What does the future hold for the Beverly Arts Center?

I am writing to express my shock and concern over the sudden dismissals of both the Artistic Director and the Technical Director from the Beverly Arts Center. In the past year, I was a member of the cast in four different musicals. Two of those shows (The Sound of Music and Hello, Dolly!) were the South Side Summer Stage community theater productions at the BAC. I also participated in productions at the Oak Lawn Park District and the Beverly Theater Guild. While all of these experiences were amazing, my most recent performance in Hello, Dolly! at the BAC was magical. Working with the outstanding creative team, the technical crew, and my fellow performers really showed me what "professional" community theater can be.

After sending a concerned email to BAC leadership regarding these dismissals, I did receive a response stating that the BAC was "coping with new economic realities" and has made the decision to "reduce expenses for live theater offerings in favor of a renewed focus on community and cultural engagement through a broad range of art forms." Inflation is real and the cost of living continues to climb. No organization is immune to budget cuts and I fully understand the need for the BAC to be financially responsible and true to its mission.

So why the outrage in the loss of these talented individuals? The trust we as artists had in the BAC is demolished. The lack of communication by the BAC Board in its vision for the future and its financial concerns will affect future productions as there is now a vote of "no confidence" from both technical and performing artists.

I know that many members of the Hello, Dolly! cast and crew have reached out to the BAC leadership and board members regarding their concerns. I have been bitterly disappointed to hear from some of those individuals that the response to our concerns has been dismissive. I have even heard that our communications have been called aggressive and racially motivated, an account I hope is erroneous and can be addressed.

I would ask that the BAC Board of Directors to consider meeting with concerned members of the arts and theater communities to provide transparency and open communication regarding a strategic plan for the BAC, including capital improvements and professional, experienced staffing. The BAC is in need of transparent leaders who are willing to work with members of the community to build the outstanding arts programs we deserve on the South Side.

We are lucky to have quality theater programs in our area, including the Oak Lawn Park District and the Beverly Theater Guild. We now need to determine how the Beverly Arts Center will contribute to theater and the arts in our neighborhood and how the BAC Board will include community input into their decision-making processes.