Interview: Andy Berkovsky and the City Theatre Company

We continue our look at Austin theatre companies and producers with Andy Berkovsky and The City Theatre Company. In their ten year history, they have been recognized by the Austin Critics Table Awards, the B. Iden Payne Awards, the Central Texas Excellence in Theatre Awards, Central Texas Live Theatre, and twice have been named "Best Theatre Company" by Austin American-Statesman's Austin 360. Most recently, Artistic Director Berkovsky was honored as 2015 Best Director by the Central Texas Excellence in Live Theatre Awards. The company is a nonprofit arts organization and is sponsored in part by the Austin Creative Alliance and the Austin Cultural Arts Division.

We sat down with Andy to get a little more information about him and The City Theatre as they celebrate their 10th anniversary at the current location.

BWW: What is the history of The City Theatre?

AB: We started City Theatre in the fall of 2006. At the time, the company's goal was to fill a niche in what seemed to be a need and desire for commercial theatre in Austin that was accessible and affordable. It was the right time, at the right place, as a few months later the Mueller development was created just north of the theatre revitalizing the north east Austin community.

BWW: What is your mission?

AB: As one of Austin longest running intimate performing arts venues, City Theatre was established for local directors, designers and performers who have one goal: the continued excellence in live theatre and stage entertainment and the desire to bring that quality, commitment, and service to the central Texas community.

BWW: What is your background in theatre?

AB: I received my BFA in Drama from Sam Houston State University. I also taught fourteen years of theatre and speech and was the fine arts department head at the secondary level before opening City Theatre in 2006.

BWW: Is this the first venue you have run?

AB: Yes.

BWW: What is your goal with City Theatre?

AB: First and foremost, quality theatre performances at an affordable cost. Each year, I hope to showcase in our season, a broad spectrum of theatre productions that can be accessible for everyone. In summer 2015, a goal was set to begin weekend performance and acting classes for those interested in theatre and acting.

BWW: Are you a producing entity as well as a venue?

AB: Yes, The City Theatre Company is in residence at The City Theatre.

BWW: How many companies have produced their shows here?

AB: Over the years, ten to fifteen companies have produced shows at the City Theatre including Penfold Theatre, Different Stages, Shrewd Productions, Frogdog Productions, Crank Collective, and Oh Dragon Theatre Company.

BWW: What challenges have you encountered bringing a theatre to life?

AB: It's always costs. The money needed to keep a theatre going is always a major challenge. We are grateful to fundraising events like Amplify Austin to help keep our doors open and shows on our stage.

BWW: Where do you see City Theatre in 10 years?

AB: It would be exciting to branch out and open up more venues in Austin and Texas. I think with the variety of entertainment City Theatre offers, we could do it.

BWW: Is there anything else you'd like to tell the readers of Broadway World Austin?

AB: Put a little theatre in your life!

If you haven't checked out The City Theatre yet, there are some great chances with the rest of their current season:

BUS STOP by William Inge - now thru April 3

ARDEN OF FAVERSHAM (Austin premiere) by Anonymous - April 29 - May 22

PAGENT: The Musical - May 27 - June 19

A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM by William Shakespeare - June 24 - July 17

THE GLASS MENAGERIE by Tennessee Williams - July 22 - August 14

LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS by Howard Ashman and Alan Menken - August 19 - September 11

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