“All the world’s a stage, and all the men and women in it merely players,” is a phrase that has lasted the trials of time again and again. In As You Like It, Shakespeare explains that life is like a play, with each person fulfilling different roles through their struggles and triumphs. In today’s world, however, one of the most needed roles in their communities has been shockingly absent. Fewer people are choosing to support the arts, despite an opposite trend just a few years ago.
A recent Forbes article found that “Sixty-one percent of theaters reported a negative change [in unrestricted assets], an indicator of weak financial health for these theaters”, citing rising costs and the end of pandemic funding. Conversely, a 2023 Playbill article explains that the artistic field is production-driven, not demand-driven. Robert Lyons stated “as long as there’s artists who feel the need to make work for an audience, the theatre will survive.” While individuals remain optimistic, there’s no denying that the issue needs to be looked at with a closer eye, especially in regional theaters and productions.
The topic is familiar to Woodford County families who know and love Woodford Theatre. Established in 1988, it produced 134 mainstage shows with the goal of “working to create a theatrical experience that inspires and educates the Bluegrass.” After facing a temporary pandemic shutdown, it’s dealing with the same struggles seen on the national level.
Erin Tuttle, Woodford Theatre’s Director of Educational Programming, explained this in an interview with the Jacket Journal. As the Education leader, Tuttle coordinates the Woodford Theatre Young Artists (WTYA), Summer Academy camps, and musical theater classes, and collaborates with educators in the region. She reflected, “I’ve seen struggles with profit in some areas…I have friends in education, in public school theater, in other community theaters, and it has been something that pretty much everyone has been talking about.” An article by Harvard Ed. supports Tuttle’s claim, highlighting that financial uncertainty and political tension tend to place arts education on the “chopping block”.
Still, in times of strain, theater remains a powerful place for community connection. Tuttle reminds, “Actors tell their own stories through their characters. And so it really kind of intertwines with what is going on in the community and it’s very supportive for the people who live and work here.”
Some county members feel the same, with Woodford Theater having almost 14,000 sponsors during its 2024-2025 season. This number is impressive, but in a theater, donations cannot be stored until they’re needed in an emergency. Funds are immediately used to sponsor the next production, pay the next group of employees, and keep the lights on for another weekend of stunning productions. For 37 seasons, our county has met this need, with supporters giving generously to keep the stage alive.
With national pressures on smaller theaters, it’s urged that we continue to keep the arts alive locally. The WTYA program, with 33 students, shows the theater directly investing in our families. Preserving these historic bonds between Woodford Theatre and county members requires supporting the artists by volunteering, donating, and sponsoring.
Art imitates life, and allows us to hear and feel the experiences of others. Tuttle concluded with “[Supporters] help with everything, from costumes to sets to paying the teaching artists to educational outreaches that we do. The lights, everything you see in a show, I don’t think we would be able to do without the generous support of individuals and business sponsors. They really keep this place alive, and Woodford County is great about that.”
As Duke Senior reflects in As You Like It, “This wide and universal theatre presents more woeful pageants than the scene wherein we play in.” Theater is a rare place to find rest from those woeful scenes. This holiday season, support your local theater by donating or going to see a show. Local theater is dependent on its community and the only way to ensure its continuation is to help bolster it in our counties, regions, and state.
If you’re interested in donating to Woodford Theatre, please consider visiting their website and looking at their annual and education funds. Additionally, their current mainstage show is Annie, with the title character played by none other than WCHS’s very own Bella Floyd. Consider buying a ticket and spending a night at the theater to support future productions and developments! If you, your business, or anyone else is interested in becoming a sponsor for the 2026-2027 season, consider reaching out to the Director of Development and Outreach at @[email protected].
