HomeMy WebLinkAbout10/23/2019 Item 2, Luckett
Wilbanks, Megan
From:Richard Luckett <slomorgan@sbcglobal.net>
Sent:Wednesday,
To:Advisory Bodies
Subject:Vote “YES” for SLO REP Project
October 16, 2019
Dear Planning Commission,
We are writing in support of a “yes” vote for the proposed joint Palm/Nipomo Parking Structure and the new theatre for San Luis
Repertory Theatre (SLO REP). The proposed plan is stellar, providing much needed parking space, as well as expanded theatre space
to accommodate the needs of our only non-profit live theatre in our county. We have lived, worked and raised our family in San Luis
Obispo. It is our home.
SLO REP IS A CULTURAL GEM, PROVIDING CONSISTENT EXCELLENCE
We both love live theatre and have attended shows in SLO since the 1980’s. As we value well produced shows, we used to have to go
elsewhere to see a consistently well crafted show usually 30 miles south to PCPA in Santa Maria, 600 miles to Oregon, or even
NYC. When SLO REP, then SLO Little Theatre, hired Kevin Harris as Artistic Director, quality of the shows consistently improved and
ticket sales grew exponentially (to the point that many shows are sold out for a good part of their run.). We no longer need to travel for
excellent live theatre...it is right in our own home town!
NEW SLO REP THEATRE WILL ANCHOR THE ARTS AND CULTURAL CORRIDOR
Since the city announced its plan for the new Palm/Nipomo parking structure 10 years ago with space for a new theatre, SLO REP has
constantly asked for community input for the new theatre. We love the subsequent design that meets the needs of the expanding
theatre programs as well as the stated desires of its many patrons. The new theatre will triple audience size in its intimate 197 seat
main stage, and a 99 seat convertible “black box” theatre. These spaces could also be utilized by other community entities when not
being used by SLO REP. Additional classrooms would also be available to SLO REP’s theatre education program for children – the
Academy of Creative Theatre. The ACT program currently serves over 300 students a year, but consistently needs to turn away
prospective students for lack of space. Finally, the proposed theatre includes much needed scene and costume shops, proper dressing
rooms, a kitchen, and office space for an expanded staff.
PARKING LOT/SLO REP PROJECT IS NECESSARY
The proposed parking structure is much needed. Depending on time of day or week, it can be
impossible to find parking in the current lots. Additionally, it is imperative that the theatre be built next to the proposed parking structure.
Many of our patrons would be unable to attend shows if they were required to walk from the current lots (provided they even found a
parking place)!
SLO REP DESERVES A PERMANENT HOME
We urge you to give this project your wholehearted support. SLO REP and the SLO Little Theatre have been providing value to the
community for over 70 years. We believe this project will be beneficial to both the cultural life and businesses of San Luis Obispo. A
new theatre in the heart of downtown will be a major draw for residents and tourists, and will continue to contribute to the vibrant artistic
life of our city. They have earned, and deserve, a permanent home.
Sincerely,
Richard and Catherine Luckett,
SLO REP Capital Campaign Chairs
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