Photo of the Day: November 27, 2009
Car Pushed Into Anacostia River By Train
Morning Roundup: Black Friday Edition
Devendra Banhart @ 9:30 Club
In yet another sign that local arts and non-profit groups continue to struggle amid the recession, Catalyst Theater Company announced today that budget issues have forced them to cancel their last show of the season. In a message posted to the Northeast D.C. theater company's Facebook page, Artistic Director Scott Fortier wrote that Catalyst's production of Dan LeFranc's Bruise Easy, which had been scheduled to run May 20 - June 21, has been scuttled entirely. Fortier also made an appeal for the company's patrons to continue to donate to the organization to help them meet this year's budget needs. Full letter after the jump.
Dear Friends,Catalyst Theater Company has connected with audiences through award-winning theater on a shoe-string budget for eight successful seasons. As we come to the close of our most ambitious season yet, we also face our most financially challenging time. The move from Capitol Hill Arts Workshop to The Atlas Performing Arts Center has been a great artistic success for us. Moving allowed us to expand our commitment to artistic excellence and to more fully realize the technical aspects of our productions. The move to Atlas garnered us two Helen Hayes nominations and a Helen Hayes award for Outstanding Sound Design for 1984 but it also came with a large price tag..
After a round of budget cuts and difficult decision-making I am writing to announce that Catalyst will not be producing BRUISE EASY this spring. Catalyst will suspend activities to focus on strategic planning and fundraising. We are among the many theaters and individual artists across the country that are struggling because of the economic downturn. I have confidence that with our focused efforts Catalyst will return to producing.
Despite the increased costs, we thought it was important to keep our $10 ticket policy. However, as you may know, even in the best of times ticket sales only make up only a small portion of the costs it takes to put on a production. Though we have canceled our final production we still have to meet this year's budget needs and we simply cannot do that without your support. If you have enjoyed our productions and ticket price and look forward to more, please consider making a tax-deductible donation to Catalyst. We realize that everyone is working within a tight budget, but any amount, no matter how small (or large!!!), helps us return to producing provocative, quality theater for Washington audiences. Checks can be sent to our offices at:
Catalyst Theater Company
1333 H Street, NE
Washington, DC 20002As an artist and the company's founder please know that this was an incredibly difficult decision. I appreciate the time and excitement you have already invested in Catalyst and I look forward to seeing you at the theater soon.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to get in touch with me.
With much respect,
Scott Fortier
Artistic Director
scott@catalysttheater.orgPS.. As always, word-of-mouth is a powerful tool, if you know someone who has enjoyed our productions in the past, please encourage them to show their support by making a donation to Catalyst Theater Company.
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The thing that pi$$es me off the most is that you have these theater companies struggling in DC, yet the Lincoln Theater is hardly ever open. And since they're a nonprofit foundation that's perpetually in the red, they stick DC taxpayers with the bill. And with the Howard Theater opening sometime in the future, you're going to see more of the same: a great old theater that's dark most of the year.
That's MISMANAGEMENT!?
Oohhh, I only give you a 5 on that one. Reference is just a bit too arcane and tough to deliver via text (without the use of 'jazzy hands')
There is no mis-management here. The economic downturn is hurting everyone. I urge you to do what you can to keep Catalyst afloat. We have worked hard to revitalize the H Street corridor and I don't want that hard work to go to waste. Keep up the good fight, Scott! Your neighbor and competitor, Paul Douglas Michnewicz, Artistic Director, Theater Alliance at the H Street Playhouse.