PICT Cancels Upcoming Production of THE TEMPEST Due to Funding Issues

PICT Classic Theatre announced today that due to a significant shortfall in funding, its production of The Tempest, which was scheduled to open on October 10th, has been canceled. PICT's current production of Educating Rita, opening on September 5th, will go on as planned. Decisions about the remainder of the season will be made by PICT's Board of Directors in the coming days.

Board President Charles Moellenberg said: "We deeply regret the cancelation of The Tempest. We were looking forward to another stellar presentation of a well-loved Shakespeare play to our patrons and to hundreds of school children. Unfortunately, the decline in funding for arts organizations nationwide threatens many non-profit theaters, including PICT. Ticket sales cover less than half of PICT's total costs and, despite generous gifts from foundations and individuals, and an increase in single ticket sales, we face severe financial challenges. The Board and staff have taken a number of significant steps to reduce expenses and are grateful to those who have been patient and supportive of our efforts."

"PICT is one of Pittsburgh's cultural treasures, bringing high quality theater to our audiences and innovative, interactive educational programs to disadvantaged children. Our Board and staff remain committed to PICT's mission and are working hard to restore the organization's financial health."

PICT Executive and Artistic Director Alan Stanford pointed out that, despite the enormous efforts of the board and staff, the organization has insufficient funds on hand to be able to mount a production of The Tempest that is consistent with PICT's commitment to quality. "We have cut our expenses to the bone and done all we can to raise additional funds from Board members, supporters of PICT and foundations. We are grateful for the support we have received and will continue those efforts as we consider our options for the rest of this season and the future beyond that."

"PICT has deep roots in this community," Mr. Stanford continued, "and we continue to believe there is a place for a theater company like ours that is committed to classic theater, to the highest quality productions and to the kinds of educational initiatives we have brought to young people around the city, including those in underserved communities. We believe there continues to be strong support for our mission and hope everyone who has enjoyed PICT in the past will come to see our excellent production of Educating Rita, which will run September 5th to 19th at The Charity Randall Theatre inside the Stephen Foster Memorial."

For those who want to lend their financial support please go to www.picttheatre.org and click the Donate button or call Stephanie Riso at 412-561-6000 x201.

To post a comment, you must register and login.