» Blog Archive » Nobody wins when a theater closes

Nobody wins when a theater closes

Nobody wins when a theater closes.

No one benefits from this. It is one place less to practice this art form that goes back to Neanderthals grunting stories in front of their tribe, illuminated by recently discovered fires. Today, when the right people wield the stage, their stories become just as important to us. I feel it’s my responsibility as a human and, or, Neanderthal, to try to help a theater in need when I see one. This note is for anyone who feels the same.

There are a lot more theaters closing down in this city than there are opening up. Its just simple mathematics. Most high rise condo developers don’t have theaters in mind when they design their retail space. Hard working immigrants are not rushing to empty store fronts to open theaters, they’re opening Jamba Juices and Dunkin Donuts.

So until someone makes theater edible, tasty, and refreshing, we face this problem of diminishing theater space. But there is hope. And that hope is us. No point in waiting for someone to come fix the problem. The best one can do is support all you can when you know a theater needs it.

Center Stage, NY, or CSNY, is one of these theaters in our great city. The people at Center Stage strive to keep prices for artist at an affordable rate. This interest conflict with those who run the building Center Stage is housed in. So, it’s time to fight the bad guys and raise this rent.

I can’t begin to tell you what we loose if we lose CSNY. Many theater companies have started there, or went through the space. Labyrinth, Vampire Cowboys, Terranova, countless individual artists, and the entity known as J. Anthony Roman. If Center Stage closes, we loose everything that would have come after.

So if you would like to help, please do. You will not be judged on the size of your donation. Six cents to six figures will be accepted. To donate, please contact Jill DeArmon at jill@centerstageny.com

And if you want more bang for your donation, this Sunday CSNY is having a series of events to benefit the space. This includes celebrity panels giving you information about life in the arts. Successful life. If interested, check out the facebook page:

http://www.facebook.com/#!/event.php?eid=118546604842921

It all culminates with an old school all nighter which promises to be a great party. Starts at 8PM and goes for as long as it has to. $10 admission. If you can’t come to the party and still want to help,again, contact Jill DeArmon at jill@centerstageny.com

IN THE BOX PARTY

May 23^rd, 2010 8PM on

$10 CASH at the door

48 West 21^st Street between 5^th and 6^th Ave

4^th Floor, dial 401