The Rochester Civic Theatre has a lease with the City of Rochester through 2028. Councilman Michael Wojcik is planning to call for a vote at this week's Council meeting to break the lease, even though we are tenants in good standing.
We ask that you, our most trusted supporters and friends, join us in making it clear that decades of faithful community arts and public service not be lost to the bully pulpit of Mr. Wojcik.
1. The Rochester Civic Theatre has served the City of Rochester for nearly 70 years. The current space that we use to produce live theater, music, and other programming was built with funds raised by the Rochester Civic Theatre and donated to the city.
2. The $200,000 in public funding received from the City of Rochester to cover building expenses has been spent as intended, and verified through actual receipts that the Council has in its possession.
3. Current financial obligations of the Rochester Civic Theatre will not be possible to meet if Mr. Wojcik's proposal passes. The Board feels very confident that we can meet our obligations if we are able to keep possession of our space -- again, space that we have under contract through 2028.
4. Mr. Wojcik's proposal would hand over control of the theater space to be managed by the city per the "one rooftop" concept. Overall, the Board of the Rochester Civic Theatre supports a "one rooftop" concept for the Mayo Civic Center, and the Rochester Civic Theatre poses no threat to the fiscal goals of the City's efforts. Cost savings measures ultimately serve the RCT as well as the City and opens the doors to interesting possible collaborations.The RCT board has been left out of Mr. Wojcik's private conversations regarding his plans and would welcome a transparent conversation about how to help meet the needs of our city through the concept.
Bottom line: The Rochester Civic Theatre has a contract for our space through 2028. We have not violated its terms. The proposal to do something else with the space is inappropriate..
Please click below and sign your support to tell the City of Rochester to honor its lease agreement with the Rochester Civic Theatre and allow us to produce another excellent season of theater in our beautiful city, a city built on a foundation of decency and trust.
Your servants,
The Board of Directors, Rochester Civic Theatre
Updates
February 19, 2020
We have reached 250 signatures. This volume of support allows us to present a formal request for a meeting with each City Council member prior to the upcoming vote.
Reached 250 supporters
February 19, 2020
Reached 100 supporters
February 18, 2020
122 Comments
I directed Stay With Me Awhile for the Rochester Civic Theatre in 2018. I was pleased and impressed with the artistic and management staff and their dedication to the community of Rochester. They were working diligently to move the theatre forward after some very difficult troubles. Don't lose faith in them now.
The RCT Board and staff deserve an opportunity for an open, honest discussion with the City of Rochester about its future and its ability to move forward. It's the decent and right thing to do.
Our three children (ages 9-15) have treasured the Civic's family orientation and the undeniable character growth that has helped shape their early years. They identify with the Civic and its staff as family. We need to protect this incredibly valuable community asset.
With new marketing director, new members, new shows, the Civic is back on track. What happened in the past has had an effect, thus the new blood now there is turning it around and including outside groups to work with them as well.
The city the size of Rochester with a large percentage of professionals needs a city theatre. Mistakes have been made, but can be resolved. Traveling to the Twin Cities for good entertainment is time consuming and during the winter months "iffy" at best. Be proactive and plan for the future.
The Civic has provided excellent plays demonstrating the City’s outstanding talent. I love taking my grandchildren whenever I can and they love
This is a fantastic theater , because of the group of people running it together, and should be kept going for the good of the community!
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The Rochester Civic Theatre has a lease with the City of Rochester through 2028. Councilman Michael Wojcik is planning to call for a vote at this week's Council meeting to break the lease, even though we are tenants in good standing.
We ask that you, our most trusted supporters and friends, join us in making it clear that decades of faithful community arts and public service not be lost to the bully pulpit of Mr. Wojcik.
1. The Rochester Civic Theatre has served the City of Rochester for nearly 70 years. The current space that we use to produce live theater, music, and other programming was built with funds raised by the Rochester Civic Theatre and donated to the city.
2. The $200,000 in public funding received from the City of Rochester to cover building expenses has been spent as intended, and verified through actual receipts that the Council has in its possession.
3. Current financial obligations of the Rochester Civic Theatre will not be possible to meet if Mr. Wojcik's proposal passes. The Board feels very confident that we can meet our obligations if we are able to keep possession of our space -- again, space that we have under contract through 2028.
4. Mr. Wojcik's proposal would hand over control of the theater space to be managed by the city per the "one rooftop" concept. Overall, the Board of the Rochester Civic Theatre supports a "one rooftop" concept for the Mayo Civic Center, and the Rochester Civic Theatre poses no threat to the fiscal goals of the City's efforts. Cost savings measures ultimately serve the RCT as well as the City and opens the doors to interesting possible collaborations.The RCT board has been left out of Mr. Wojcik's private conversations regarding his plans and would welcome a transparent conversation about how to help meet the needs of our city through the concept.
Bottom line: The Rochester Civic Theatre has a contract for our space through 2028. We have not violated its terms. The proposal to do something else with the space is inappropriate..
Please click below and sign your support to tell the City of Rochester to honor its lease agreement with the Rochester Civic Theatre and allow us to produce another excellent season of theater in our beautiful city, a city built on a foundation of decency and trust.
Your servants,
The Board of Directors, Rochester Civic Theatre
Updates
February 19, 2020
We have reached 250 signatures. This volume of support allows us to present a formal request for a meeting with each City Council member prior to the upcoming vote.
Reached 250 supporters
February 19, 2020
Reached 100 supporters
February 18, 2020
122 Comments
Rochester Civic Theatre gave me, a member of the rochester community, a place to share my voice and love of musicals. Taking it away from this ever growing community will only hold Rochester Minnesota back from becoming the amazing destination spot it can become.
I directed Stay With Me Awhile for the Rochester Civic Theatre in 2018. I was pleased and impressed with the artistic and management staff and their dedication to the community of Rochester. They were working diligently to move the theatre forward after some very difficult troubles. Don't lose faith in them now.
The RCT Board and staff deserve an opportunity for an open, honest discussion with the City of Rochester about its future and its ability to move forward. It's the decent and right thing to do.
Our three children (ages 9-15) have treasured the Civic's family orientation and the undeniable character growth that has helped shape their early years. They identify with the Civic and its staff as family. We need to protect this incredibly valuable community asset.
With new marketing director, new members, new shows, the Civic is back on track. What happened in the past has had an effect, thus the new blood now there is turning it around and including outside groups to work with them as well.
The city the size of Rochester with a large percentage of professionals needs a city theatre. Mistakes have been made, but can be resolved. Traveling to the Twin Cities for good entertainment is time consuming and during the winter months "iffy" at best. Be proactive and plan for the future.
The Civic has provided excellent plays demonstrating the City’s outstanding talent. I love taking my grandchildren whenever I can and they love
This is a fantastic theater , because of the group of people running it together, and should be kept going for the good of the community!
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Rochester Civic Theatre gave me, a member of the rochester community, a place to share my voice and love of musicals. Taking it away from this ever growing community will only hold Rochester Minnesota back from becoming the amazing destination spot it can become.