Big changes coming for VCS! Read about it in interview with VCS board president

Big News from the Board

Interview with Jim Snyder, President of the VCS Board of Directors

I had the pleasure of sitting down with Jim Snyder to ask him about the VCS Board of Directors and what is happening behind the scenes at Valley Center Stage. Rebecca Rappin, Secretary of the Board of Directors, was also able to help us by answering questions about the history of VCS.

The first question I have for you is simply what does the board of directors do?

We are responsible for not only the day-to-day operations of the theatre but the direction of the theatre. One of the largest components, other than doing shows, are the financial responsibilities of the theatre. We spend time going over the financial reports to see how we're doing, how we’re raising money, ticket prices, what we're spending on sets and costumes etc., on down the line. We also work with the artistic director to plan seasons and think about what we'll be doing in the future. There’s plenty for the board to do.

VCS has a working board. What does that mean?

Because we're a small to midsize community theatre, the board takes on duties to help run the theatre. For example, the woman that is the secretary of the board is also the House Manager. The treasurer is involved in lots of reports and details so he's got work to do and at the moment the president, fool that he is, is helping to build sets and helping do some planning. It basically means that we try to split up the duties of getting the work done to run the theatre.

Can you give me a brief overview of the history of Valley Center Stage; how did we get to where we are now?

Jim: Gary Schwartz had a dream of running Community theatre and founded the theatre in 2003.

Becky: When Gary first started the theatre, it was a venue for variety, music, and theatre. Those first years only a couple of stage productions were scheduled and the remainder of the season was rounded out with a variety of comedy and music acts who came in for a weekend performance. We did Radio Shows; hosted Valley Idols; brought in comedians and musical groups (mostly jazz); promoted Viola Spolin theatre games; produced Story theatre, the most prominent of which was Christmas Carol. Gradually, VCS evolved into what it is today.

Jim: When they started doing shows, they made an agreement with the Masons, and the Masons were wonderful to VCS. I believe very early on the only rent the masons charged was a couple of dollars per ticket sold; it was incredibly generous of them to let us share the space with them and put on shows here.

What are the biggest challenges facing the theatre now?

There is an ebb and flow to the work - how many volunteers show up, how excited people are, how committed they are, and how willing they are to follow through - but that's true of any volunteer organization. I think we're blessed at the moment in that we have a number of really committed, hard-working volunteers that make sure all the work for all the shows get done. We’ve also had a number of new people who have been very excited about being on stage and it’s one of our goals to continue that - the idea that new people are welcome and wanted and should have an experience of being on stage if they want to.

The next largest challenge would be that we've probably outgrown the space that we are in currently. The Masons have also grown to the point that they would like to use the space more. I can't say enough about how good the Masons have been to us, but we're coming to the point where the biggest challenge will be, within the next two years, to find a new space and adapt that space to use as a theatre. So there's work to be done in the coming two years

That’s a big change.

That is a big change. That’s a huge change.

What is the timeline for moving into a new space?

The Masons are willing to be flexible, but they also have plans for use of the space VCS currently uses and wish to run more of their own activities here. They have given us a general two years. The timeline is flexible but if there is a fan, or even a non-fan, of Valley Center Stage who wishes to see us thrive in the community and has a building open downtown somewhere that they would like to talk to us about, we would like to talk to them.

What can people do to help? Is there anything that well-wishers of Valley Center Stage can do to try to support us in our transition?

Oh, there are several things. One way to help is to tell us if they know of a space. Another would be to continue to support our shows; the more tickets we sell the better position we are in to make the move.

I wouldn't be surprised if there was a capital campaign to be launched and we will be asking for donations to help us in whatever construction needs to be done with the coming move. We will be taking the new stage with us, in pieces, so the incredible donation from the Snoqualmie tribe will continue to support us in our new space. We will have several years on this new, strong, wonderful stage in this space and then we will dismantle it and take it with us.

What can people do? The basic thing is if anyone wishes to volunteer to help work, especially when we go to haul everything into the new space, you know, truckloads of chairs and props and tubs and wood. There will be work in the new space getting it ready.

It’s definitely an exciting time. If we can have a larger space that has some work space and possibly even a little extra rehearsal space - I mean we’re allowed to dream, right? - it could be a wonderful step up for us, especially if it was on the first floor.

What is the board’s vision for the future?

We’re discussing that. What do we want to see Valley Center Stage look like in ten or fifteen years? The board will change and grow over time as well, there will be new people running the place, but when we talk about it now, what we wish to retain is allowing people to have the opportunity to be on stage, allowing families to be involved, allowing for a variety of shows, and keeping the camaraderie and friendship that goes with what we've been doing. We would love to do wonderful theatre, of course, but we'd like to stay that small-town community theatre that gives everyone a chance and lets people contribute and be a part of things.

- Margaret Zatloukal