In Theater News: A Matter of Scope (Open Circle Theater) & A 4Culture Update

Much has been written lately about the troubles of running a large arts organization. To be sure, debt that adds up to multi-million dollar sums is stunning and noteworthy: attention must be paid; aid must be given; the organization's artistic merit must be evaluated and justified.

Not much is written about the other end of the scale, the small independent companies where risk-taking, reputation-establishing, and daring ventures regularly take place. In Seattle theater, that distinction belongs with the Fringe Theater companies; these are groups like the Annex, Theater Schmeater, venues like Theater Off Jackson and countless smaller, newer companies.

For these establishments, seemingly small obstacles take on the size and scope of an insurmountable behemoth to overcome. What's $4,000 when you compare it to a nearly three million dollar deficit? To give you an idea of the kind of scale we're talking about, $4,000 is but a fraction of the costume budget for a production at one of the bigger houses. It's nearly half of the monthly rent for a choice location at the Seattle Center. Just because the numbers are easier to grasp, because the hole is less daunting, does that make the smaller company less worthy of our sympathy or attention?

At this level, most liabilities are foreseen and compensated for, but occasionally something as simple as a renter backing out at the last possible minute occurs and a theater company finds itself in need of help.

This is exactly the predicament that Open Circle Theater, a company that has been in existence in Seattle for almost 20 years, finds itself in. During those years, Open Circle has experienced boom times, though lately the years have been lean. Certainly, those lean years are due, in part, to poor artistic merit and bad management in the not-too-distant past. A relocation effort to Belltown (they currently share Aha! Theater's original venue with Freehold) hasn't exactly been helpful.

During the last 24 months however, Open Circle has been experiencing something of a rebirth: a new Artistic Director (Gary Zinter), a new Managing Director (KP Ramsdale), new company members, a renewed focus and sense of purpose have turned the company around. Last year saw the successful runs of The Woman In Black, new plays The Private Lives of Eskimos and Arcana, while the end of the year brought about their annual productions of HP Lovecraft adaptations and The Judy Garland Christmas Special.

That last project is also indicative of another significant artistic contribution Open Circle brings to Seattle: They are one of the last established theater companies in town that will casually program gay material. This isn't to say that it is their sole focus, just that the choices they make cater more to a queer or eccentric bent (as Zinter once said, "we're a gay theater, but we're not Gay Theater"). Their January production of The Cut is a good example, while it does center around a gay character, its themes go well beyond sexual orientation. (Up next for OCT: a take on Rocky Horror that doesn't rely on the familiar call and response shtick.)

OCT is fully aware of the timing. "We completely understand we are just another hand out among many that are asking for your financial support right now," reads the statement sent out by Angel Welter, Open Circle's PR contact, "but truly anything you could spare would make a difference in helping us continue our craft and keep our theater open."

If you value smaller, riskier theater, or know someone who does, and would like to donate, Open Circle asks that you do so through their Paypal account or contact KP Ramsdale at kp@octheater.com with any questions, comments or requests for other options. As always, no amount is too small, and all donations are tax deductible.

(Full disclosure: This correspondent was a company member at Open Circle from 1998 to 2005.)

In Other News, Advocate4Culture reports that the two bills that would keep the King County Arts organization funded have moved from their respective committees and onto the floors of the Washington State Legislature. Things are looking good, but legislators could always use a friendly reminder. Contact your local representative and remind them of the importance of these bills being passed and keeping our arts vibrant.