City supervisors to decide on nonprofit discount for theater use

Local nonprofit organizations that provide the community with an array of plays, concerts and other performances might end up paying higher rental fees for use of the Carson City Community Center Theater.

Supervisors today will decide whether to re-enact a 25 percent discount for these groups to rent the facility.

If this doesn't continue "we'll have to raise ticket prices," said Stephanie Arrigotti, art director and producer for the Western Nevada Musical Theatre Company. Their first production of the season, "Brigadoon," is scheduled to play there in November.

A short-term rental break was provided starting in 2005 to local nonprofits, and the discount was continued during the first part of this year.

The Bob Boldrick Theater housed in the community center isn't used much during the summer, and city employees would like to see the situation resolved before activities begin again.

Rental fees for use of the theater must cover the city's operation costs, according to rules approved in 1995 by the supervisors.

The Parks and Recreation Department also seeks $13,800 to make up for the loss that will result from the discount this year.

"It will have an impact on us," said Elinor Bugli, president of the Carson City Symphony Association, if they lose out on the reduction.

Money this season would have to come from elsewhere in the association's budget to pay the additional rental cost because prices for this year's program have been set and the tickets printed, she said.

Cost to use the theater varies depending on a group's needs, but the flat rate is $327 an hour for performances, $33 an hour for rehearsals and, for one technician, $21 an hour. The 25 percent discount would come from this portion of the bill. Other costs, such as insurance, aren't reduced.

Along with the symphony and theater company, other groups that might be affected by a theater rental increase include the Carson Tahoe Regional Healthcare Auxiliary, which hosts the popular annual Cowboy Jubilee and Poetry show, and a variety of performances hosted by Dance Spirit Performing Arts and Pinkerton Dance Academy.

"We want to ensure residents continue to have the opportunity to see these types of events," said Roger Moellendorf, the city's parks and recreation director.

The discount helps the groups afford to continue providing these shows, he said.

• Contact reporter Terri Harber at tharber @nevadaappeal.com or 882-2111, ext. 215.

If you go

WHAT: Carson City Board of Supervisors meeting

WHEN: 8:30 a.m. today

WHERE:

Sierra Room, Carson City Community Center, 851 E. William St.