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.
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