Your Theatre - Press Release-August 09, 2004

	Your Theatre, Inc. at St. Martin's Church Hall 136 Rivet Street New Bedford, MA 02744 508-993-0772	Email: YT*yourtheatre.org
Press Release-August 09, 2004
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, PLEASE YOUR THEATRE INC. SEEKS NEW HOME New Bedford - Your Theatre, Inc. (YTI) will say goodbye to its Maxfield Street facility and seek a new home in Greater New Bedford. YTI has been a fixture in area since 1946, performing in several locations over the years. The theatre moved to its current location, 71 Maxfield Street, at the end of December 1979. Upon the completion of its second show of this season in late November, and after twenty five years, YTI will be moving to a yet to be determined location. YTI has considered relocating to a sorely needed larger facility for the past few years, preferably in downtown New Bedford, in conjunction with the city’s plan to establish the area as a haven for the visual and performing arts. YTI’s desire to move is part of a long- term plan to upgrade the theatre facilities and expand its audience. Unfortunately, a suitable space has not yet been found. The exit from 71 Maxfield Street, though sudden, was not unexpected. YTI, with only a letter of intent has been a resident at its present location all these years through the generosity of the city. The group had considered negotiating a long-term lease at one time, but plans were already under consideration to relocate. YTI was informed in early April that the city had scheduled massive renovations and construction on the buildings in which the theatre is housed, and because of this YTI would have to vacate the space for an undetermined period of time beginning in late November. While the theatre was taken by surprise at this turn of events, YTI always knew that this was a possibility. "We knew it was a calculated risk," says Edward J. Maguire, YTI’s Artistic Director and Business Manager. "We knew the day would come when we would have to move for one reason or another. This turn of events has proven to be the spring-board we have needed to catapult us into conducting an aggressive campaign to establish a permanent facility for YTI. Due to audience growth and many requests from area residents for more theatre outreach programs, the time for us to seek a larger more professional space is at hand." YTI differentiates itself from other community theatre groups by presenting plays that a majority of its audience has not had the opportunity to see. These plays, chosen from the canons of classic as well as the modern theatre, sometimes deal with controversial topics. At YTI, a high standard of artistic achievement is more highly valued than commercial success. YTI's 57 years of history is a testament to its audiences' appreciation of this quest for consistent high quality. Additionally, YTI plans this season to bring back its Playwrights Platform: a program designed to provide up- and-coming playwrights with an arena for developing new works. YTI attributes its 57-year success, spanning over 300 productions and countless "showcases," to the talent and strength of its ever changing participants. Incorporated in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in 1946 as a nonprofit corporation, with IRS 501(c)(3) tax exempt status, Your Theatre, Inc. was created to "serve the community by offering dramatic productions which embody the highest ideals of the theatre arts." The specifics of the theatre's philosophy have been argued since it's inception in 1946. However, the basic philosophy remains unchanged and can be summarized as follows: "Your Theatre, Inc. shall endeavor to enhance the cultural life of the community by the study and regular presentation of dramatic productions and other programs of high quality and professional standards and to develop and encourage artistic talent by the establishment and operation of workshop production and otherwise encourage dramatic art." How this will be achieved is explained in the following YTI statement of values: We are committed to the following core values: QUALITY, VARIETY, INDEPENDENCE, EDUCATION, ACCESSIBILITY. Quality: We are committed to maintaining the highest level of quality in all that we do. Variety: We are committed to offering a variety of productions that will expose the community to the richness of theatre. Independence: We are committed to fostering the unique identity of Your Theatre and in doing so, maintaining our artistic independence. Education: We are committed to the training of all talented individuals in all facets of the theatre experience. Accessibility: We are committed to providing an accessible, community-oriented opportunity for anyone interested in theatre, regardless of age, ethnicity, religion, gender or sexual orientation. What's next for YTI? Finding a temporary venue for upcoming productions, securing a permanent facility for the future, and launching an intensive fundraising campaign to provide the money needed to make it all happen. "We hope to find a suitable home in New Bedford, because New Bedford has been our home for over 50 years. However, the most important consideration is that we find a suitable space for a theatre that is affordable," says Maguire. "We will be hampered in our search by funding considerations. The turn of events at the 71 Maxfield Street location will cost YTI a substantial outlay of money for renovation to bring a new location up to code with all of the technical underpinnings for electrical, fire safety, and climate control needed by a theater company. While the imminent departure from 71 Maxfield Street may leave YTI without a permanent home for a time, the board of directors, artistic-management staff and volunteers are committed to keeping YTI alive." The theatre company will need the support of the subscribers, members, the community, patrons and area businesses, to realize the dream of finding a new and better home. Maguire indicates that the season as planned and announced must and will go on. And it will be an exciting season filled with excellent productions produced at interesting venues in inventive and ingenious ways. A season filled with crowd pleasing performances spanning new works, classic theatre, and contemporary dramas and comedies. All YTI productions and activities will take place in their present location at 71 Maxfield Street through the end of November. Starting December 1, venues for productions will be announced as the season continues. Anyone wishing to help the theatre with either suggestions, offers of performance space or tax deductible contributions may contact the theatre at 508- 993-0772 or e-mail info@yourtheatre.org.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, PLEASE

YOUR THEATRE INC. SEEKS NEW HOME