Theater at Lime Kiln executive director announces plan to close Sunday, Sept. 30
UPDATE 9/26: Lime Kiln director gives ultimatum.
Here’s an update on the Theater at Lime Kiln story. Theater executive director Tony Russell has sent me a copy of these remarks that he made at last night’s Rockbridge County Board of Supervisors meeting, in which he announced that he recommended closing Lime Kiln. —MikeA
Thank you for the opportunity to address the Rockbridge County Board of Supervisors. I want to update you with regards to Theater at Lime Kiln.
As Executive Director of the theater, I have recommended to the theater’s Board, that as of September 30, 2012, Theater at Lime Kiln be closed.
Consistent with the Virginia Labor Laws, we will be issuing final pay checks to our 2 Full time and 4 part time employees on Saturday, September 29, following the American Shakespeare Center’s performance of Twelfth Night. We should be able to conclude the season debt free.
During the month of October we will:
- Return all community donations made to the Help Stoke the Kiln fund. With pledges, this amounts to some $60,000
- We will be advising the USDA Rural Development that the loan of $93,000 which we had qualified for, with the help of our state and federal representatives, will now not be required and is available to be reassigned
- We will advise Lowe’s Home Improvement Center that the funds they had ear marked for renovations to the Kiln space, will also now, not be required
We had sought funding from both the County and the City to keep the Kiln in business, in a manner consistent with other municipalities across the state. I would like to thank the Board of Supervisors for their consideration of our request. Since the Kiln is now closing, we withdraw this application.
To me it is a travesty of asset utilization that the County and City could not find a way to help fund this unique, performing arts center; one that is recognized by the Virginia Commission for the Arts as a worthy recipient of the highest level of state funding.
In ongoing discussions with some of the same state and federal representatives that helped the theater secure the USDA loan, it appears that they too think that it is a travesty of asset utilization. They agree for two reasons, municipalities across the state are investing in the performing arts as a means of generating tourism income, while we appear to be divesting. Of particular concern is the fact that our Regional Tourism Board has been allowed to accumulate a ‘treasure chest’ of some $400,000 of tax payers’ money and that no portion of this can be used to maintain, what in their view, is a major tourism attraction for our region. This frustration is shared across party lines.
Today’s Roanoke Times ran a story on Senator Mark Warner announcing that an $815K federal grant for music, arts & recreation-based tourism had been obtained for Southwest Virginia. Paraphrasing Senator Warner, “What always bothered him as Governor, was people would go to Asheville, N.C., there they developed a whole music culture, artisans and eco-tourism area. He always felt Southwest Virginia had better venues, (such as Lime Kiln), just as good artisans, and much better music.” He continued, “Others may have mountains, but they don’t have the rich history, the bluegrass music, the rich Appalachian culture. There’s a whole combination here that frankly, others don’t have.”
Personally, I think Asheville N. C. is synonymous with Staunton VA, and it is very sad with regards to the Senator’s comments on “better venues” that for Rockbridge County and the City of Lexington the operative word is now had. It is ironic that our last performance is Twelfth Night in which Sir Andrew Aguecheek bemoans his position with the line… “O had I but followed the arts!” Thank you for your time and consideration.
September 25, 2012 - 10:55 AM
The Shakespeare Theater in Staunton is a huge draw and has contributed to a vibrant downtown night life there. Rockbridge County Supervisors and School Board have no vision or creativity to invest in the future. They should hire someone who does. Unfortunately, they want the cheapest quick solution. Just look at the recent denial of support to the Rural Charter School which would drive improvement in county wide education. Just look at the mass warehousing of children in the new middle school despite all the research that shows children thrive in schools no larger than 300 students. Pennywise and pound foolish.
This property was lent for the use of Lime Kiln from the family estate of Rusty Ford, a current supervisor. What is his position on this?
This is sad to hear. Another casualty of recession and a general divesting in the arts in American society.
I hope and pray that it is not too late for the city and county to turn around and save Lime Kiln. I have been so proud to be from Rockbridge County. I have often told people from around the world who I have worked with in the arts that I come from a unique area where the arts continue to be celebrated and are sustainable. I am currently in London where 2 days ago I toured the Greek exhibit at the British Museum. My friend and I remarked about the tragedy of the fall of Greece with all of the advances made for civilization, how that was repeated by Rome, how it appears our current society is headed that way with the general consensus being, “oh there are more important things than the arts.” The arts reflect humanity and hold a mirror up to society throughout history. I ask that the County of Rockbridge and the City of Lexington consider how their reflection will be interpreted by history for this move. Indeed, a lack of vision. A lack of soul.
This is EXTREMELY DISHEARTENING and INFURIATING to hear about this landmark for the performing arts!!! This is not only a long standing venue and tradition for the public of Lexington and surrounding area theater goers, but more importantly a very highly respected and regarded institution among the artists who have had the opportunity to be in residence there. As a performing artist/choeographer originally living and working in the Valley who had the fortunate opportunity to be involved in a production there over 15 years ago, it equates to a punch in the stomach. It is outrageous to hear that both city and state officials cannot place a higher value on the role that the arts play in EVERYONE’S lives. (pun intended!) Theatre at Lime Kiln has not only been an important asset to the surrounding communities of southwest VA as a source of revenue, however minimal it might be, but more importantly as an omniscient reminder of our cultural heritage. It not only gave artists an opportunity to showcase their work, but gave every audience member a truly unique experience of the highest professional quality. I have been extremely proud to be able to say I participated in some small way in helping to bring that to people in VA. I now reside in Raleigh, NC where there are certainly more cultural activities available to the public, but I can attest to the fact that none can compare to the total experience of Theatre at Lime Kiln. It is a true travesty for this to occur. Hopefully those responsible for losing this treasure will, in turn, lose a lot of sleep over it when they realize how they have exchanged their humanity for the “bottom line.” Now more than ever, people thirst for comforts to their soul to be shared and experienced in these rare and precious places on this earth.