The Final Curtain for Theatre West Virginia

   This announcement was released today by Theatre West Virginia, the long-running summer theatre based in Beckley:

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This is, without a doubt, the saddest post we have ever had to make----

THEATRE WEST VIRGINIA ANNOUNCES CLOSURE


   After 53 seasons, Theatre West Virginia is announcing its closure as of today (September 18, 2013). At a meeting of the Board of Directors on September 17, it was unanimously decided that due to financial difficulties, the company had no choice but to cease operations. 


   According to TWV General Manager Gayle Bowling, TWV has struggled with financial woes for the past several years. “We are all heartbroken and devastated personally and professionally,” said Bowling. “A very wet summer, coupled with funding reductions has left us with obligations we can’t meet at this time. Our plan is to begin liquidating assets to satisfy our creditors and conduct the process in an orderly fashion. Employees were laid off as of this morning, with two donating time to help with the closing process.”

   The Educational Touring Company had been in rehearsals for its fall and winter school performances for the past three weeks, and shows were booked for the touring season in schools across the state that are now being cancelled. Late last week, TWV officials learned that aniticipated funding to support the Educational Touring Company would not be forthcoming. At this time summer performances are not being contemplated. 

   “It’s a sad day for Southern West Virginia,” said Bowling, who is working on a volunteer basis during the closure. “Theatre West Virginia has been a huge part of my life for 23 years, and my hope is that, at some point in the future, it can be resurrected in a different way. I do believe, to quote Dave Morgan’s closing line in Honey in the Rock---as long as West Virginia has men of courage and vision, there will always be ‘honey in the rock’.”

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    Needless to say, this is very sad news. It's a tough time for community theatre groups - this makes the third group to announce its closure this year, joining Huntington Outdoor Theatre and the Charleston Stage Company.

   Perhaps it's the economy, perhaps it's the high cost of creating theatre - whatever the cause, it's sad to see these long-running groups shutting down. It just shows the importance - now more than ever - of supporting your community theatre by attending shows, buying ads in programs or volunteering your time - whatever you can do to support this valuable local resource!