Not sure where to start. As an outside observer, I don’t have any invested energy into MCAC. Recently I have been spending time at Merrill while my child takes a class. I am a psychic/medium and can connect with departed souls. The energy at Merrill is heavy and made me sick. Unless given permission, I usually don’t share messages with the soul’s family and friends. Both Dorothy Merrill and Marjorie Wetz have communicated with me and want me to share. Seems that both of them are very upset about the current situation. It took me a long time to stop ignoring them. In fact one night I had to leave the room. (Spirit can bombard you and make someone’s head spin). Marjorie was very persistent and expressed how much JOY performing brought to her. Her life had meaning and purpose. Having the energy of her life continue gave her great peace.
Here is a summary what both Dorothy and Marjorie want me to share.
The energy and essence has been lost. Our names have become labels and the love behind them blocked. What is left is an empty shell of what represented a passionate art community. The emptiness inside is because the complete foundation has been changed. Without any awareness other than the self serving purpose of a few people. How you treat people is the most important thing and kindness matters. Everything else will always fall into place. Change is part of life but there is always room for contrast. Please continue to ask questions about the actions conducted at Merrill. Most importantly please continue our “purpose” to grow a strong transparent art/theatre community. There is an original screenplay unfolding.
M
Mary Anderson
7 years ago
Featured
I fully support the petition. I have participated in 5 past productions and have been impressed by the professionalism, skill and commitment exhibited by those who have now been locked out of this organization.
L
Laurie Currell
8 years ago
The direction the ED is taking the organization is not good for our community and is self-serving. She needs to be stopped.
E
Elizabeth Sarsfield
8 years ago
Although I have not worked with MCAC/Woodbury Community Theatre for a couple of years, I have always admired, supported and respected the organization. I am saddened to learn that the current leadership is neither continuing the vision that was so beautifully executed and embraced for decades, nor is it infusing positive new growth.
We all know that to put on a great production, egos need to be checked at the door, everyone needs to be willing to be flexible, to listen to others and to scrap the blocking if it's not working! Hopefully the near future holds perfect "casting" of leadership with the very best "production" yet to come!
K
Kay Bray
8 years ago
Featured
I hope that my signature is not too late to be effective. Although I no longer live in Woodbury, my spirit is there. I volunteered for Woodbury Community Theatre for 30 years. My husband Tom and I saw the organization through some very lean years and we are disheartened to learn of the problems created by certain individuals. Our experience was that WCT was a supportive and loving family, not just a business venture. I hope that clear heads and open hearts prevail.
A
Anne Vaaler
8 years ago
This is my hometown and I brag all the time about the amazing, grassroots, community theatre culture and the WTG/MCAC. It is unique and a community treasure!
T
Tony Reber
8 years ago
As a father-in-law, grandparent and friend of many of those bringing joy to the audiences it saddens me to see their joy threatened by administrative actions and inactions. It's a simple business proposition: if the product stinks, it's management's duty to provide a product the audiences will enjoy; if the product delights the audience, it is management's duty to continue to support and enhance the product. MCAC's performances are first-rate. They are entertaining, inspiring, a complete delight. If management can't be supportive of that, it's time for new management.
B
Bonnie Faber
8 years ago
As an area voice teacher, and a person who loves theater, WTC is a gem that needs to continue to flourish and be supported. But recently, rumblings of the selfish and unprofessional acts of a few have placed this gem in jeopardy.
I support this petition wholeheartedly and without reservation. There is a tradion to uphold here. Past hard work/ quality needs to be respected.
Barbe you have to go. Resign.
E
Elizabeth Hoffman
8 years ago
Please do not let this community theater die because of poor judgement and selfish decisions. This is a COMMUNITY theater.
J
Jeff Hoffman
8 years ago
Unfortunate and very disturbing to see the length people will go to for their own gain.
M
Mike Sherman
8 years ago
Wow! Just Wow!
D
David Menier
8 years ago
Based on what I heard and read, I am appalled. I am not close to MCAC or even on the periphery but I have friends and colleagues who are and have grown as individuals through what MCAC has to offer. To see it this happen is ridiculous.
