We’ve said it often, and we’ll probably say it again: we don’t need to support ALL the groups – we need to support ONLY the groups we want to preserve. Please remember this as you plan YOUR charitable giving.
Did success breed contempt here?
Did this closing have anything to do with Angels in America (and not for the first time in the Queen City)?
The CAST announcement is below.
Our review of this production is here.
Give generously to the groups that matter to YOU!
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CAROLINA ACTORS STUDIO THEATRE — BRINGING CURTAIN DOWN ON FINAL SEASON
Charlotte, NC – The board of directors of Carolina Actors Studio Theatre (CAST) announced today (6/6) plans to close the theatre. CAST’s final production, Gruesome Playground Injuries, will run June 6-21 with Friday and Saturday performances at 8 p.m. CAST will cease operations by June 30.
Despite an award-winning and critically-acclaimed slate of productions, CAST faced a diminishing audience over the past year due to increasing competition for leisure time, as well as difficulties securing charitable contributions. Financial strains on the organization caused the theatre’s board of directors to reluctantly but realistically determine that it could not support another operating season.
CAST Board Chair Julie Knutson stated: “It is with a heavy heart and after much deliberation that the CAST board of directors comes to this decision. We are deeply proud of the tireless work of the staff and countless actors, directors, designers and volunteers who made CAST a home to some of the region’s best contemporary theatre. CAST lives on in the work of these talented individuals in theatres across the city. We also thank our audiences and donors for their support.”
While CAST’s history extends back to a for-profit venture in 1992, the theatre secured its 501c3 nonprofit status in 2006, producing work at its former home on Clement Avenue in Charlotte’s Plaza-Midwood neighborhood. In 2011, with charitable support from many individuals and foundations, the theatre relocated to its current home at 2424 North Davidson in NoDa.
CAST produced more than 100 plays and musicals in its history, with 64 productions during its eight years as a nonprofit theatre. Known for an immersive, experiential form of contemporary theatre, it won every significant regional theatre accolade.
In recognition of CAST’s outstanding work and its contributions to the cultural landscape since 1992, a tribute campaign has been launched to help support the wind down of operations and ensure the theatre’s positive legacy. Contributions are welcome and can be made online at www.NCCast.org.
