Marin theater, take a bow! County stage scene breaking a leg, if not breaking the bank... by Charl e s Br o u sse
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t first glance, Marin’s theater scene appears to be remarkably vibrant. With apologies to any group I might have overlooked, here’s an overview of the current landscape. Tier 1 is composed of four companies (Marin Theatre, Marin Shakespeare, Mountain Play, Antenna) whose production budgets and elevated professional standards make them industry leaders. Tier 2 includes three groups (AlterTheater, Porchlight, Marin Cabaret) that have their feet planted firmly on lower rungs of the professional ladder while they look for ways to climb higher. Tier 3’s trio (Ross Valley Players, Novato Theater, Curtain) fall into the wedo-it-because-we-love-it category of community facilities. Finally, there is a multi-user venue (142 Throckmorton) and an educational institution with a strong, performance-oriented drama curriculum (College of Marin). For a suburban county of just over 255,000 (2011 estimate), that’s a pretty impressive list—one that I would guess numerically exceeds similar areas elsewhere in the country, including East Coast suburbs in New England that are noted for their tradition of cultural involvement. What this summary fails to reveal, however, is how a scarcity of financial resources has affected viewer choices, production quality and industry working conditions. Nonprofit theaters can’t survive on ticket revenue alone and in Marin a chronic shortage of outside funding by foundations, businesses and large individual donors has discouraged startups (the potential powerhouses of tomorrow) and compelled existing companies in the mid and lower tiers to cut production expenses, defer needed infrastructure improvements and pack their schedules with known crowd pleasers instead of more challenging projects. Meanwhile, unless they have outside income, everyone involved in these low-budget shows is relegated to the ranks of the working poor. Bottom line: As a theatrical ecosystem, Marin may appear to be flourishing, but it’s not particularly healthy. All of this was
14 PACIFIC SUN SEPTEMBER 7 - SEPTEMBER 13, 2012
supposed to change three decades ago when the Buck Trust came on the scene with a promise that, in keeping with Beryl Buck’s stated wishes, arts support would be one of the trust’s core areas of grant making, which is overseen by the Marin Community Foundation. For a few years back in the late ’80s and early ’90s, Marin was bursting with creative energy as visual and performing artists celebrated the advent of a cultural golden age that many predicted would be unmatched anywhere in the country. To illustrate its importance, all four of the theater companies that today make up Tier 1 were major beneficiaries of that original largesse. Unfortunately, the Marin Community Foundation’s commitment began to erode in the mid-’90s as its leaders and trustees increasingly directed resources to other priorities, mainly in education, aging and community development. In a recent interview, President and CEO Thomas Peters, an advocate of institutional self-reliance, confirmed the shift. “Even with all our resources,” he said, referring to arts funding, “we’re not going to be the source of ongoing support.” So much for the golden age. Now, for a theater-by-theater snapshot of what’s happening this fall: Marin Theatre Company 397 Miller Ave., Mill Valley 415/388-5208, marintheatre.org News: Financial position, including reserve funds, remains strong and subscriber base is growing...Artistic director Jasson Minadakis says new play development is among top priorities...Sandra Weingart is interim W In just a few short m managing director, years, founding r replacing the departed member Jeannette Ryan Rilette. R Harrison has helped AlterTheater grow Fall productions: into to one of the T Topdog/Underdog more impressive ((Sept. 27-Oct.21); It’s ensembles in Marin. a Wonderful Life (Nov. 222-Dec.16) Marin Shakespeare Company Forest Meadows Amphitheatre, Dominican University 415/499-4488, marinshakespeare.org News: Reports enthusiastic public reception of site improvements...Shakespeare at San Quentin is now in its10th year and going strong.
Marin Shakespeare Company continues to find new and edgy ways to keep classic theater alive for modern audiences.
Fall productions: None. 2013 summer season not yet announced. Mountain Play Cushing Memorial Amphitheater, Mt.Tamalpais 415/383-1100, mountainplay.org News: Director of 2013 summer musical not yet announced...This will be the100th anniversary production...Annual gala benefit scheduled for Nov. 3 Fall productions: None. The Sound of Music scheduled for spring 2013. Antenna Theatre P.O. Box 73, Sausalito 415/332-8867, antenna-theatre.org News: Begun in 2010, Chris Hardman’s always evolving Magic Bus tour of San Francisco is still rolling merrily along and he would like to expand to L.A. if a financial angel can be found. Fall productions: None AlterTheater 1333 Fourth St., San Rafael 415/454-2787, altertheater.org News: The 2013 season will feature a new play by co-founder Ann Brebner...Demise of the Marin Arts Council worsens financial challenge. Fall productions: None Porchlight Theatre P.O. Box 437, Ross 415/251-1027, porchlight.net News: If finances permit, the company plans a three-show season, beginning in 2013. Fall productions: None Independent Cabaret Productions Liberty Ship Way #340, Sausalito 415/272-7992, cabaretsf.wordpress.com News: Hector Correa is now resident director...Company is searching for a permanent performance space. Fall productions: The Vagina Monologues (Sept. 9-Nov. 11)
Ross Valley Players Marin Art & Garden Center, Ross 415/456-9555, rossvalleyplayers.org News: New board president Chris Cassell would like to develop a “vision statement” to guide play selection...$40,000 to be raised for theater lighting...Higher ticket prices lik ely. Fall productions: Lend Me A Tenor (Sept. 13-Oct. 14); You Can’t Take It With You (Nov. 15-Dec. 15) Novato Theater Company P.O. Box 233, Novato 415/883-4498,novatotheatercompany.org News: Having lost their Pacheco lease, the troupe will be performing at 3210 Kerner, San Rafael, while seeking a new home. Fall productions: Last of the Red Hot Lovers (through Sept. 23); Nunsense (Oct. 18Nov. 11); A Christmas Carol (Nov. 24-Dec.15) Curtain Theatre c/o 49 Molino Ave., Mill Valley 94941 curtaintheatre.org News: 2012’s free Much Ado About Nothing in Mill Valley’s Old Mill Park closes Sept. 9. Fall productions: None 142 Throckmorton Theatre 142 Throckmorton, Mill Valley 415/383-9600, 142throckmortontheatre. org News: Now expanding youth-oriented training opportunities...Executive Director Lucy Mercer is a leader in Mill Valley’s downtown visioning...On stage, comedy remains king. Fall productions: Too numerous to list College of Marin Drama Dept. College of Marin, Kentfield Campus 415/485-9555 News: Lisa Morse is the new full-time faculty member, joining Allen Taylor...The renovated Fine Arts Theatre will open next March. Fall productions: Macbeth (Oct. 5-21); The Mouse That Roared (Nov. 30-Dec. 5) ✹ Contact Charles at cbrousse@juno.com.