Blogging continues to take a backseat to directing. I have been working on NYSTI's production of A Christmas Carol and my extra time has been at a premium.
There has been a strange energy during this rehearsal period, probably due to the fact that NYSTI is not named in the upcoming state budget and is now running out of funds. A Christmas Carol could very well be the organization's final production. Since the departure of Patricia Snyder in April, over the half of NYSTI's staff has left or retired. Though their workforce is downsized and those remaining are covering many jobs, I have been impressed with the staff's adaptability. NYSTI has had to grow leaner and meaner. Change has empowered the company members and it is sad that their rebirth coincides with their being on life support.
The future seems bleak, though there are bright moments. An intern-organized talent show fundraiser sold out the Meader Little Theatre last weekend and may be repeated later in the month. A group of concerned citizens has formed to begin fundraising efforts for the company. Finally, The Record has graciously offered to profile the show in a three-part series leading up to the official opening on Sunday.
What does NYSTI's possible demise mean to Russell Sage College? In a word, much. The company has been generous with both shared materials, teaching and opportunities for our students. Because of NYSTI's training, Sage is able to turn out highly skilled and competent theatre professionals. Indeed, several alums have been hired to work on A Christmas Carol, plus we have twelve current students onstage and behind the scenes. Access to a company like this is a great learning experience for our majors and Sage is committed to maintaining professional theatre opportunities on our campus. At best, I hope it will be NYSTI. At the very least, I hope it will be NYSTI in another form (probably minus the NYS).
For now, we have A Christmas Carol and I can't wait to see the special magic that the school audiences will bring to tomorrow's performance. It's that energy--honest, unjaded and bright-- that will be missing in Capital Region if NYSTI folds.
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Can't wait to see the show. Let's hope for a Christmas miracle!
ReplyDeleteThe closing of NYSTI will be its come uppance that has been long delayed for its waste of public funding. It has shown neither remorse or willingness to reform.Consider...
ReplyDeleteRather than learning from past mistakes the employees of NYSTI published their "unqualified support” of Snyder in an article published in this newspaper on 4/28/10. “We are appalled that Dr. Snyder’s integrity and character have been called into question" it stated. No remorse here.
In another letter of 4/2/10 written by NYSTI's Board in response to the State Inspector General criticism of "unnecessary and improper spending" the Board blanketly excused the illegal practices as "justified by the NYSTI's Policies and Procedures Manual". No reform here.
I support and appreciate local theater. NYSTI is not the only player in our town. Theater and theater education will continue to flourish when NYSTI closes. Children will yet have many opportunities to see, enjoy and learn about stage productions.
NYSTI is failing from self inflicted wounds. It has the insolent Patricia Snyder, its do nothing Board and its compliant professional staff to answer for its failings.
Hey, was that the Charles Capone who killed his wife in Idaho, or just the one who gets kicked off the blogs? His comments are saturated with his psychopathy but I'm guessing he knows that, as a "therapist." At any rate, I'm laughing.
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