AACT_Spotlight_NovDec22

“During these uncertain times…blah, blah, blah”
Yes, folks, these are uncertain times—and who knows this
better than those who dedicate themselves to community
theatre. After all, when have we had “certain” times?
Ever heard this conversation between a friend and a
community theatre-volunteer, professional, or board member?
(Insert which is appropriate for you.)
“Hi G.B., how are things going at Limping Armadillo Community
Theatre?”
“Thanks for asking, things are certain.”
President’s Letter
Kristi Quinn
AACT President
No, never. Never certain. Even if you don’t factor in a worldwide
pandemic and recession, things in the world of nonprofit
theatre are never “certain.” Of course, there are community
and nonprofit theatres who are financially secure and
artistically realized, but solid and continual work—hard work—
goes into keeping them successful.
Many organizations struggle, even in good years, with the
reality of a fickle audience, varying economic tides, and
alternate entertainment competition. When community
members struggle with making hard decisions about their
entertainment dollar or health, and competition for the
entertainment dollar is stretched to the maximum, our
audiences grow smaller.
The bottom line is that if audiences dwindle and costs rise,
many community theatres will not survive.
But I am certain about one thing. Yes, certain, that audiences
who love live theatre will continue or return. The romance and
excitement of seeing live theatre will triumph.
And while some theatres will close, many others will rise like
a phoenix. Sure, we may have to dust off a few golden oldies
to attract audiences back, but we can slip a Sam Shepherd in
there for good measure, and the audience may love it.
We may have to adapt and (gasp) change to attract those
theatre lovers, but it will happen. Certainly!
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2022 3