$317,500 Sought for Grand Opening of Civic Arts Plaza : Thousand Oaks: Organizers want to launch the city’s new complex in style later this year.

From a star-studded, black-tie bash to an informal showcase of local talent, the Civic Arts Plaza will open later this year with a gala weekend of entertainment--if the Thousand Oaks City Council on Tuesday approves a $317,500 budget for the kickoff.

Determined to create a splashy grand opening, a citizens committee has recommended launching the arts complex’s 1994 season with a major pop artist, followed by the Conejo Symphony performing with a bevy of local choirs.

Symphony and choral leaders have already settled on their program: the last movement of Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony, known as the “Ode to Joy.” That piece seems especially appropriate to longtime backers of the Civic Arts Plaza.

“It’s perfect because it brings years of work, planning, urging and really tough decision-making to a real culmination,” Councilwoman Judy Lazar said. “(Doubters) said it couldn’t, wouldn’t, shouldn’t be done, but it is done. And I think it’s one of the best things the city has done for itself, or will do for itself, in a long time.”

Although the grand opening remains 10 months away, more than 200 people have joined the committee planning the event, which coincides with Thousand Oaks’ 30th birthday.

The smaller 400-seat theater will open first, in September, with performances of “Man of La Mancha” and weekly City Council and Planning Commission meetings.

But the real party will take place the weekend of Oct. 22 when the 1,800-seat auditorium opens with an as-yet-undetermined headline act.

Big-name stars under consideration include David Gaines, who played the lead in “Phantom of the Opera”; singer Tony Bennett; jazz artist Mel Torme, and pop singer Paul Anka. Organizers also hope to persuade celebrities and prominent politicians to join the celebration from the audience.

“We’ve got grandiose plans,” theater commissioner Harry Selvin said. “We will have first-class talent.”

While ticket prices will depend on the performer, the preliminary budget calls for $25 to $75 seats Friday night and $50 to $100 charges for Saturday’s glittery champagne gala.

Organizers also hope to offer free or discounted seats for senior citizens and students interested in attending a Thursday night dress rehearsal.

And everyone will get a chance to walk through the Civic Arts Plaza and check out local groups during a community talent showcase scheduled the Sunday afternoon. Tickets to the amateur performances will cost about $5.

“There will be something for everyone,” publicity chairwoman Helene Ross said, “not only price-wise, but in terms of the variety of entertainment.”

The grand opening budget up for council consideration Tuesday night outlines expenditures ranging from $5,000 to create a time capsule to $50,000 for an inaugural season brochure listing the year’s schedule.

By selling tickets, souvenirs and programs, theater commissioners hope to ensure that the grand opening ceremony at least breaks even, and possibly turns a profit. Any proceeds would go back into the arts plaza’s operating budget.

To maximize income, the commission recently voted not to reduce rent for community groups performing during the grand opening. The City Council will review that decision Tuesday.

If the council approves, nonprofit groups will pay $400 a day to rent the small theater and $1,800 a day for the larger auditorium. Professional troupes will pay $800 for the theater and $2,800 for the auditorium.

Those rates, comparable to the rental fees charged by similar-size theaters, have attracted scores of amateur singers, actors and dancers eager to perform in the Civic Arts Plaza.

The 400-seat theater is already tentatively booked for nearly every weekend through May, 1995.

The Santa Susana Repertory Theatre will present “Man of La Mancha” in September, “Christmas Carol” in December, “Driving Miss Daisy” in February, 1995, and “Little Shop of Horrors” in April, 1995. Other performers include the Leisure Village Guild, the California Lutheran University Children’s Theater and the Conejo Youth Symphony.