Milwaukee Chamber Theatre Could Lose Home at Broadway Theatre Center; Issues Statement

While recent press announcements have disclosed that the Skylight Music Theatre is considering the sale of the Broadway Theatre Center, Milwaukee Chamber Theatre's home for 23 years, MCT will remaIn Focused for the 2016-17 season on achieving its mission of producing intimate and accessible theatrical works that highlight local talent.

Milwaukee Chamber Theatre, now in its 42nd season, has been experiencing substantial growth in recent years. Both managing director Kirsten Mulvey and producing artistic director C. Michael Wright say they share a sense of optimism for the company's future. It is their goal and that of the MCT board of directors to ensure Milwaukee Chamber Theatre is able to continue that growth, while proactively exploring opportunities to either secure new performance and office space or retain their current location after this season.

Several months ago, MCT and other residents of the Broadway Theatre Center were made aware that selling the BTC to a developer was one option being considered by the Skylight's board of directors to eliminate a large portion of the company's debt. The staff and MCT board have since received no information about potential scenarios or timelines, other than that no decision has been made by either Skylight or any developers about the BTC at this time.

"We are naturally concerned and upset about the potential for losing our home at the Broadway Theatre Center," said managing director Kirsten Mulvey. "We are also concerned for our friends and colleagues at Skylight Music Theatre. It is a spirit of collegiality, shared love of play and commitment to artistic excellence that makes this place so special."

Milwaukee Chamber Theatre was part of the original capital campaign that built the Broadway Theatre Center, and has shared its artistic home with Skylight since 1993. MCT produces five mainstage shows annually at the BTC, and contracts Skylight to build the sets for its productions.

At the time when the company signed its lease with Skylight, in September 1992, Milwaukee Chamber Theatre was provided a 50-year term of office space, along with the opportunity to renew its lease for the Cabot and Studio Theatres every five years. MCT's lease is currently secured through the end of June 2017, ensuring the company will be able to complete its 2016-17 series. That season will begin with VANYA AND SONIA AND MASHA AND SPIKE, previewing August 11 and opening August 12 in the Cabot Theatre.

Founded in 1975, Milwaukee Chamber Theatre (MCT) produces intimate and accessible theatrical works that engage and challenge the audience, while employing and nurturing principally local theatre artists. Under the leadership of Producing Artistic Director C. Michael Wright and Managing Director Kirsten Mulvey, Milwaukee Chamber Theatre performs at the Broadway Theatre Center in Milwaukee's Historic Third Ward.

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