Skip to main content

June 5th 2017 Statement

168 Comments

G
Gary Brophy
9 years ago

The public facts from the April 4th vs June 5th PB articles, plus the fact that the city-sponsered organization has lost 100% of its public-facing leadership, and nearly 100% of every local volunteer ... clearly indicates the board of directors has no ability left to effectively lead. This situation has declined way beyond a "damage-control" action of any kind. Only one action will be effective at any positive, high quality future for RCT - the en masse resignation of the directors behind the 2017 decisions that destroyed volunteerism, provided praise where silence was called for, and fired a great man.

P
Pat Melder
9 years ago

I really sad to hear this and know how Greg Miller contributed greatly to the Civic Theater! I am also a cousin of his and have followed him for many years! It does not sound like it was a fair decision and much will be lost with these decisions! He is a very talented individual and contributed so much!! I know things do change over time but he will be sorely missed!!

M
Mel Rothman
9 years ago

My wife and I are long time (soon to be 40 years) season members and contributors. We are appalled at the board's actions, which if not corrected, will destroy this precious organization.

M
Mimi Rothman
9 years ago

My husband and I are long time (soon to be 40 years) season members and contributors. We are appalled at the board's actions, which if not corrected, will destroy this precious organization.

S
Sarah Vig
9 years ago

I grew up at the Civic Theater, doing plays at Summer Theater Institute, on the MainStage and with InsideOut from when I was 6 until I was nearly 20. For as long as I was there, Greg Miller was the beating heart of RCT and I cannot fathom the degree to which the board can be so out of touch with reality and the community its purpose is to serve that would lead to his elimination. As a nonprofit professional the level to which this board has manipulated its rules to eliminate member oversight and feedback is also upsetting. Get right, RCT.

M
Michelle Campbell
9 years ago

I feel this was a horrible decision and will greatly impact Rochester & surrounding areas. The director did an amazing job & you could tell from the many many volunteers that put on the shows. This has already had a very negative impact on the community.

D
Denise Brophy
9 years ago

I have seen many wonderful shows and been part of S.T.A.R. theater camp at The Rochester Civic Theater. This theater is such a huge part of the Rochester community, and would not be that way without Greg, or the ability of the board members to bring the community's voice to the theater. This theater is so much more than money; it's part of the heart of Rochester. What brings people to communities like Rochester is faith in the arts, not more corporate buildings. Please keep our theater a part of this community and respect its traditions and history.

J
Jeanette Hallbeck
9 years ago

I was a volunteer house manager and usher for over 25 years. The current board of directors has betrayed the trust of our community,

J
Julia Hallbeck
9 years ago

"I AM THE RCT" - About 20 years ago, my Mom was volunteering as a house manager at an RCT Production (something she started doing more then 25 yrs ago) and 2 of the volunteer ushers canceled last minute. She called me from the theatre and asked me to rush over "right now" to help her. I did; and I was hooked. Since then, I have ushered, helped host opening night receptions, manned tables at fund raisers, been part of the back stage running crew, run the sound board, run the light board, helped actors with quick costume changes, and run the mic mixer board for countless musicals. I am also a Joe Saidy Award recipient. The recent decisions made by the RCT Board of Directors have caused me to question their understanding of the RCT mission statement, and their understanding of the organization. I add my voice to the growing group of volunteers, donors, artists, and professionals who no longer feel welcome at the Civic. "I AM THE RCT"

C
Connie Maragos
9 years ago

Members should have a vote.

S
Skylar Murphy
9 years ago

Never again will I put my money or attention into the RCT. Disgusting vultures.

E
Erin Cook previously McCutcheon
9 years ago

Greg Miller's name is synonymous with the Rochester Civic Theater for me. I am so sad to hear about the closing of his position. I hope the board will reconsider this and may of their recent decisions.

M
Melissa McNallan
9 years ago

I have carefully weighed my decision to sign this petition as there are people I know, like, and care about with differing opinions about RCT and the current situation. However, in any disagreement I think the most important step is to seek to understand the other's position rather than seeking to be understood. By not being transparent, the Board isn't allowing Membership and those concerned to understand its position. Without transparency, resolution is likely impossible. I first did a production at the Rochester Civic Theatre 25 years ago, when I was 14. I spent my teen years there and RCT was an absolute life-saver. It was the home that I needed away from home. I have returned to it to volunteer and at times to teach. Transparency and voting rights would solve so much in this situation. Peace and Love to all involved. Hopefully the importance of what RCT has been is kept in mind as decisions are made about what RCT will be in the future.

B
Barbara Kermisch
9 years ago

Civic Theatre is a gift to the community, volunteers are a huge part of every production that make it possible.

S
Sue Modry
9 years ago

While I have never volunteered, my husband & I have been season ticket holders for over 30 years & donors in recent years. We are greatly saddened that the board no longer values or allows our input. We cannot continue to support the Civic Theatre under the current circumstances.

J
John Modry
9 years ago Featured

While I have never volunteered, my wife & I have been season ticket holders for over 30 years & donors in recent years. We are greatly saddened that the board no longer values or allows our input. We can not continue to support the Civic Theatre under the current circumstances.

J
John Arachtingi
9 years ago

An insular board, with no outside influence, can't represent our community. This is not a community theater, it's just a theater of the board.

M
Mary Luehne
9 years ago

The citizens of Rochester, MN deserve a dedicated, full time Artistic Director at our Rochester Civic Theatre. As the 3rd largest city in MN we need an Artistic Director who knows our community, lives in our community and is dedicated to providing creative performances that enhance our citizens life and support the city's goals as the DMC moves forward. I have attended RCT productions since 1990 under various Artistic Directors. Mr. Greg Miller is hands down the very best Artistic Director RCT has ever had.

M
Mark Hoffmeyer
9 years ago

Cuurnt Civic Theatre Board is short sighted and clearly does not know how to write fine arts grants to sustain and support a top notch theatre and affiliated permanent artistic director position. Suggest board leadership changes bringing in expeienced grant writers with clear vision for sustained growth while keeping a talented and very creative permanent director (ie Greg Miller ).

A
AMANDA
9 years ago

My grandmother Rose Rich would want me to speak out about this. She was a long time supporter when she was alive.