A few months ago Steeplechase Productions entered into a four month management contract with Northwest Actors Studio to take on the duties of managing director, that contract ends December 24. During this short tenure I was able to get a $12,000 tax rebate for B&O taxes (inadvertently overpaid) and a Microsoft volunteer who brought in $7,000 in matching money. This has allowed the studio to catch up on its rent and utility bills but there is still some debt and a negative cash flow; its future is tenative. There are a series of fund-raisers during the next few weekends: student productions, play readings, video screenings and live music (see the new website:
http://nwactorsstudio.com). They need to bring in $25,000 by Dec 31.
I know a great many artists and companies have worked at the studio since its founding in 1978. I am posting this here to let the theatrical community know that we are likely to lose another company, acting school, and two performance venues without a sumami of support.
The studio will also need a managing director as it is unlikely that Steeplechase will be able to provide continuing "pro-bono" services. Welcome your comments, suggestions, and support.
Tom Ansart for Steeplechase Productions
