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53 °F 5 Day Forecast Saturday, November 29, 2003 Today's News | Classifieds | Autos | Homes | Jobs | Tempo | eSouthernOregon | Home Delivery SECTIONS Home Page Local News Sports Business Obituaries Life Opinion - Politics AP News Weather Classified Archives Site Map EXTRA Newspaper in Education Personals Movie Times TV Times E The People CLASSIFIEDS Find a Car Find a Home Find a Job Find a Rental Place an ad eSouthernOregon Automotive Communities Entertainment Publications Recreation Calendar CUSTOMER SERVICE Frequent Questions Advertising Information Home Delivery Employment Contact Us Media Kit Network Affiliate Email Story to a Friend October 12, 2003 Talent theater looking toward bright future By BILL VARBLE Mail Tribune Livia Genise would like the world to know that Actors’ Theatre is alive and well and right where it’s always been, in Talent, doing business as the Camelot Theatre. Whether it’s the recent brouhaha in the theater, the lousy economy or whatever, attendance has fallen off a cliff. The theater’s present play, "Three Hotels," has played to half-empty houses. One night, only about a dozen people showed up. "It’s worrying," Genise says. But Genise and others say that after a recent reorganization, the theater’s future is looking up. They point to the popular "Oliver" coming up in December, to the brochures being printed for an attractive season for next year, plans for larger casts and more community involvement, an ongoing education program, an energized board. Advertisement As she speaks, Genise clutches a fresh donation check for $1,000. And there’s that new name. "The implication is, a Round Table," board president Creighton Barnes says. "Nobody wants to be king." The theater’s problems were in the news twice in the past year. Last fall, board members fired artistic director Peter Alzado, saying he did too many edgy shows, hurt the box office and alienated people. This fall Genise, who replaced Alzado, also clashed with board members, some of whom questioned the artistic director’s choice of plays, and even her right to pick them. She resigned last month, citing a "micro-managing" board. But the outcome flip-flopped when several board members, including president Alan Pendleton and secretary Cassandra Christanti, resigned instead. Genise came back, Barnes assumed the presidency, Ted Gibbs was named vice president and secretary, and new member Scott Hall, a retired banker, became treasurer. And Genise’s 2004 season was left intact. "It’s all going to turn around," Genise says. "I have a board I don’t have to watch my back with." "She knows which way she’s going," Barnes says, "and so do we." He says there’s a new emphasis on fund raising, something the former board failed to do. He said board members are talking with several prospective board candidates with fund-raising backgrounds. Some are Medford residents. Plans call for a partnership with Phoenix High School in Genise’s educational program of acting, singing and dancing basics. A gala "In the Mood" fund-raising dance at Ashland Springs Hotel Nov. 14 with Harry Kannasto and the Swing Kings will celebrate the upcoming season. Genise’s popular "Dueling Divas" shows are returning, as are shows with singer Beth Baker. The shows make money for the theater on nights with no plays. Four or five musical shows focusing on legendary musicians, a la Genise’s popular Patsy Cline shows, are also being planned. Genise says the 2004 season includes a couple of roles in which she could see popular Ashland-based actor Jonathan Farwell. Some board members were critical of Genise for not featuring Jonathan and Deb Note-Farwell more. Genise does not want to pre-cast plays, and she wants actors to audition, she adds. Barnes says his presidency is temporary. "I’d love to give it up," he says. "For this transition, we’re doing what we can to support Livia until we have some momentum." Theater patron S.S. "Paddy" Schweitzer, a former Actors’ Theatre board member and a longtime screenwriter in New York City and Los Angeles, believes the theater should become a membership-based organization. "That way there is a control," he says. "The membership creates the board. You can’t have a board answerable only to itself." Membership theaters range from the 800-pound gorilla (the Oregon Shakespeare Festival) to start-ups (Alzado’s Oregon Stage Works). Barnes says he’s open to the idea but doesn’t want to confuse patrons with any more changes right now. "Maybe down the road," he says. Genise is less certain. "I’m not sure that’s where we want to go," she says. Overall, Schweitzer says, the theater seems to be heading in the right direction. "I think they’re going to gain audience. Most of the audience they had was a Livia-generated audience as of the last 12 months. They won’t lose any they’ve gained. She’s very good at that. "The kind of stuff she does has a broad, general appeal. I think they’ll attract more people from Medford. It’s a good community theater." Reach reporter Bill Varble at 776-4478 or e-mail [email protected] Mail Tribune Home Local News | Sports | Business | Obituaries | Life Opinion - Politics | AP News | Archives | Site Map E Southern Oregon | Classified Copyright © 1997-2003 Mail Tribune. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions Website Feedback 3 WEEKS FREE! ADVERTISERS SPECIAL SECTIONS Auto Finder Job Finder Home Finder Joy Magazine Homelife Magazine Tempo Real Estate Showcase Food for Thought Hike of the Week Wellness Connection Outdoor Journal Moving to Southern Oregon? Volunteer Openings Prime Times