It is with sadness and disappointment that the Board of Directors and I must announce that Foothills Theatre Company will suspend operations following our current production of Doubt and will not be able to complete its 2008-2009 Season with You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown. 

As you are now well aware, Foothills Theatre has been faced with an unprecedented combination of obstacles that has sent us into a dire financial state.  As with all theatre companies, we depend on box office revenue along with a combination of corporate sponsorships, foundations and grants, and private donations.  But attendance has sharply declined in recent years as have donations and sponsorships, and grant money is ever harder to come by. 

Even in the best of times Foothills, like many non-profit theatres in this country, has struggled to survive.  Now with the economic crisis that has engulfed our country making it tough for many people to enjoy even the simplest of pleasures, our audience has grown ever smaller as folks spend less of their dollars.  This current situation arrives on top of several other things that have factored into our decision: longstanding debt, competition for entertainment dollars, and the imminent reconstruction of Citysquare which would force us to move our location, even if only on a temporary basis.

We are grateful for the support and the donations we received following our public announcement in March of our financial crisis and our recent fundraiser event this month.  That support allowed us to continue with the season and with the help of many volunteers and the sacrifice of many of our staff members, we were able to produce The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas and our current acclaimed production of Doubt.  But this support has been not enough to take us through the end of the season as we had hoped and has curtailed our plans this summer for our Education Programs.  It is our feeling that producing Charlie Brown at this time would be a very unwise financial decision.

For our patrons who hold tickets to Charlie Brown, we would like to offer a few options.  Those who would like to use their tickets for the remaining two weeks of Doubt can do so at any time.  Our box office staff will be happy to apply those tickets to any available seat for the performance of your choice.  If you have already seen Doubt those tickets could be a great gift for family and friends. If in the event that Foothills Theatre goes forward at a future place and time, the administrative staff happily will apply purchased tickets to a future production.

As for the future of Foothills Theatre Company there are many things in the works behind the scenes that may signal the continuation of the theatre, perhaps in a new form and at a new location.  We sincerely hope that Worcester has not lost its only professional theatre company permanently.  It is a shame that the arts in this country have taken such a beating and that Foothills Theatre is yet another victim of our times.  We thank you, our loyal supporters and patrons, for your ongoing patience, understanding, and trust in us during these difficult times and we hope that Foothills Theatre Company will remain a source of education, culture, and entertainment in Central Massachusetts for many years to come.

Russell Garrett 508.754.3314 x222                           

rgarrett@foothillstheatre.com

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