Greetings from Artistic Director

FROM THE ARTHUR P. SOLOMON AND SALLY E. LAPIDES ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

WE ARE IN A STATE HERE

at Trinity Repertory Company… a state of pure excitement. After the long pandemic pause, we are gearing up to make live performances again. We are about to begin building sets, hanging lights and sound equipment, and making some new, fabulous clothes…all in anticipation of audiences returning this fall for our annual production of A Christmas Carol. This year, however, the ramp up to that production is taking a different path. We are hiring dozens of new staff to do that work, and to support that work. We have new folks in every department of the theater, who are coming to Providence, Rhode Island from around the corner and around the country! Whether in the artistic office, marketing, development, house services, or production, there will be a host of new faces at the theater this season.. You will meet several of these folks in this issue of the magazine. Our new producing director, Jennifer McClendon, is coming to us from the great city of Chicago, and our new director of service and experience Baron Pugh is coming from our own ticketing office where he had served as the manager since 2017. You can read about their paths to their new positions in these pages. Plus you’ll meet the new head of acting for the Brown/Trinity Rep MFA program, Sophia Skiles. And you’ll also meet three familiar artists who will all be joining our resident artistic company as well! (I won’t spoil the surprise — look on page 8 to find out more…) I find this to be a very significant moment for Trinity Rep, in large part because of all of the new people who are coming to work with us this year. The pandemic has allowed us to re-examine everything about how we make theater, which will have an exciting impact on our programming. Fresh perspectives, fresh ideas, all subtly influencing the excellent work we will put on our stages, and in our classrooms, and in our community. At the same time, many veteran artists and administrators are still in our halls, providing a continuity and a connection to the history of great performance that has always been a part of our storytelling. Many hands are involved in the creation of a single show (theater is a labor-intensive art form), so this combination of experience and innovation will be palpable in what you experience in this coming season. I also need to say thank you to YOU. Thanks for sticking with us, for your incredible support during our time being dark. The thing that makes Trinity Repertory Company truly great is its audience. When I talk to colleagues around the country, they always tell me that we are fortunate to have the kinds of patrons that come to our theater. They are struck by your loyalty and by your intrepid nature; Trinity Rep audiences are willing to go on very challenging theatrical journeys, and it is a great gift to those of us who make the art. As I said, you’ve supported us throughout this pandemic pause, and we are truly grateful. And now, we are going to repay that support with the great excitement that I talked about at the beginning of this letter. That will lead to great theater. Great stories, great people. It is what Trinity Rep has always been about, and what we all need, now more than ever. I look forward to seeing you at the theater, live and in-person….

Curt Columbus The Arthur P. Solomon and Sally E. Lapides Artistic Director

FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

IT IS WITH MIXED EMOTIONS

that I write my last Trinity Rep magazine and program notes. As you may know, I recently shared that I will be leaving Trinity Rep in mid-October. I got engaged last year and will be relocating to New York City to pursue other opportunities closer to my fiancé and new home. While it was a difficult decision, it gave me great encouragement to know that Trinity Rep is in a strong position both artistically and financially, thanks to you and your support. Together, over these past six years, we have made significant strides in advancing the organization — the organization has broken multiple box office records and increased ticket revenue by 32%; grown annual charitable support and increased individual giving to record levels; eliminated its accumulated deficit and operated with positive cash flow since 2017; deepened its vital relationship with Brown University to build a top-ranked MFA training program; and made a deep commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and anti-racism. Since I joined Trinity in 2015, we have launched seven world premiere productions, including the sold-out, commissioned adaptation of The Prince of Providence, plus a digital production of A Christmas Carol that had nearly 200,000 registered viewers in all 50 U.S. States and 35+ countries on six continents. Trinity Rep is strong not because of any one person, but because we all — Board, staff, volunteers, artists, and you, our donors and audience members — have worked collectively and collaboratively to take Trinity Rep to the next level. It has been a true privilege to serve you. Thank you for the opportunity you have honored me with to have been a part of this organization and community for six years. Each year I am astounded by the generosity of our audience and donors who believe in the positive work Trinity Rep does for this community. Trinity Rep has great momentum right now coming out of the pandemic, and I have confidence that with your continued support and Curt’s continued artistic leadership Trinity Rep will rise to even higher levels of achievement. Trinity’s engaged and able Board of Trustees has already identified a national search firm to find a new partner for Curt to begin the next chapter in your theater’s growth and development. This is an exciting time for Trinity Rep, both because of the return to in-person productions and the opportunities on the horizon. While I will not be in Rhode Island to join you as the theater springs back to life, I will think of you often. If you have not yet renewed or purchased your subscription for the new season, I encourage you take advantage of our low subscription prices, beginning at only $80 for four plays. That’s less than the price of a single Broadway ticket, and it’s like getting four plays for the price of three. In addition to guaranteeing yourself memorable evenings out with your friends and loved ones and saving up to 33% off, as a full season subscriber, you get the best prices; the best seats; money-saving restaurant and parking discounts; exchange privileges; advanced, discounted access to A Christmas Carol; and a host of other great benefits. Payment plans are also available. Performances will sell out, so subscribe today! The staff, new and old, look forward to welcoming you back to Trinity Rep in-person really soon!