Crosscut: “What day is it?” Intiman Theatre Executive Director Phillip Chavira asked no one in particular last week. “Wednesday? So I am the executive director for three more days.”
It was hardly a surprise to the two dozen people gathered in the fluorescent-lit meeting room of the Seattle Center Armory. Most were former board members, employees and supporters of Intiman, a 47-year-old power player in the Seattle theater world that has been in poor financial health for years. They knew Chavira had resigned, that the theater was in trouble. That’s why the theater’s board called Wednesday night’s emergency meeting, and why the crowd was there.
1 comment:
What a shame to hear that Intiman Theatre is facing debt issues and almost shut down. It is a theatre with rich history and presents good work. Particularly, its direction on social justice focused plays is very unique and important. Not only are they putting on plays with important messages, they are benefiting the community by training youth and underrepresented artists. It is even more amazing that the theatre's mission is “to grapple with social and racial injustice” that applies to backstage as well. You really don’t see theaters with this type of commitment. Theaters should strive to put on good performances and do a service to the community as well, whether that’s through education or other means. On another note, the article also alarmed me of the dropping in seats issue in theaters. For non-profit theaters especially, ticket sales have been falling due to the lack of funding. I wonder what are new ways of encouraging people to attend theater performances.
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