LAKE CITY PLAYHOUSE TO PERPETUATE PROFESSIONAL THEATER IN SPOKANE Lake City Playhouse and Interplayers have merged. Coeur d’Alene’s community theater and Spokane’s resident professional theater have reached agreement on a Plan of Merger which gives Lake City operational control over the theater on Howard Street in downtown Spokane. For 33 years – ever since founders Bob and Joan Welch started it in 1980 – Interplayers Resident Professional Theatre has presented live, professional dramas and comedies. By auditioning actors from across the country, housing them here, rehearsing them extensively during daytime hours, paying them, and then blending them with local actors into casts of exceptional merit, Interplayers has created a tradition of theatrical seasons that combine classics with contemporary plays. In addition, with the refinements in the Gellhorn Gallery, the theater’s community room, props storage area and rehearsal space, along with improvements to the Welch Auditorium and the Opening Act art shop – not to mention a new marquee -- the physical plant of the theater on Howard Street is in peak form. But financial challenges have remained persistent. Despite best efforts by management, staff and board members, Spokane’s nonprofit professional theater has, for years, found it difficult to attract the kind of support in the form of season subscriptions, individual ticket purchases, donations and corporate sponsorships that it needs to ensure sustainability. Unable to continue and unwilling to close, the Interplayers Board of Trustees hit upon the idea of seeking support from another local theater – in the case of Lake City under the executive artistic directorship of George Green, one which was prepared for and capable of taking on the challenge of continuing to produce professional theater in Spokane. Under the terms of the Plan of Merger that was approved unanimously by both the Lake City and Interplayers boards after more than two months of negotiation, professional theater will continue to be produced in the theater’s Welch Auditorium. Season subscriptions for 2014-15 will be honored, with a full slate of eight productions to be performed as promised. Partnerships with community sponsors will continue. And while some changes will of course be necessary in a time of transition, Interplayers’ present staff will be absorbed into the Lake City operation and continue their employment. Green will act as Executive Artistic Director of both theaters. The board and staff of LCP are honored to be taking the helm of such a cherished artistic landmark,” says Green. “While the transition period will undoubtedly contain some difficult moments, we fully expect a positive outcome with many successful years ahead. In 1997, my first theatrical experience in Spokane was at Interplayers Theatre. I recall meeting Bob and Joan, and I was impressed by their vision for the theatre. Our team is excited to put our best foot forward while working closely with existing members along with volunteers of the theatre. We are extremely appreciative of past and present patrons as well as contributors. It is our desire to honor the work and loyalties that made this theatre a regional treasure. We extend our gratitude to the Interplayers Board of Trustees and staff for their efforts and faith in our ability to create quality art. For 14 years, at least ever since the Welches’ retirement, the theater has experienced various transitions. Under this new solution: new management, new artistic leadership, new ideas and opportunities for development- the Welches’ vision of professional theater in downtown Spokane will survive. With Lake City at the helm, there is every reason to believe that it will thrive.
Posted on: Mon, 15 Sep 2014 19:58:53 +0000
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