HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda Statement 1988/07/19 Item 24
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COUNCIL AGENDA STATEMENT
Item 24
Meeting Date 7/19/88
ITEM TITLE: a. Request for funding to conduct a Summer Shakespeare Series
SUBMITTED BY:
b. Resolution'&c?73 Appropriating
Shakespeare Series
Director of ~and Recreation -
funds
for a
Summer
REVIEWED BY:
Ci ty Manager t
(4/5ths Vote: Yes X No )
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The Parks and Recreati on Department proposes to offer a Summer Shakespeare
Series, featuring the play Hamlet at Memorial Bowl. Funding to offset the
expense for this drama Series is requested.
RECOMMENDATION: Accept report and adopt reso 1 uti on appropri ati ng funds from
the unappropri ated reserves to offset the expense of the Summer Shakespeare
Series.
BOARDS/COMMISSIONS RECOMMENDATION: Not applicable.
lISCUSSION:
This department has received a proposal from Mr. Keith Anderson outlining his
interest in directing a Summer Shakespeare Series in Chula Vista (Attachment
A). Specifically, Mr. Anderson proposes to offer the play Hamlet in a six
week, two hour (per performance) format. He plans to conduct the Series every
Saturday, begi nni ng August 27, with performances runni ng through Saturday,
October 1, 1988. The performances are scheduled to begin at 4:00 p.m. and
conclude at 6:00 p.m. Mr. Anderson believes the Memorial Park Bowl would be
an ideal setting to offer such a production. This program will not conflict
with any program this Department is presently offering.
The proposal also includes auditions which would be open to the public,
rehearsal time for the actors selected, two free lectures exposing the public
to the Shakespeare Series as well as a general overview of Shakespeare1s
work. Further, there would be no use of elaborate props, costumes, or
lighting. For instance, the set would consist of platforms (stage pieces),
the costumes would be contemporary and furnished by the actors, and the
performances would occur during the day.
It is of the opinion of Mr. Anderson that ticket prices of similar stage
productions in the County are too expensive. In particular, he cites the
present ti cket prices of the 01 d Globe Theatre rangi ng from $22 per seat to
$12 for standing room. Therefore, he feels that this cultural arts offering
should be provided to the public free of charge.
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Page 2, Item 24
Meeting Date~
It is staff's opinion that the proposal has some merit and is consistent with
this department's intent to become involved in Cultural Arts Programming. As
an example of this involvement, staff has been meeting with the Chu1a vista
City School District, San Diego County Public Arts Advisory Council (PAAC),
and interested arts groups to formulate a strategy in developing an awareness
and appreciation for the arts in Chula Vista. Mr. Anderson's proposal is
timely and appears to support these cultural arts plans. Although our
planning efforts are in the early stages of development, staff sees the
Shakespeare Seri es as a way of determi ni ng how the community wi 11 respond to
an outdoor theatre production.
Thi s department is requesti ng funds from the Counci 1 and proposes to
coordinate the production with Mr. Anderson. Unfortunately, Mr. Anderson's
proposal was received at the end of this year's budget process thereby
necessitating a request from the unappropriated reserves to offset the cost of
the program.
The amount of funds requested is $1,620. Staff believes this a reasonable
amount as there will be no cost for props, 1 ighting, staging, costumes, and
support actors.
_.In discussion with Mr. Anderson, the basic cost of the project would be for
he salary of a professional director, a professional actor to play the title
role of Hamlet, part time recreation personnel to assist in the set-up and
breakdown of each production, and miscellaneous expenses such as printing and
postage. The cost of the Series is detailed below:
1. Director $ 800
2. Hamlet 400
3. Part time recreation personnel 320
4. Printing and postage 100
$1,620
Staff has reviewed the qualifications of Mr. Anderson and believe he is
capable of directing this production (Attachment B). Mr. Anderson has over 25
years of experience as a professional stage director and actor. In addition,
he has worked 7-1/2 years as the Drama Coordinator for the City of Phoenix
Parks and Recreation Department where he developed a Free Shakespeare Festival.
The Shakespeare Seri es, if successful, cou1 d 1 ead into an ongoi ng program
throughout the year. Further, such a production could be vital to developing
an appreciation for drama, and spark community interest in department class
offerings, such as acting, costuming, stage dialect and mime.
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