Karen Nelsen, Michael A. Harding, and Eric Jensen in The Winter’s Tale.
Seattle Shakespeare Company and Wooden O
Merger Facts and FAQ
Why are the two theatre companies merging?
The idea of combining the two theatre companies had been brief, fleeting thoughts in the past for both companies, but several factors provided the impetus that led to the decision:
- Both companies recognized that they could each build upon each others strengths and successes to better serve audiences in Seattle and across the state
- Both companies are committed to producing Shakespeare and the classics
- Both companies share complementary artistic aesthetics
- Both companies are committed to the local actor and theatre artist community
Fundamentally, the merger of the two theatre companies will make a stronger, unified organization. We will streamline administrative efforts, increase efficiency, and redirect resources into community programs and performances.
Why now?
This merger evolves out of growth and success. Both companies are debt-free and well regarded in the community. The leaders of both organizations recognized an opportunity to achieve even greater community and statewide impact through combined resources and strengths.
What are the terms of the merger?
Wooden O, its programming and resources, will become a department of Seattle Shakespeare Company. Wooden O will retain a distinct identity within the umbrella of Seattle Shakespeare Company’s programs which will now include: mainstage indoor productions, education programs, regional touring productions, and now free, outdoor performances.
What makes this a merger and not simply an acquisition?
Wooden O, Seattle Shakespeare Company’s free, outdoor performances will operate as its own department in collaboration with the other artistic programming departments of the organization. The production and administrative departments of Seattle Shakespeare Company will support Wooden O programming and initiatives.
Are there any other plans to grow through further mergers?
No. Both organizations will accomplish shared goals through this merger – year round performances, state-wide touring shows, and associated education programs – and do not see the need for further mergers.
Is this all about money?
Not at all. Both companies come to this merger in a strong financial position. Instead, this is about two companies sharing goals, recognizing that they can accomplish more together.
Is this merge due to the economic uncertainty that the country is facing right now?
No. Both companies began discussions about merging over a year ago and have not entered into this agreement without a long and considered process.
Is this merger evidence that there’s limited market opportunity for Shakespeare and classic theatre?
Quite the opposite. This merger opens up opportunities to bring Shakespeare and other classic works to audiences in ways not previously possible if both companies were operating separately. The geographic reach for Seattle Shakespeare Company will increase with the resources and touring expertise of Wooden O and enable the newly merged company to bring Shakespeare to towns and regions underserved by theatre arts. Wooden O’s free outdoor performances gain added infrastructure that will benefit the artistic service.
How will audiences benefit from this merger?
Audiences will experience the same artistic integrity that they’ve come to expect from both organizations. Audiences in the Puget Sound region will now have a year-round resource to turn to for quality Shakespeare and classic theatre performances and education opportunities. Audiences statewide will now get to experience professional Shakespeare productions through Seattle Shakespeare Company’s expanded touring performances.
Will this merger result in any job losses or will new jobs be created?
Roles and responsibilities will shift and expand within the company and some duplicated tasks will be assumed by current staff. After a brief settling period, we will strategically add positions based upon the needs of the company. We do anticipate additional work in terms of lengths of contracts for local actors and are committed to increasing AEA contracts and salaries for actors participating in Wooden O.
How are the artistic programming responsibilities being divided?
In terms of artistic content/programming, roles and responsibilities will be divided in the following way:
- Stephanie Shine will serve as Artistic Director of Seattle Shakespeare Company. The Artistic Director will be responsible for mainstage programming, and will oversee education programming, outdoor performances, and regional and statewide touring.
- Michelle Traverso will serve as Education Director. The Education Director will be responsible for school workshops and residencies, adult and teen classes, Camp Bill, student matinees, and Short Shakes Teen Production experiences. The Education Director will have input into touring productions.
- George Mount will serve as the Director of Outdoor and Touring Performance. The Director of Outdoor and Touring Performance will function as Artistic Director for the Wooden O free, outdoor, summer performances, and oversee regional touring as well as productions that perform in schools and public venues statewide throughout the year.
- All three will collaborate to provide an exceptional experience for audiences indoors or out, within Seattle or across the state.
What will be the combined theatres’ service area?
It is the aim of Seattle Shakespeare Company to bring the works of Shakespeare and other classic playwrights to every corner of the state. With the merger with Wooden O, the company will serve not only the immediate Seattle metro area but also audiences in
Mercer Island, Edmonds, Lynnwood, Sea Tac, Sammamish, Shoreline, Issaquah,
Bonney Lake, Lake Forrest Park, Federal Way, and Redmond. Our touring program has already served or will serve audiences in Twisp, Omak, Ferndale, Brewster, Moses Lake, Sequim, Wenatchee, Coupeville, Auburn, Port Angeles, University Place, Morton, and Everett with plans for further outreach to underserved areas. Plans are also in the works for performances in Walla Walla and potentially Leavenworth.
Will the merger result in the loss of identity and connection and support for Wooden O?
Wooden O will retain its identity of free, outdoor, summer performances in the parks. It is our hope that audiences will experience a seamless transition and that they will continue their support and affection for the merged organization. Key personnel associated with Wooden O, including Founding Artistic Director George Mount, will transition with the organization into the new merged structure, preserving the qualities that have made Wooden O unique and embraced in our community.
Will there be changes in artistic programming and services?
Through this merger of Seattle Shakespeare Company and Wooden O it is our intention to expand upon our artistic programming through our touring program so that we can serve larger areas of the state. The savings on the administrative shared costs will also mean being able to invest more into Wooden O’s artistic and production expenses.
What’s the impact on existing supporters and audiences?
Audiences who attend or support either organization prior to the merger should feel no difference in their connection. In fact, they may even notice increased contact, communication, and service since the organization will no longer be duplicating efforts in certain areas.
We currently donate and support Wooden O. Should we continue to do so?
Yes. Your support will still help fund the programming you care about and have come to know. If you would like to make a specific, designated gift to Wooden O to ensure ongoing free performances, we encourage you to do so.
When will the merger of the two theatres be complete?
The merger of Seattle Shakespeare Company and Wooden O will be legally complete by mid April 2008.
Can we anticipate the same level of artistic quality and service moving forward?
Yes you can. In fact, we expect it to get better and better. The merger will give Wooden O outdoor productions access to Seattle Shakespeare Company’s design/production infrastructure as well as administrative infrastructure, which means increased quality for sets, sound and costumes. Both companies already have crossover of artists (actors, directors, musicians and designers), so the only artistic affect will be increased efficiency and greater production quality.
I am a Wooden O supporter and I have additional questions, whom should I contact?
Please contact George Mount at 206-274-8471.
I am a Seattle Shakespeare Company subscriber and/or supporter and I have additional questions, whom should I contact?
Please contact John Bradshaw at 206-733-8228 ext 201 or Jeff Fickes 206-733-8228 x 214.