HomeMy WebLinkAbout11/12/2019 Item 10, Stuermer
Purrington, Teresa
From:Tom Stuermer <coastcoot@earthlink.net>
Sent:Wednesday, November 6, 2019 1:06 PM
To:E-mail Council Website
Subject:New SLO REP Theatre deserves approval
Dear City Council Members,
It is vitally important that your City Council approves the SLO REP joint projects for the new theatre and parking
structure coming before you at your next meeting on November 12. Reasons why this is so important:
SLO REP is an outstanding cultural asset and the only non-profit professional theatre in San Luis Obispo county,
presenting \[plays and classes year around. SLO REP has outgrown its current home, but between the main stage and the
black box theatre in the proposed new building, nearly three times as many people will be able to enjoy live theatre. We
have had to turn patrons away on some sold out days, and lack of adequate parking is a frequent problem.
SLO REPs new home will allow expanded programming at SLO REP and attract larger numbers of resident and visitors to
downtown SLO, making them an even greater economic driver for downtown SLO. As Orcutt residents, we and our
guests normally dine out and shop in SLO when we attend SLO REP. Without the theatre, we would seldom make that
drive.
SLO REP will be able to increase its educational programming. The new building will enable SLO REP to more than
double the amount of classes it offers and students it serves. Also, with the new theatre, SLO REP will finally be able to
host student matinees for area schools.
SLO REP has earned this opportunity. Because of the steady improvement in artistic quality over the past decade, SLO
REP is one of the regions best attended art organizations, frequently selling out. 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 and parking structure. As area residents and devoted theatre attenders form Paso Robles to Los Angeles
for 34 years, we can testify that SLO REPs quality equals and often exceeds that of Santa Maria's PCPA and any other
regional offerings.
We urge the City Council to approve this important project, and thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Linda and Thomas Stuermer
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