R
Robin Menier
8 years ago
I'm absolutely appalled at what is happening with the MCAC. We need a clean slate, with open and transparent leaders... The current leadership has put this organization in peril.
L
Leah Williams
8 years ago
Being someone who has grown up in WCT and known nothing else, I have always loved the fact that everyone is present because they want to be and the inherent dedication of everyone involved. The paid staff and and board need to be facilitating people giving their talents and energy where they want to, and creating an amicable environment that supports those dedicating their time - not discouraging it. I hope that we can continue to appreciate and include all who have given so much time and so many gifts over the years, while welcoming new community in the spirit that has kept us alive for over 40 years.
J
Joani Holmes
8 years ago
I grew to love MCAC over 20 years ago because of the welcoming community and its appreciation for any and all volunteer efforts you were willing to offer. Let’s get back to our origins of openness and community!
D
Doug Jensen
8 years ago
Most of you are the reason my entire family loved being part of our community theatre. Let’s restore the legacy that honors the volunteers and the loving dedication we have poured into this over the years. I want to return to the place we all love surrounded by others who want the same thing – putting in lots of hard work with good friends to create great theatre and lasting memories.
E
Emily D Seifers
8 years ago
Featured
As a former board member of WCT, I was saddened to hear of the events recounted in this letter and that led to this petition. WCT has been a stable force for community members to come together on the stage and foster a love for the performing arts for DECADES. I believe that through these recommendations, MCAC and WCT will continue to serve the Woodbury community for generations to come.
W
Winnie Williams
8 years ago
Featured
Those involved in the April 17th letter, are the heart of MCAC and WCT. Without them, MCAC/WCT would not exist today. They have been very open to an ever expanding pool of MCAC/WCT talent, evidenced by the new people involved in each show. It is important to me that we honor our past and our spirit of volunteerism, as we continue to grow and evolve as an organization. I don't believe that is happening today.
M
Michelle Witte
8 years ago
Featured
Responsible leadership should build on our past success; honor and treasure those volunteers and donors who have paved the way and continue to allow them to fully participate in all they've helped create. New energy and people are then added to that solid foundation, so that our community impact continues to grow. Change is always needed - yes. And that change should be new leadership, who respect the people who ARE the community in Merrill COMMUNITY Arts Center. Thank You!
R
Rachel Sandstrom
8 years ago
I trust the people that have reached out to me and let me know what has been happening. It's shocking and sad to hear the direction and events/actions that have occurred in recent past. I have been a strong supporter and participant at Woodbury Community Theatre and would like it to continue in a positive and stable path. I will do whatever I can to help make that happen.
Not sure where to start. As an outside observer, I don’t have any invested energy into MCAC. Recently I have been spending time at Merrill while my child takes a class. I am a psychic/medium and can connect with departed souls. The energy at Merrill is heavy and made me sick. Unless given permission, I usually don’t share messages with the soul’s family and friends. Both Dorothy Merrill and Marjorie Wetz have communicated with me and want me to share. Seems that both of them are very upset about the current situation. It took me a long time to stop ignoring them. In fact one night I had to leave the room. (Spirit can bombard you and make someone’s head spin). Marjorie was very persistent and expressed how much JOY performing brought to her. Her life had meaning and purpose. Having the energy of her life continue gave her great peace. Here is a summary what both Dorothy and Marjorie want me to share. The energy and essence has been lost. Our names have become labels and the love behind them blocked. What is left is an empty shell of what represented a passionate art community. The emptiness inside is because the complete foundation has been changed. Without any awareness other than the self serving purpose of a few people. How you treat people is the most important thing and kindness matters. Everything else will always fall into place. Change is part of life but there is always room for contrast. Please continue to ask questions about the actions conducted at Merrill. Most importantly please continue our “purpose” to grow a strong transparent art/theatre community. There is an original screenplay unfolding.
I fully support the petition. I have participated in 5 past productions and have been impressed by the professionalism, skill and commitment exhibited by those who have now been locked out of this organization.
The direction the ED is taking the organization is not good for our community and is self-serving. She needs to be stopped.
