Old Lace,” “You Can’t Take it with You,” and “The Fantasticks,” which would be their first musical. Randall said they won’t to honor their sponsors and season-ticket holders. So they are hoping to possibly use the city’s Opera House as a location for at least one of the plays before their new home is ready.

Randall also is hopeful students that started with Red Curtain in acting and music classes will be able to continue somehow.

“That’s a little scary,” he said, adding the acting classes for adults and children have been especially popular.

The new site has a 6,000-square foot main room, but also adjacent rooms that would be perfect for classes. But it could be awhile before those rooms will be ready for occupancy.

Randall said he would like next to partner with the Marysville School District, as a reliable after-school arts program. He also foresees a school outreach program, such as with puppet shows.

Starting the new year, Randall said it is a relief to have a home.

“Even when we were telling our supporters, ‘We’ll find a place,’ we were wondering, ‘How?’ ‘Where?’” he asked. “But we are confident they will rally behind the project.”