Being on the city council is never easy, but sometimes the unintended twists and turns of even the simplest, most straight-forward ideas are enough to make council members wonder: “How did we get into this?”
Several months ago, the Federal Way City Council, both in an effort to save money and to gain expertise, decided City Hall should relinquish management control of the Knutzen Family Theatre and requested proposals. As council members quickly discovered, it isn’t one big happy family in the world of performing arts. This surprising fissure was exposed over the past several weeks as Tacoma Musical Playhouse (TMP) and Centerstage Theatre of Federal Way competed to win the management contract.
City arts staff, along with professional staff from other jurisdictions, graded the proposals and found TMP to be the preferred alternative. The process took on political overtones as well-known Federal Way residents chose sides. One council member commented, somewhere along the way, “we ended up with warring camps.” Two groups with one goal: TMP with a seemingly stronger proposal, better finance history and more resources but from outside the community; and Centerstage with some financial controversy, but also with a long history of successful performances, significant local connections and a passionate group of volunteers. It’s that “passion” that became part of the debate.
Attendees may enjoy a performance and the contribution Centerstage brings to the tapestry of a community’s fabric, but it’s the participants and supporters who “feel” the pulse of the words or music and who truly “live” their involvement in a way others can’t.
According to supporters of Centerstage, director Alan Bryce provides the magical touch that creates the environment for those involved to succeed. But others say the same commitment he brings to performances can also create an environment of difficulty that invites second-guessing of the organization’s management.
As council members noted, Centerstage’s viability without city support is questionable. They are already almost $25,000 in arrears on rental payments to city government, and without winning the Knutzen management contract, Centerstage could find themselves out of business.
Both TMP and Centerstage provided council members and city staff a steady stream of e-mails and letters that sought to distinguish one group’s advantages over the other. Some council members just wanted the city to “get out of the business” and were taken back by the turmoil that was created. Other council members seemed to lean toward Centerstage because of their local history and local connections. But even some of those preferring Centerstage were troubled by their debt and the differing views surrounding Bryce.
In the end, TMP withdrew its proposal even though two council members stated that a comparison of proposals favored their selection as the staff committee had suggested. One council member commented that the council should not vote for Centerstage just because “they’re the last man standing.” But left with no alternative, that’s exactly what they did. Since the council is divided in its view of Centerstage, and some are very concerned about Centerstage’s ability to succeed, the next battle may be over the criteria contained in the contract.
Stay tuned.
