Tuesday, July 21, 2009

dillner "prepared for such a scenario"

eric dillner sent this email to the skylight board of directors and the board of advocates this morning. (interesting that dillner's list includes only nine artists, when tuesdays is aware of 11.)
Good morning Skylight Board of Directors and Board of Advocates,

Since Bill’s resignation yesterday, we have heard from eight other artists who do not wish to participate in the upcoming season. Some weeks ago, as we were awaiting Bill’s decision, I contemplated the course of action should he not agree to direct this season. I had also thought through the possibility of some artists following his lead and prepared for such a scenario.

Last night, I contacted several extraordinarily talented artists to carry on Skylight’s historically exceptional productions and will continue to do so as needed. As we have learned, word travels fast. This morning we are receiving phone calls from artists (and their agents) interested in taking part in our productions. Noel is setting up auditions at the Skylight for the numerous local artists who have contacted us asking for the opportunity to audition for future productions.

Thank you all for your calls and emails of support. The Skylight Staff has a great deal to do over the coming weeks. They too welcome your support and all of your continued efforts.

Eric
posted at

16 comments:

  1. UnknownJuly 21, 2009 at 12:02 PM

    What a joke. If I wasn't so sad, I'd be laughing.

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  2. Chris K.July 21, 2009 at 12:02 PM

    Who indeed! Seems like Dillner is pretty cavalier about this whole situation. I would be very surprised if things were going to go along as smoothly as he is trying to make it sound.

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  3. Jon StewartJuly 21, 2009 at 12:05 PM

    Really? They haven't been prepared for anything else.

    He's really delusional. Seriously. As is the board if they buy any of this...

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  4. operaliciaJuly 21, 2009 at 12:13 PM

    So, is he prepared, or was he gunning for our jobs all along?

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  5. AnonymousJuly 21, 2009 at 12:19 PM

    Even if Eric can recast and staff the shows, he and the board have missed the whole point.
    Certianly attendance will be down as these shows have all changed (vision,cast, talent) and the 50th will not possibly be the big hit it could have been. Also how effective we he be at fund raising when the community here has litte support for him?

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  6. jeff ircinkJuly 21, 2009 at 12:26 PM

    cavalier. delusional. exactly.

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  7. AnonymousJuly 21, 2009 at 12:29 PM

    Where's the concern for the reputation of the Skylight? Where's the admission that something should be done to stem the bleeding?

    I do not know Eric, but he sounds like a man so wrapped up in his pride that he cannot consider the possibility that he may be wrong about anything.

    Pride goeth before the fall indeed....

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  8. Richard CarseyJuly 21, 2009 at 12:40 PM

    There is no concern for Skylight's reputation, Eric is concerned about his own. He's counting on none of us being irreplaceable. The fact remains that it is possible to find people to sing the roles, conduct the shows and direct them, even under this time crunch. It won't be us, it won't be the same, it may not even be any good, but someone is likely to do it. It's all in the hands of the board now. If they decide that the performers are a real stakeholder and are necessary to the health of the organization, they may make a change. If they decide that the company will work just as well with others, they won't. That's a little simplistic, but that seems to be the thinking.

    Continuous outrcy may help change the course of events. That's all we've got left to us, so shout out, folks!

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  9. Tamara MartinsekJuly 21, 2009 at 12:53 PM

    Shouting out...As Richard said they may be able to "replace" the artists, the directors, the artisans - but at what cost and at what level and will the product be worth the current ticket prices in the minds of the ticket buyers- but they CANNOTat this point replace the integrity and the spirit of Skylight - they can also not replace the lack of faith that currently exists in several major donors minds - in an economy where money is tight, donations are down and basic needs must come first - smart donors will not invest in a sinking ship.

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  10. rstarkeyJuly 21, 2009 at 1:24 PM

    A short commercial break. The artists now gone are great box office. People buy tickets to see their work. Thay have many, many fans, particularly among the all-important subsctiber base. Good luck marketing a season full of unknowns, Kristen.

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  11. Jon StewartJuly 21, 2009 at 1:38 PM

    I felt the need to notify Johnson Bank about the collapse of the cabaret season. I had a feeling they weren't made aware of what's been going on. An email has been sent.

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  12. ReneeJuly 21, 2009 at 1:52 PM

    This comment has been removed by the author.

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  13. ReneeJuly 21, 2009 at 2:02 PM

    Dillner's body count doesn't include Jon & Bryce's "dismissal" from the season.

    Someone will step in, people will show up.
    The question is how to keep the momentum going into the fall, while all former incredibly talented SOT artists move on with their professions?

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  14. AnonymousJuly 21, 2009 at 3:08 PM

    Prepared...or planned.

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  15. AnonymousJuly 21, 2009 at 4:06 PM

    Those of us that are in town during the shows should show up and picket a peaceful demostration.

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  16. MelpomeneJuly 21, 2009 at 4:15 PM

    Dillner fiddles as Skylight burns.

    ReplyDelete

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