Past Messages from the President >

Rent asks the musical question, "Five hundred twenty-five thousand six hundred minutes. How do you measure, measure a year?"

As I complete my first term (and anticipate a second) as president, and Curtain Players closes Season 47, I take measure of the last 12 months... and I take pleasure in progress our "community in theatre" is making with the 50th anniversary season on the not-so-distant horizon. There were disappointments along the way, yes, and we have some high-potential ideas that have to wait in the maybe-next-year file. Overall, Curtain Players is in a better place than it was one year ago. Isn’t that our goal—even at age 47—to be a stronger and more vibrant arts organization? Of course, it is... so take a bow!

AWARDS: Curtain Players enjoys a reputation for its quality productions, and to justify that, I cite the company's five Central Ohio Theatre Roundtable awards for 2009, including an Outstanding Production honor for Charley's Aunt. Only three productions received this coveted accolade, out of more than 90 considered by Roundtable responders. This season began with news that our curtainplayers.com website for a second consecutive year was recognized by the Ohio Community Theatre Association with a first place overall honor for quality with three additional nods for functionality, content and design.

AUDIENCE RESPONSE: Curtain Players audiences are very loyal and very supportive and for that, we are most appreciative. Charley's Aunt, Run for Your Wife, and A Little House Christmas were strong draws at the box office, selling out most of their performances. Although Hedda Gabler did not fare as well at the ticket table, audiences embraced this challenging landmark work in theatre history and applauded Curtain's willingness to stage a genuine classic. Run for Your Wife and A Thousand Clowns received overwhelmingly favorable notices from online reviewers. Mauritius showed that audiences are willing to take a chance on a well-produced and well-acted new story.

FUNDRAISING: I mention, too, the success of Curtain's first annual fund campaign in which a modest midwinter request generated more than $3,000 for installation of hot water and a new emergency exit in the Harlem Road playhouse. With more than 50 donors making an average gift of $57, this bodes well for the annual fund approach to continue on a larger scale this summer and fall. Our ad campaign for the program book is generating more revenue this year than last. We greatly appreciate these investments as they demonstrate that the Curtain Players is well regarded and its mission is important to our friends and neighbors.

OUR ROLE AS COMMUNITY PARTNER: Curtain Players has a stage for telling stories, of course, but we can put that stage to good use helping the community that supports us. We partnered with Westerville Area Resource Ministry to conduct two food drives this season, doing our part of give a hand up to our neighbors in need. The generous response has prompted us to make plans to build that relationship in 2010-2011.

BUILDING THE FUTURE: We are developing a strategic plan to address the future of our Harlem Road playhouse and property. This is a necessary and long overdue effort that will guarantee Curtain Players has a comfortable, safe, and secure home for storytelling in the years to come.

A CHEER FOR WOMEN PLAYWRIGHTS: Curtain Players recently staged the central Ohio premiere of Mauritius. It is a coup of sorts to be first with a new Broadway play in this competitive arts marketplace, and said play is written by a woman. Women are not as well represented among playwrights as their male counterparts, so Curtain's current productions of Theresa Rebeck's play and next spring's Boy Gets Girl by Rebecca Gilman demonstrate our commitment to presenting contemporary works written by women and sharing their points of view. This indeed is a shiny facet in Curtain's gem of artistic reputation.

A COMMITTED ADMINISTRATION: Eight members of the original 2009-2010 Curtain Players Board of Directors, including myself as president, were new to governance. Two resigned along the way, but the overall Curtain commitment has been strong, evidenced by willingness to work countless hours and juggle more than primary assigned tasks, by regular attendance at monthly and special meetings, and by open, thoughtful (and sometimes very animated) discussion. Addressing all matters of administration, governance, and operations is not done without sacrifice. Curtain Players should be proud of those who stepped up to take their turns at leadership this year. Conversely, the board is proud of its volunteers, directors, designers who delivered six top-notch productions and handled many special projects on everyone's behalf.

There are disappointments to note, if only because they force us to rethink our goals and to take stock of our resources. I am not sure we can truly appreciate any successes if we do not remember the shortcomings. For example, although strides have been made in our marketing and publicity efforts, I am struck by how many Westerville-area residents remain unaware of the Curtain Players "community in theatre." We need to acquaint them with our excellent organization. Also, our volunteer pool is shallow. We have seen fewer actors at auditions. It is always difficult to recruit house staff for performance nights and fill some committees. Board members, including those beginning their terms July 1, already are working on means to address these issues, among others.

So, filled with a celebratory spirit for what we’ve experienced and accomplished during the last 525,600 minutes, I hope everyone is eager to take the time and to share the talents necessary to make the season ahead even better that this one. We need you.