These all sound like positive things--especially to someone like me. I have been involved in the theater industry in one way or another for the past 27 years. I would love to see a downtown that thrives here in our community. These lines of bringing businesses downtown sound remarkable. Much like what was hoped and thought and discussed during the Craterian renovation. The cornerstone of downtown -- right? Since 1997 the Craterian has brought in art and entertainment to the Valley that one would have to travel hours away to experience. Season after season, the Craterian entertains and enriches its' audiences. Does the community even understand what they have in the Craterian Theater? Do they understand how technically amazing the facility is? Do they understand the level of passion that continues to pour into the building on a daily basis? I would say that the theater has a solid core group of people that understand these values. There are community leaders that support and would do anything to see the Craterian survive. But, as a whole, the support is down, the attendance is down. During these tough economic times everyone is tightening the belt one more notch.
"We want to plant our flag and make this community as successful as it can be," says Kramer. Kramer said an authentically restored historic theater could invigorate another section of downtown Medford." Don't we all want this? Shouldn't we 'invigorate' one portion of downtown first? It is interesting in a time when the staff of the Craterian continues to work on a reduced salary and when funding and ticket sales of the lone performing arts theater downtown are down, that this is the time to ask the community to support an empty condemned building. This should be the time for community support to bolster the arts community that it has! This is the time to continue to make sure that downtown doesn't lose the jewel of the community! This is the time to understand and appreciate what a beautiful and amazing venue already exists in downtown!
Don't buy into the empire building of JPR. Support the theater that has brought you to laughter, to tears- support the theater that enriches and entertains. If not, perhaps in five years yet another building with a for lease sign can be sitting vacant at 23 S. Central Ave.
