YVONNE HOUSSELS -- Community Commentary

My family and I are very upset to learn the Costa Mesa Civic Playhouse

may be torn down and not replaced in its present location or even at an

alternative location (“Costa Mesa Civic Playhouse asks for community

support,” Nov. 30).

We are encouraged, however, by Michael Fine, assistant superintendent

of finances for the Newport-Mesa Unified School District, who stated, “If

the theater must move, the district would do everything it could to help

relocate it.”

We think it is essential that the city and/or the school district

provide a new location.

Community theater is a tremendous asset to any city. It opens the door

to culture for our young people and provides them an opportunity to

participate in the performing arts, take responsibility in making sets

and learning to work as a team to put on a production.

Community theater also provides talented adults, who are not

professional actors, the opportunity to share their performing abilities

with the community.

This volunteer participation makes it possible to provide quality

entertainment to the community at affordable prices for seniors, students

and families of all income levels.

I am an actress and have performed at many community theaters in the

area. My family and I have been impressed with the productions we have

seen at the Costa Mesa Civic Playhouse.

I am pleased to be appearing now in “The Sound of Music.” I sincerely

hope this will not be the last production for the Costa Mesa Civic

Playhouse.

Newport Beach has recognized the importance of its community theater,

Newport Theater Arts Center. I understand that the theater is backed by

the city, which recently helped with renovations.

I hope the Newport-Mesa school district and Costa Mesa will recognize

the need to help the children and young people, as well as seniors on

fixed incomes, have access to participate and see productions by members

of their own communities at a reasonable cost.

Please preserve the Costa Mesa Civic Playhouse.

* YVONNE HOUSSELS is a Corona del Mar resident.