Posted by: Kim_Hamilton on 01/29/2009 09:02 AM
Updated by: Kim_Hamilton on 01/29/2009 09:05 AM
Expires: 01/01/2014 12:00 AM
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Murphys Creek Theatre and Black Bart Pledge to Work Together
In the spirit of keeping community theater a vibrant part of Murphys and Calaveras County, the board of directors and the general membership of the Black Bart Players voted Saturday to combine forces with the Murphys Creek Theatre Company. Eventually, the two entities will re-emerge as one theater. Due to dwindling memberships, economic hardship and lack of volunteers, the Black Bart Players found themselves facing the possibility of closure. Murphys Creek, facing many of the same problems itself, offered its services to help....
out the Players. The idea for the two entities to work together was born, and after several meetings and public input, the decision has been made.
Saturday’s vote does not immediately dissolve the Black Bart Players. A transitional board of directors was elected to make the transition go smoothly, and a lawyer will be hired to work on the legal side of things. Once that has happened, the board of directors of the Black Bart Players will dissolve, as will the theater company. However, in the spirit of tradition, the theater at 580 S. Algiers St. will remain the Black Bart Playhouse, and actors, directors, sponsors and members are encouraged to become actively involved with Murphys Creek Theatre.
Murphys Creek has welcomed input from Black Bart Players and members, and its board will continue to do so. Likewise, the board of directors of the Black Bart Players is excited to work with Murphys Creek.
In addition, the board has pledged to make the following items priorities for the theater’s future:
• Maintain the Murphys Creek Mirror Project and explore funding options to provide scholarships for children whose families cannot afford tuition.
• Encourage community involvement in all aspects of theater, including holding open auditions.
• Start a series of training workshops for actors and directors.
• Encourage student participation in the arts by holding after-school theater programs and offering mentorships as opportunities for students to learn the technical aspects of theater.
• Keep the building available for rental by community organizations or independent theater productions.
• Maintain the tradition of the Black Bart Players’ summer melodramas.
Murphys Creek will continue to perform throughout the summer at the Stevenot Amphitheatre in addition to performing indoor plays at the Black Bart Playhouse. All involved with the decision to work together look forward to the theater company being an active part of the downtown Murphys community.
For more information call 728-8842 or visit murphysblackbartplayers.com.
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