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In the midst of a financial crisis, the Penumbra Theater in St. Paul is suspending plays and laying off staff to survive.

Penumbra Theater's production of The Amen Corner

Artistic Director Lou Bellamy told MPR's Morning Edition that the decision to forgo any shows this fall was a painful one.

The theater company has laid off six staff members, including Associate Director Dominic Taylor who oversaw new play development. Bellamy says Penumbra is not alone in suffering financially, but its small size makes it vulnerable.

Bellamy says many people have reached out offering help when they heard the news.

Bellamy says the theater won't have any shows for the fall, but could put on a musical early next year if the theater hits its new fundraising goals. Bellamy says the theater needs to raise $340,000 by the end of December. But cutting shows also has a financial downside.

Bellamy said that the company's educational offerings will still be staged.

Arts and Culture

State of the Arts Blog

Marianne Combs

Author

In the midst of a financial crisis, the Penumbra Theater in St. Paul is suspending plays and laying off staff to survive.


Layoffs, steep cuts and a dark stage for Penumbra Theatre

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