HomeMy WebLinkAbout10/23/2019 Item 2, Jones
Wilbanks, Megan
From:Donna Jones <donndelion@yahoo.com>
Sent:Sunday, October
To:Advisory Bodies
Subject:Please approve SLO REP Theatre project
City Council and Planning Commission --
I'm writing to express my support of the theatre building project for SLO REP. As a Cal Poly grad who has lived in SLO
County since 1991, I cannot tell you how important SLO REP has been in my life and the lives of my friends. I've been
involved with 30+ productions there over the years, served as it's Executive Director for two years, and though I am no
longer acting there, I try to see as many productions there as my schedule will allow. The reasons I support the new
theatre building and urge your approval are many, but here are a few points:
SLO REP is a cultural asset. SLO REP is the only non-profit professional theatre in San Luis Obispo County,
presenting plays and classes year-round. SLO REP has outgrown its current home, the former library on Morro
Street. Between the main stage and the black box theatre in the new building, nearly three times as many people
will be able to enjoy live theatre on any given evening. SLO REP strengthens the cultural vitality of Downtown
SLO.
SLO REP will be able to increase its educational programming. The new building will enable SLO REP to
more than double the number of classes it offers and students it serves. An added bonus is that with the new
building, SLO REP will finally be able to host student matinees to area schools. In a time when arts-related
classroom programming is being practically eliminated from our schools, this is an extremely important need in
our community.
SLO REP is a part of our community. Founded as SLO Little Theatre, SLO REP is now in its 73rd consecutive
season of producing live theatre, making it one of the region’s oldest arts institutions, and one of the nation’s
oldest, continuously operating non-profit theatres, currently running productions 46 weeks of the year. SLO Little
Theatre/SLO REP is a meaningful part of our community and of San Luis Obispo’s history.
SLO REP has earned this opportunity. Because of the steady improvement in artistic quality over the past
decade, SLO REP is one of the region’s best-attended arts organizations, frequently selling out its shows. The
artistic improvement has been made possible by a rapidly growing donor base, which has demonstrated a strong
willingness to fund construction of a new theatre.
I urge you to approve SLO REP's new building project. I can't wait to attend at the new location.
Best Regards,
Donna Jones
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