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1] How is the search going for a new home?
The search is going wonderfully. It is such an exciting
process for us. As I say in my
letter to you, it has given River Rep an amazing
opportunity to really examine our charter, the way that
we have worked thus far, what we have accomplished,
and how other venues and scenarios will open up the
possibilities for us. There are two spaces that we are
seriously exploring at the moment and a third where
we are in the early stages of negotiation. Within the
next few months, we will definitely have some very exciting
concrete news on this issue.
2] What are the criteria for the new space?
As the search continues, and we begin to contemplate what might be possible, the parameters continue to change. But the basics that we began with were as follows:
- Between 250 and 500 seats;
- Within a 30-mile radius of Essex/Centerbrook/Old Saybrook;
- A stage that is versatile enough to produce a wide variety of straight plays and musicals;
- A theatre that is easily accessible to the public and you, our core audience;
- And, most importantly, the possibility of a relationship and contract with the owner, town, or governing body that holds the space, that will allow River Rep to grow and thrive both artistically and financially well into the future.
3] What kind of timeline are we looking at?
Again, there are lots of possible scenarios here. We would love to be able to announce the location for a 2006 summer season by the first of the year. With so many factors to consider, and to make sure the decision is the right one, it may take longer than that. What you can be assured of is that we will keep you posted. As soon as we know...you will know!
4] Since fundraising is so crucial to the arts, how was River Rep able to survive so long without it?
This is such a good and important question. The first reason is Joan Shepard. As Managing Director, her ability to propose a budget for each season and oversee the expenditures [with the indispensable help of Arthur Pignataro] is so extraordinary that we were able to stay in business. The truth is... in those seasons where there was a deficit, the Producing Body of River Rep put up its private funds to make up the difference. Of course, all costs continue to rise, and in order for us just to continue to offer the level of work you have come to expect, not to mention artistic growth, we simply could not continue without the avenues for fundraising that are available and used by virtually every not-for-Profit theatre or arts organization in the country.
5] How is season selection going?
We have so many wonderful ideas for our next season. But so much will depend on our new theatre. Again, we will only chose a space and location that is suitable for producing the incredible variety that has been one of River Rep’s “trademarks.” But, even so, the space will give us vital information in the final step of the selection process.
6] Why did River Rep decide to seek a new space?
From the beginning of our residence in Connecticut, back in 1987, the contract-lease that was offered to us placed certain financial restrictions on our operations and presented countless hurdles for establishing River Rep’s own reputation with the public. This made success elusive at best. Staying in business and remaining fiscally healthy was a huge yearly challenge. And, building a clear identity with the theatregoing public — as a company comprised of a group of New York theatre professionals who come to CT each summer to rent a space in which to make theatre — was nearly impossible. It also became clear in recent seasons that it was going to be more and more difficult for two not-for-profit theatre companies to share the same space.
In recent seasons, we became even more committed to
expanding our charter, deepening our commitment to excellence,
and working to widen our reputation. With productions
like 1776, The Heiress, Follies,
Proof,
and 2005’s All
My Sons, just to name a few, you could witness
our incredible resolve. When someone comes to see a
River Rep production, they will be seeing a long-standing
repertory company comprised of actors who have been
working together in Connecticut for 19 summers and who
each have anywhere from 20 to 50+ years of professional
experience. Sharing the space, the program, and an identity
with another theatre producing organization with a very
different history and charter was now making this next
vital step in our growth impossible.
7] What is the best way for River Rep supporters to get involved?
Over the course of the next year, there are going to
be so many wonderful opportunities for each of you to
be a part of our exciting move into the future. First
and foremost: we will keep in touch with you and we
want you to keep in touch with us. One very
important thing you can do, if you haven’t done
so already, is to complete
our 2005 post-season survey. Also, when
our next season and events are announced, please
subscribe. This is the most important sign
of your support. It tells us that you know who River
Rep is and what we bring to the fabric of the professional
theatre scene in Connecticut. When we begin to finally
be able to raise money, through Corporate and Private
funding...if you are able...your
support will be helping to make sure that our new
home is a success and that we can be with you for many
seasons to come. We will also be forming a guild, outreach
programs, and countless opportunities to volunteer.
We will be asking for your help...join
us! I promise you it will be as gratifying as it
is appreciated. And, you will be “sharing the
stage” with Joan, Evan, Owen, Jenn, Stephen, Arthur,
myself, and the literally hundreds of phenomenal theatre
professionals that we have brought, and will continue
to bring, to River Rep, Connecticut, and your community.
Thank you for your questions, interest, and as always, your incredible support!
Very sincerely,
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Warren Kelley
Artistic Director
River Rep at Ivoryton
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