Although I have not worked with MCAC/Woodbury Community Theatre for a couple of years, I have always admired, supported and respected the organization. I am saddened to learn that the current leadership is neither continuing the vision that was so beautifully executed and embraced for decades, nor is it infusing positive new growth. We all know that to put on a great production, egos need to be checked at the door, everyone needs to be willing to be flexible, to listen to others and to scrap the blocking if it's not working! Hopefully the near future holds perfect "casting" of leadership with the very best "production" yet to come!
I hope that my signature is not too late to be effective. Although I no longer live in Woodbury, my spirit is there. I volunteered for Woodbury Community Theatre for 30 years. My husband Tom and I saw the organization through some very lean years and we are disheartened to learn of the problems created by certain individuals. Our experience was that WCT was a supportive and loving family, not just a business venture. I hope that clear heads and open hearts prevail.
This is my hometown and I brag all the time about the amazing, grassroots, community theatre culture and the WTG/MCAC. It is unique and a community treasure!
As a father-in-law, grandparent and friend of many of those bringing joy to the audiences it saddens me to see their joy threatened by administrative actions and inactions. It's a simple business proposition: if the product stinks, it's management's duty to provide a product the audiences will enjoy; if the product delights the audience, it is management's duty to continue to support and enhance the product. MCAC's performances are first-rate. They are entertaining, inspiring, a complete delight. If management can't be supportive of that, it's time for new management.
As an area voice teacher, and a person who loves theater, WTC is a gem that needs to continue to flourish and be supported. But recently, rumblings of the selfish and unprofessional acts of a few have placed this gem in jeopardy. I support this petition wholeheartedly and without reservation. There is a tradion to uphold here. Past hard work/ quality needs to be respected. Barbe you have to go. Resign.
Please do not let this community theater die because of poor judgement and selfish decisions. This is a COMMUNITY theater.
Unfortunate and very disturbing to see the length people will go to for their own gain.
Wow! Just Wow!
Based on what I heard and read, I am appalled. I am not close to MCAC or even on the periphery but I have friends and colleagues who are and have grown as individuals through what MCAC has to offer. To see it this happen is ridiculous.
I'm absolutely appalled at what is happening with the MCAC. We need a clean slate, with open and transparent leaders... The current leadership has put this organization in peril.
Being someone who has grown up in WCT and known nothing else, I have always loved the fact that everyone is present because they want to be and the inherent dedication of everyone involved. The paid staff and and board need to be facilitating people giving their talents and energy where they want to, and creating an amicable environment that supports those dedicating their time - not discouraging it. I hope that we can continue to appreciate and include all who have given so much time and so many gifts over the years, while welcoming new community in the spirit that has kept us alive for over 40 years.
I grew to love MCAC over 20 years ago because of the welcoming community and its appreciation for any and all volunteer efforts you were willing to offer. Let’s get back to our origins of openness and community!
Most of you are the reason my entire family loved being part of our community theatre. Let’s restore the legacy that honors the volunteers and the loving dedication we have poured into this over the years. I want to return to the place we all love surrounded by others who want the same thing – putting in lots of hard work with good friends to create great theatre and lasting memories.
As a former board member of WCT, I was saddened to hear of the events recounted in this letter and that led to this petition. WCT has been a stable force for community members to come together on the stage and foster a love for the performing arts for DECADES. I believe that through these recommendations, MCAC and WCT will continue to serve the Woodbury community for generations to come.
Those involved in the April 17th letter, are the heart of MCAC and WCT. Without them, MCAC/WCT would not exist today. They have been very open to an ever expanding pool of MCAC/WCT talent, evidenced by the new people involved in each show. It is important to me that we honor our past and our spirit of volunteerism, as we continue to grow and evolve as an organization. I don't believe that is happening today.
Responsible leadership should build on our past success; honor and treasure those volunteers and donors who have paved the way and continue to allow them to fully participate in all they've helped create. New energy and people are then added to that solid foundation, so that our community impact continues to grow. Change is always needed - yes. And that change should be new leadership, who respect the people who ARE the community in Merrill COMMUNITY Arts Center. Thank You!
I trust the people that have reached out to me and let me know what has been happening. It's shocking and sad to hear the direction and events/actions that have occurred in recent past. I have been a strong supporter and participant at Woodbury Community Theatre and would like it to continue in a positive and stable path. I will do whatever I can to help make that happen.