Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Community Events topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Theater Under the Stars cleared to return to Packers Field with caveats as town trims funding
Summary
Town staff approved Theater Under the Stars’ request to use Packers Field and the hockey rink this summer; the performing group lost significant donor support, seeks quick approval to hire actors, and the board approved the request with conditions on fencing, porta‑potties and scheduling.
The Waterville Valley Select Board told Theater Under the Stars on April 15 it will allow the group to return this summer to outdoor and rink spaces with caveats about operations, fencing and sanitation.
Donna Devlin, representing Theater Under the Stars, asked for use of Packers Field and the hockey rink roughly July 15–Aug. 15 and said the company had lost key funding this year (including a town grant that was cut). She asked the board for an immediate decision because she must hire actors and begin rehearsals.
‘‘We fully plan on coming back,’’ Devlin said, but added that the group had seen a drop in donor support and that storage and setup logistics changed after the death of a former town employee who had helped with access.
Board members expressed support. ‘‘It brings a lot of vibrancy,’’ one member said after attending shows last season, and the board agreed to approve use of the sites while referring operational caveats to staff. The board asked staff members Brooke and Megan to work with the theatrical group on a short list of conditions covering fencing along the stage edges, supervision of children and porta‑potties; the board said at least one porta‑potty must be provided on site during events.
Devlin said the group could shorten tent-times this year and reduce stress on the turf by delaying set-up. Staff and board members noted concerns about field damage from earlier drought and tent placement and said they will aim to mitigate harm by timing the installation and limiting how long the tent is in place.
The board’s endorsement is contingent on staff agreement to the operational caveats; staff told the group to proceed with hiring while final logistics are arranged.
