Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Arts Culture topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
On Stage in Bedford urges council to rethink resident-company decision
Summary
A letter read at council from the On Stage in Bedford board warns that removing the company as the resident theater after 41 years risks losing a community arts institution; city leaders said the building needs improvements and staff will pursue options to restore a shared arts space.
A representative read a letter on behalf of Hannah Bell, president of the On Stage in Bedford board, saying the organization was "deeply disappointed and disheartened by the city's decision to remove On Stage as a resident theater company after more than 41 years." The letter stressed On Stage's volunteer base, intergenerational programming and the difficulty of replacing a long-standing community arts institution.
Mayor Dan Cogan replied that the city intends to invest in the building and improve its function for multiple groups. He said On Stage will need to relocate "for the time being" while the city makes improvements and that staff will "have conversations with On Stage and see what we can do to get them back in the building" after renovations. Councilmembers asked staff to engage with the group's board and to discuss technical and scheduling needs during the building work.
