To Our Community

The Lakewood Playhouse as a community mainstay is important yesterday, today, and tomorrow. As a Board, we understand that the priorities and decisions we make now will not only bolster how we navigate through this time, but also for the longer-term success of the Lakewood Playhouse.

As an organization we have learned that some changes happen to us and some we need to drive. The pandemic happened to us. In that time of uncertainty, the decision was made to invest aggressively in retaining all staff, regardless of our closure. We had no idea how long the pandemic would last or what the long-term effects would be. Our trusted staff have worked tirelessly to get the theater through our time of difficulty. We are thrilled to be back open after being closed for so long. We are thrilled to be welcoming back more audience members with each show and we are optimistic about our future.

That being said, it would be irresponsible for us to move forward as if nothing had changed. It would be poor stewardship and management to pretend that our overall budget has not decreased dramatically due to the pandemic. It would be irresponsible to ignore the growing infrastructure needs of our aging building. Effective this week, we are decreasing our operational expenses to focus on a season of rebuilding.

While our gratitude to the staff at the Lakewood Playhouse could not be greater, we have an obligation to see them compensated for their good work. Our current payroll is more than we can meet so we are making some very hard decisions to reduce our payroll obligation while we build for a more sustainable future. Our priority is to see the Playhouse become a strong, solvent, and relevant part of the Lakewood community, which includes seeing those who create live theater paid and acknowledged.

The Lakewood Playhouse Board of Directors is dedicated to reinvigorating our theater and becoming a driving participant in increasing diversity, equity, and inclusion in live performance.

Let’s raise the curtain on another 80 years of live theatre in Lakewood! Together.
 
The Lakewood Playhouse Board