End-of-2020 Reflections from REP Artistic Leaders
We asked REP Artistic Leaders two simple questions - what is a challenge you are proud The REP was able to overcome in 2020, and what is one thing that excites you about the future. Here are some of their responses. May they inspire us all to take a moment to celebrate the victories of a challenging year, no matter how small, and keep hope and vision alive for the future!
Looking Back...
"We were so nimble with our online transition. I am so deeply proud at how quickly we were able to shift our in-person Latinx New Play Festival into an online festival and how we maintained the sense of community despite our physical isolation. We created a space for over 70 Latinx artists to convene and create art. We transcended our geographic limitations and forged new connections with Latinx artists across the US."
Looking Ahead...
"I am so excited to see us implement our new strategic plan. Our goals are far reaching and substantive and I cannot wait to see the ways in which our work will bring them to manifest."
Dr. Maria Patrice Amon, Associate Artistic Director and Latinx Projects Producer
Looking Back...
"When faced with no possibility to meet our primary purpose - to share stories live in the theatre with an audience - we created and shared a robust lineup of online work: salons, play readings, interviews with artists, favorite monologues by actors we love - AND we made two films!"
Looking Ahead...
"Our plan to make a film of Cris Fanco's story '57 Chevy' - starring the wonderfully creative and delightful actor Ricardo Salinas of Culture Clash."
Sam Woodhouse, Artistic Director
Looking Back...
"I’m so proud that in the face of the pandemic and the obstacles to both creating work and bringing in live audiences that the REP has continued to find profound, fun, moving, and meaningful ways of continuing to engage our audience through the creation of new work. We didn’t fold the tents and wait till this passes, we recognized that the theatre we make is unique and important, and continued to find new ways of creating it!"Looking Ahead...
"We will come out of the pandemic even more committed to engaging, representing and collaborating with the diverse communities of region."Todd Salovey, Associate Artistic Director
Looking Back...
"This health crisis has created an even larger budgetary challenge than the typical year for arts organizations. I am proud that San Diego REP is still open, still creating theatre, and connecting with the community during this time of isolation."
Looking Ahead...
"The renewed call to action and demands for accountability from Black, Indigenous, and People of Color has sparked a deeper exploration about how we need to change in order to really live up to the mission of San Diego REP and truly make our organization equitable, diverse, and inclusive. I am excited to see how the EDI focused strategic plan we have created will impact every aspect of who we are and what we do. It is inspiring to be involved in such an important evolution."
Danielle Ward, Associate Artistic Director and Literary Manager
Did you know that no live theatre has resulted in an 80% drop in REP ticket revenue this year, amounting to almost 50% of our total income? More than ever, gifts from those who believe in the power of theatre are essential to our survival. To give, Click HERE.
