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After two seasons, the professional theater company run by Saint Mary’s University is taking the summer off. SMU Dean of the School of the Arts Michael Charron said the break is due to the struggling economy and many arts organizations competing for a limited number of entertainment dollars.
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Seymour, left, played by Tyler Bellmon, comforts Audrey, played by Sarah Jane Marek, in last summer’s Gilmore Creek Summer Theatre’s production of “Little Shop of Horrors.” On Monday, the professional theater company announced it wasn’t planning a third season because of a poor economy. (Photo by Paul Solberg/Winona Daily News) |
“We want to re-evaluate,” Charron said. “Right now, we’re thinking it’s best for the arts community for us to step back and support other things going on.”
Two years ago, SMU announced the launch of Gilmore Creek Summer Theatre, which was named after the creek that runs through the campus. In its first year, GCST performed “Lend Me a Tenor” and “Showtune.”
About 2,000 people attended the inaugural season.
For the second season, ticket prices were raised to be more competitive with other area theater companies. They also shortened the season by a week and chose more well-known plays with “Little Shop of Horrors” and “The Foreigner.” “The Great Mouse Expedition,” a children’s show, was also added.
Attendance hit a little more than 1,800 with opening weekend sales up 25 percent to 30 percent.
“It wasn’t up to the level we thought it should be,” Charron said.
Gilmore Creek Summer Theatre is far from the only theater group falling victim to the economy. On Friday, Milwaukee Shakespeare announced it was going out of business because its principal funder, the Argosy Foundation, couldn’t provide the grant expected for the 2008-09 season.
With the Great River Shakespeare Festival, Minnesota Beethoven Festival and summer productions by Rock Solid Youth Center, Fountain City River Players and Home and Community Options, Charron said the summer theater market in Winona is pretty saturated.
Charron said that SMU will continue to support other arts organizations by encouraging others to attend the festivals and attending them himself.
The break for Gilmore Creek could just be an intermission. It could return for a third season if economic conditions improve and SMU sees a need.
“We’re not killing it,” Charron said. “We can bring this back.”
Artistic director Judy Myers says that will depend on the needs of the community.
“We can take another shot at it later,” Myers said. “We had a lot of fun doing it.”
This summer, Myers is looking forward to sitting in the audience for Shakespeare and attending out-of-state theater productions without worrying about directing.
“I loved attending Shakespeare last summer,” Myers said. “I thought they had their best season artistically.”
She will direct two plays next year as part of SMU’s Department of Theatre Arts season. Myers said they’re still discussing what shows will be performed but will try to consider scheduling things attendees of GCST may enjoy.
“Seeing the audience have a good time is probably the most rewarding,” Myers said. “It’s what makes it all worth it.”
Käri Knutson may be reached at kknutson@winonadailynews.com or (507) 453-3523.
