The move, partly motivated by the recession, is expected to enhance efficiency. Although both groups balanced their budgets during the season that ended June 30, CATCO struggled through deficits half a decade ago. The merged troupe -- which will retain the CATCO name -- will broaden programming to all ages, tackle larger-cast productions and musicals, invest in additional community actors and beef up educational programs.
"We will offer theater and a home to all the Columbus community -- from children and middle-school students to adults and senior citizens," said Steven C. Anderson, Phoenix founder and artistic director. Anderson, 56, will become artistic director of the combined company, succeeding CATCO founder Geoffrey Nelson, 58, who has been offered an emeritus position.
During his three decades in Columbus theater, Anderson has led several troupes (including Actors' Theatre), spearheaded innovative collaborations with other arts groups, directed several acclaimed CATCO shows (The Taste of Sunrise and Love! Valour! Compassion!) and forged educational partnerships with Ohio social-service agencies. "Steven has a deep knowledge of both adult and children's theater, and a mastery of both realms will be key to running the combined organization," said CATCO managing director T.J. Gerckens, who'll keep that role. Bob Saik, president of the CATCO board of trustees, said Anderson's expertise as an innovative collaborator makes him the right artistic director to help the company weather the tough times.
The merger will bring Anderson and Phoenix almost full circle: Anderson founded Phoenix within weeks of the abrupt demise in 1993 of Players Theatre Columbus. He had long served as associate artistic director of Players -- then central Ohio's leading troupe -- and directed its youth troupe, Players Youth Theatre. Nelson, who was caught off-guard by the leadership decision, praised Anderson. "Steven is very talented," he said. "The work he did for us was exemplary, and his leadership -- saving the Phoenix out of the ashes of Players -- was a real accomplishment."
Nelson said he needs time to think about the emeritus offer, which he received three days ago. "All this is very fast. I've got mixed feelings." Regardless, Nelson said, he hopes the merger helps CATCO thrive. "There are a lot of dedicated and talented people who have been involved with the theater for two decades, and I'd love to see their efforts continue."
The notion of a merger, first raised informally last year, became more focused as the economy continued to weaken, leading to a June meeting of the two boards. The leadership of the combined company, however, didn't become a central issue until late summer, several sources said. "It was a very difficult decision," Saik said. "Whenever an organization like CATCO goes through this situation, it's heart-wrenching for everyone involved." Anderson said he hopes Nelson will continue in the emeritus role and participate as a frequent actor, director and writer. I have a great respect for what Geoff has been able to do," he said. "It's daunting."
CATCO, with seven full-time staff members, operates on a $1 million budget; Phoenix, with three full-timers, has a $600,000 budget. The merged staffs will operate on a 2010-11 budget of about $1.4 million, Gerckens said. "Our companies speak to different audiences, but we share artistic similarities," he said. "This is the path that gives CATCO the greatest opportunity to grow in breadth and depth." Doug Kridler, president and chief executive officer of the grants-awarding Columbus Foundation, hailed the merger as an example of the cooperation that nonprofit arts and cultural groups need to thrive amid the current economic challenges. "When the survival of arts groups in our community is at stake, then business efficiencies have to be achieved to protect and support the community's artistic voices," Kridler said. "This shows once again that the arts can be resilient and very smart when it comes to facing the realities and opportunities of the times."
During the transition, the two boards will continue to work on the logistics of the merger, including board leadership and size, and develop plans for expanded educational outreach and productions. After the merger, the organization will continue to receive administrative support from the Columbus Association for the Performing Arts. CAPA has provided back-office services to CATCO for seven years and to Phoenix for five years. Performances will be presented in the Riffe Center's Studio theaters, but CATCO will retain its office space in the center, 77 S. High St., and Phoenix at the Columbus Performing Arts Center, 549 Franklin Ave.
The merger will help CATCO mirror other leading regional theaters, which typically benefit from the synergies of both adult and family shows.Said Anderson: "We knew we needed to find more sustainable ways to work to ensure the future of professional theater in this community."
mgrossberg@dispatch.com
