Postscript

As can be seen, Wayside had a glorious fifty-year existence producing live theatre in the Shenandoah Valley.  It has been an honor to delve into Wayside’s past and attempt to recount and document its colorful history.  Despite all the time and effort, there are areas that have been treated lightly or omitted entirely, but it is hoped that this overview has been presented in an even-handed manner.

As one reads, there were two constants. One was the goal to produce live theatre at a high level of excellence.  This has ranged from appearances by New York and DC professionals to a mixture of guest artists and local professionals.  The other constant was the never-ending financial battle to keep the theatre open.  This continuous struggle was seen in the Wayside’s near closure in 1980 that resulted in the three-play season; in the constant quest for season subscribers; in the emergency fund campaigns when unexpected deficits surfaced; in the dependence on grants to fund various programs; and in the un-ending drive to sell tickets to fill the seats.  The latter became especially significant with the adoption of the full-year schedule in 2003.

In 1972, Slavet circulated a letter that stated the Theatre was now “casting for a group of friends who cared enough to see the only full time professional cultural organization in the Shenandoah Valley survive.” His plea continues, “We cannot continue to present quality theatre in an absurd economic situation” and he gave some examples of the Theatre’s low salaries and small budget to build sets and costumes. (Slavet. Letter). 

The 1980 crisis was creatively solved with the three-play season. Had that season not been successful, Wayside would have closed its doors several years earlier than 2013.

A page in the 1986 Playbill refers to the work of the Board in addressing the enormous deficit from seven years earlier, and encouraged audiences to continue their support through their attendance and contributions.  And, in the 1989 playbill, there is a page where the Board expands its request for support for volunteer as carpenters, painters, or electricians in order to keep tickets at affordable prices. 

The year 2009 was especially critical for the Theatre due to a decline in revenue that was combined with the Theatre’s high debt.  Either this was ignored or it was assumed that business could continue as usual despite this financial burden.  Not recognizing this could be blamed on the Board’s lack of interest or their lack of knowledge of the situation.  It could also be attributed to Theatre not having a Business Manager on staff, along with not having a solid business plan that would guide the Theatre’s daily operation.  It even could be attributed to low attendance due to the season’s offerings, or to a variety of other reasons. 

What can be stated with assurance is that, while finances plagued the Theatre through much of its history, Wayside’s ultimate demise was due to its large debt that caused the closing of the “jewel in the Shenandoah Valley.”