ACTC theater's future remains on hold

ASHLAND -- While there currently are no stage productions scheduled at Ashland Community and Technical College, there will be other plays and stage productions at the J.B. Sowards theater, college president Greg Adkins said Friday.

Adkins canceled the production of "Sweeney Todd" earlier this month after several people received minor injuries when a theater set collapsed while cast members posed for a photograph after a rehearsal. Several people were treated at King's Daughters Medical Center and released, and two more sought medical attention later for bumps and bruises.

Zach Davis, a Huntington resident attending the college, said in a letter to the editor of The Herald-Dispatch that he's concerned about future theatrical productions at the college.

"Ashland Community and Technical College is now in full session," Davis wrote. "However, the theatre students have nothing to look forward to. In fact, the faculty and students who attend the theatrical productions have only an empty stage to watch.

"I decided to go to ACTC because of what the theater has to offer," he said. "If the theater can't produce shows, then what's the purpose of continuing my education at ACTC? I'm not saying that the school has officially canceled all productions. I am just saying the future of the theater season is unknown."

Adkins said he told students there will be future stage productions and plays.

"It's not a matter of whether, it's a matter of when," Adkins said.

Because of the collapse of the set, school officials have to bring safety issues under review, he said. "I had to make a decision in favor of safety" in canceling the earlier performance, he said. "It was a decision I didn't take lightly."

There might not be any further plays until the wooden stage floor is sanded and refinished, Adkins said. The college spent about $60,000 to redo the stage floor last year. Adkins said it needs to be done again. No bids have been secured to do the work, and no timetable has been set for the repairs, Adkins said.

The college has $650,000 less from the state this year due to budget cuts, Adkins said. Despite that, the theater has a $36,000 budget, he said.

There also is no timetable for future stage productions and plays, he said.

Davis said college theater is the only outlet for some students to be on stage.

"This theater teaches people not only acting skills but life skills," he said. "It helps them to be better public speakers, seamstresses, contractors, singers, dancers, artists and so much more. The theater has become a safe haven for many, and now that security has been threatened."

"Like the old saying says: 'The show must go on.' So allow it," Davis said.