Sudbury Theatre Centre and YES Theatre have announced details of a May 25 press conference during which they will officially announce the new “collaboration” between the two theatre companies.
The press and members of the public are invited to the event, which will take place at Sudbury Theatre Centre starting at 10 a.m.
“The presentation will include representatives from both organizations addressing the exciting collaboration and provide details on the context of what brought us together,” said the media advisory.
“There will be performances by local artists and detailed announcements regarding programming.”
The theatre companies are also planning a community “town hall” style forum on June 26 “where we can gather as an artistic community, voice our opinions and contribute to the future vision of the organizations.
“This will be the first of what is intended to be an ongoing series of public conversations as we all navigate this growth together.”
Earlier this month, Sudbury Theatre Centre’s board of governors confirmed what they’re calling a “new partnership” with YES Theatre.
This after an open letter signed by more than 40 local theatre supporters came out, alleging a merger or takeover was occurring behind closed doors.
STC said that it approached the leadership back in December about what it would look like if “we came together — to support each other, share resources, and collaborate in reinvigorating the Sudbury theatre scene.”
The statement said that for the 2022-2023 season, YES Theatre artistic and managing director Alessandro Costantini has been appointed as STC's interim artistic director.
Scott Denniston, who’s the general manager and executive producer of YES Theatre, has been appointed STC's interim general manager.
“Together the organizations will program a season that fulfills both STC and YES Theatre mandates,” said the statement.
Former Sudbury Theatre Centre artistic director John McHenry, who parted ways with the theatre in March after his contract was not renewed, recently talked to Sudbury.com about the situation.
“The STC board has basically sold themselves out to YES Theatre,” said McHenry. “YES Theatre has money. STC has a building. And, you know, they’re going to see if they can make that work.”
