[NEohioPAL] Cassidy Theatre Becomes Independent Theatre Company

[GEOFFFREY SHORT]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 28, 2008

CASSIDY THEATRE TO BECOME INDEPENDENT ENTITY 
FROM CITY OF PARMA HEIGHTS


Parma Heights – For over thirty years The Cassidy Theatre has been municipally owned and operated by the City of Parma Heights.  Now for the first time since the citizens of Parma Heights voted to build the theatre  – originally called the Greenbrier Theatre – in 1975, the theatre has taken steps to become an independent theatre company.    

In recent years, increasingly challenging economic conditions in Parma Heights have threatened the City’s ability to continue to operate the theatre.  Last Fall Cassidy Theatre management proposed to Parma Heights Mayor Martin Zanotti a plan to become incorporated as an independent and separate non-profit theatre in order to ensure the survival of the theatre and to ease any financial burden to the City. Since that time the theatre has begun organization of the new non-profit theatre company called Cassidy Theatre, Inc., a move that was announced in the city caucus meeting on Tuesday, January 22nd.   “It is our goal to create a seamless transition for our patrons,” says Cassidy Managing Director Christine Hnat.  “There will be no breaks or changes in our season schedule.  To the contrary, we believe this new organization will create a healthy future for this institution that so many people have loved for so long.  Even though we will no longer be owned and operated by the
 City of Parma Heights we will continue to look forward to a long and mutually enriching partnership with the City that will allow theatre-goers to continue to enjoy our productions for years to come.”  

>From the city’s perspective, the move comes as the slowing economy puts increased pressure on its revenue. Parma Heights Mayor Martin Zanotti states, “The privatization of the Cassidy Theatre reflects our need to focus on our primary service responsibilities for our residents. At the same time, this move will enable the Cassidy Theatre to thrive and grow well into the future and we look forward to a long-term relationship with C.T.I.”

As of December 1st, 2007, the theatre became incorporated as the Cassidy Theatre, Inc. (C.T.I.) and began the process of becoming a new non-profit company.  A board of directors has also been appointed.  Geoffrey Short will serve as Board President, Joseph Hnat is Vice President, Diana Kullgren is Treasurer, Heidi Boone is Development Director and Amy Banner will serve as board Secretary.  In its first official meeting this week, the Cassidy board approved its bylaws and officially appointed Ms. Hnat as Managing Director of the new C.T.I. (the position she previously held) and appointed Ms. Boone to her post on the board.  

In 1972, theatre aficionado Elise Cassidy, the wife of long-time Parma Heights Mayor Paul W. Cassidy convinced the Mayor that no city could be complete without a cultural base.  She proposed a new cultural center.  The Mayor agreed, but decided that the citizens of Parma Heights should make the final decision.  The proposal was put up to vote and the citizens of Parma Heights overwhelmingly voted to build what was known as the Greenbrier Commons Cultural Center.  The facility which opened in 1975 became known as The Greenbrier Theatre and was later re-named The Paul W. Cassidy Theatre in honor of its founder.  The theatre is nestled on a hillside in the Greenbrier Commons off Pearl Rd. in Parma Heights and has been entertaining community theatre audiences for over 30 years. C.T.I. will continue to produce its shows at this location.  Information on the current season schedule can be found at www.cassidytheatre.com.


FOR INFORMATION:  Geoffrey Short
                                            geoffshort at sbcglobal.net
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