“…the fearless and admirable James Richardson, …has pushed his new young company to new heights of accomplishment where other theatre companies in Ottawa would never dare to go.”
- Alvina Ruprecht -CBC Radio1 | Scenechanges.com
THIRD WALL THEATRE CANCELS 2011/2012 SEASON
Company to spend 11th season re-organizing, developing new presentation model
OTTAWA September 12, 2011: The board of directors and the management of Third Wall Theatre Company regretfully announce the cancellation of the entirety of its planned eleventh season. A shortfall of revenue near to the end of their 10th anniversary season, coupled with cuts to grant funding and disappointing fundraising results have put the Company in a compromising financial position. After weeks of careful and calculated deliberation, it was deemed that the continued staging of three show seasons would leave Third Wall Theatre in an unsustainable operational position moving into the future.
In order to continue to provide the Ottawa public with the high-quality theatrical productions they have come to expect of Third Wall, the Company will instead invest its efforts into refining its business model and exploring new and exciting ways to present works. Staying true to its mandate – to engage in the present through the classics – Third Wall continues to strive towards supporting the development of art and artists alike in Ottawa. Rather than scaling down presentations using the current season model, Third Wall will instead investigate ways to continue to regularly produce artistic successes that are not hampered by a lack of available resources.
The Company will continue with plans to launch a new series of performances called The Empty Space Series – a series of 3 or 4 dramatic readings featuring members of the Resident Acting Company, with details being announced very shortly. As well, the Company will host a number of small fundraising events throughout the year, including the second Off the Wall Approach to Wine Tasting with Rod Phillips on October 29th.
Third Wall would like to thank its corporate partners, donors, and especially subscribers for their continued support, understanding and patronage throughout this transitional period. While this is a difficult time and decision, it is the only course of action that will allow the Company to stabilize, strengthen, and move forward with a renewed vigor.
Please contact Artistic Director James Richardson; james@thirdwall.com or 613 236 1425 for more information.