Performing arts troupe plans to leave Arts Center

The curtain appears to be falling on Kitchen Sink Productions at the Clear Lake Arts Center.  However, local performers say they are ready to take their talents in a new direction.

Clear Lake Arts Center Executive Director Paula Hanus confirmed The Kitchen Sink drama group is spinning off from the Arts Center.  The Arts Center Board met Thursday and discussed the internal program.

All Kitchen Sink shows, previously scheduled at the Arts Center for the remainder of the year have been cancelled.

“This was a decision by Kitchen Sink to gain greater creative freedom and financial flexibility. Kitchen Sink is growing in both numbers of participants and shows and this gives them freedom to manage their own budget, fundraising and choice of venues when some shows could use a larger venue,” said Hanus.  “We see this as a positive sign of the vitality of the Clear Lakes arts community. The Arts Center will still put on drama shows like the recent summer production of The Importance of Being Earnest produced in partnership with Central Gardens.”

Laura Wilson, who has directed the group for the past 12 years, said she and more than 25 volunteers who have appeared in shows, plan to pursue a local community theater.

“We currently have no venue, but our enthusiasm is high and I believe we will have a stage,” she said.

Wilson submitted a Letter to the Editor concerning her departure from volunteer involvement in productions at the Arts Center which appears on page 4 in this edition of the Mirror-Reporter.

Jaclyn Garlock, who has been involved with the Cup O’ Joe productions at the Arts Center since its 2003 beginning, submitted her resignation from the Arts Center Board on Friday.  Garlock said her decision was not solely based on the decision to cut the performing arts program.  She declined to elaborate, but said she intends to remain involved with community theater in Clear Lake.

“We have felt for the last year or so that as the Kitchen Sink players were wanting to grow the theater program, we were becoming more of an obstacle to rental scheduling, than an asset, so it would be best to give the Arts Center the space it needs,” said Garlock.

According to the Clear Lake Arts Center website, last year, more than 120 Kitchen Sink volunteers donated close to 4,000 hours to produce two Cup O’ Joe Shows, two Nonsemble performances, an Olde Fashioned Radio Show - KOJO, a Halloween Show and two high school performances.

“We expect the unique production-style of Kitchen Sink featured in Cup O’ Joe productions to continue in Clear Lake under

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the long time Kitchen Sink creative team,” added Hanus.  “We wish them great success and look forward to serving them as one venue option, but not necessarily their only venue. Growth poses challenges and opportunities, we see opportunity for both Kitchen Sink and the Clear Lake Arts Center in the thriving North Iowa arts scene.”

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