THE BUDGET

In a previous posting 4/15 I express my concerns about the current economic downturn and how it was impacting non-profit arts organizations… including CATF. I expressed that fiscal responsibility is a value that I hold as closely as artistic excellence. It is essential that we have a balanced budget this season. But the challenges that we are facing this year are enormous. We have seen major cuts in both state and federal grants. Individual and corporate contributions are down. So the pressure is on…and that pressure is keeping us awake at night. We are operating on a “bare-bones” budget…and we are watching every penny that we spend. At the same time we are committed to finding creative solutions…because we are committed to producing five excellent plays. I recently had to cut a major artistic element in one of our plays. This was a difficult…but necessary decision. It breaks my heart when I have to make cuts to our artistic programs. This is the reality that we are facing this season.

So if you are reading this and you want to offer any advice or words of support please do so… We will get through these difficult times because art can and will survive. We are all living in uncertain times. Art is more necessary today than ever. Because we are artists…we are emboldened with a new sense of spontaneity and creativity. We will not shy away from doing important work that matters. We will continue to ask the difficult questions. We will continue our search for meaning. We will continue to make theater that is like life itself: unrepeatable, illuminating and unforgettable. We will continue to create a theater company that is not afraid to take risks. We will continue to dream with ambition, creativity and a dedication to excellence.

I invite you to join me in this conversation…I invite your comments…your counsel…and your support. Please help me to nurture new work for the stage.

Ed Herendeen