Twenty years of Stagemad: What's next for the Waterford theatre company?
James Power, Founder of Stagemad
A shining light of the local arts scene, Stagemad Theatre Company is celebrating two decades of theatrical productions in Waterford.
The company was founded by James Power at a time when independent arts organisations were frequently coming and going across the country.
Stagemad however has stood the test of time, becoming a staple of artistic passion locally, nationally and internationally.
Stagemad’s twentieth birthday will be marked next month with a celebratory production of ‘A Streetcar Named Desire’.
Company founder and artistic director James Power says however, that there are concerns regarding the future of the company.
Throughout the years, Stagemad has carved out a massive body of work, mounting an impressive résumé of forty new plays.
It has not been an easy road, James said.
“Operating on extreme shoestring budgets, we owe a profound debt of gratitude to everyone who has supported us. Small theatre companies find it very difficult to compete with big budget companies for audiences, funding, and media attention," he said.
“We’ve only succeeded thanks to tough, devoted people, the actors who performed for a pittance, the designers who sourced materials creatively, the volunteers who manned the doors, who have helped us in any way they could."
Mr. Power also extended thanks to the wider theatrical family of Waterford and Waterford City & County Council for their years of support.
"Costs are rising and rising and national funding is inequitable," he said.
"The gap between the large, established institutions and grass roots companies like ours is widening.
"I sincerely hope this is not our very last production, but our future is bleak.”
James concluded with a forward-looking, personal aspiration that is vital to his home town of Tramore; the establishment of a community theatre for the town.
"As a Tramore native, I look forward to the day when my home town has its very own theatre," he said.
"This vision for a dedicated cultural space in a thriving town like Tramore represents perhaps the next chapter of Stagemad?"
James also made a impassioned plea to the people of Waterford, urging them to support the future of the company.
"If there is anyone out there who would like to support us to continue as a theatre company please contact us at stagemadtheatrecompany1@gmail.com"
'A Streetcar Named Desire' runs at Garter Lane Arts Centre from November 11 to 15, at 8pm.
Tickets available at garterlane.ie
