Richmond’s Henley Street Theatre and the Richmond Shakespeare are excited to announce a merger that will bring the two renowned theatre production companies under one roof for a year-round romp of Shakespearean merriment. The two companies decided to make the move after two years of talk, beginning with their 2010-2011 co-production of The Winter’s Tale at Center Stage.
Richmond’s Henley Street Theatre and the Richmond Shakespeare are excited to announce a merger that will bring the two renowned theatre production companies under one roof for a year-round romp of Shakespearean merriment. The two companies decided to make the move after two years of talk, beginning with their 2010-2011 co-production of The Winter’s Tale at Center Stage.
Henley Street Theatre’s managing director, Jacqueline O’Connor, explained that with the recent departure of their artistic director, James Ricks, HST was looking for someone to fill the spot. With Richmond Shakespeare’s addition of artistic director Jan Powell, O’Connor explains that the merger happened at just the right time. “We were in the same unique situation where they had an artistic director who was wonderful, and Henley Street had a managing director, me, so it just seemed like the right time to approach each other.”
Along with fortunate timing, there has also been positive encouragement from patrons and donors. “We got a lot of support from the community saying ‘you should keep considering that!’,” said O’Connor. She also explained that due to the economy, the merger made more sense. “In these economic times it’s very difficult [for] two Shakespearean based companies to survive and not be pulling from the same patron base and donor base,” she added.
Henley Street Theatre, who typically devotes two of their five productions a year to plays by Shakespeare, says that they are pleased to have more Shakespeare on board. O’Connor also mentioned that the educational opportunities that the merger creates are unique in the city. She notes that Henley Street provides educational opportunities through internships and drama programs, and that “Richmond Shakespeare has a wonderful education program, specifically in Shakespearian studies for students… so putting our programs together, I think, is going to be a wonderful opportunity for the Richmond area to have one place to go for students who are interested in studying the classics.”
The merger looks to be a profitable and successful venture for both companies, and seems well supported by the community. Of their future plans, O’Connor says that in the next two years, the public will probably see the companies as one. “Technically, Henley Street Theatre is taking over the management of Richmond Shakespeare, and we will be merging together as one entity, but for now we will keep our separate names. In the end we might come together under a new operating name, or one name.”
Richmond Shakespeare’s Board President Brendan Williamson was optimistic about the partnership in a press release sent out yesterday. “Our missions were already in sync, and now our needs were too. Jacquie O’Connor’s management acumen and Jan Powell’s artistic leadership are complementary.”
To celebrate the unification of the businesses, they will be holding the “Bootleg Ball,” an homage to Henley Street’s Bootleg Shakespeare series, on Saturday, May 11. The ball will also act as a sendoff party for Henley Street’s James Ricks. As some people say farewell, others say hello to a new year-round dose of theatre, Shakespeare, and the classics.
By Brian Charlton/originally appeared at gayrva.com
