Beck Center movement: NOT a rumor!

[Phil Florian]

What is the Beck? I think what we are seeing is the evolutionary growth from what was once The Lakewood Little Theater to the Beck Center Regional Theater and right now it is caught in the larval stage of this greater vision. It certainly isn't a traditional community theater in that it balances its audience pleasing shows like "Beauty and the Beast" and "Full Monty" with more edgy shows like "T.I.D.Y." and "Top Dog/Underdog." It certainly isn't a traditional community theater in that it pays many of its lead actors a weekly salary (Equity union actors, no less) and even as a supporting role a few years ago I picked up a stipend as did all the other actors. When I first stepped back stage at the Beck in the 80's as a young stagehand I somehow doubt that was the case.

It is certainly different from other community theaters because it really boasts a "Community" model better than most. It mates multiple performace spaces with a large art gallery (not just the big one on the East end of the building but the rotating one in the main lobby), a huge selection of classes for students of all ages in dance, music, acting, art, etc. They host their own season along with more community-involved performances like "The Show." It is a unique set up that really can't be found anywhere else in the city.

But I think it still morphing. How long before the enthusiastic amateur who at one time could hope to get in a larger show as a chorus member will suddenly have to look elsewhere as more and more paid talent is brought in for those roles? While it is fun to see a mix of amateur and professional folks in a show it is less fun when you are paying ticket prices on par with other professional companies who employ ALL professional actors.

So my personal feelings are conflicted. I will miss having a theater that is continually growing in respect and audience in town. A feather in our cap, if you will. But I won't miss the high priced shows and expensive classes that, for the most part, can be found within the Lakewood recreation program. Maybe not to the same quality as the Beck classes but for my daughter's only mild interest right now, they do fine. I think if we can replicate some other way things that the Beck did well (great community space, variety of shows, opportunities for local amateur actors to do their thing, etc.) then we will be fine. If our city doesn't make up the missing arts then I would be quite sad.

Sorry to blather on. This has hit home in a lot of ways as it was always just an assumed asset to the city that got rocked with almost no notice and no hint.

[Jim O'Bryan]

What is the Beck?...

Phill

All great points, and things to ponder, while we look at this. But as I read over the Plain Dealer, and Mike Gill's article, which is just a small part of his full piece, I cannot help but think of other "Hollywood Moments."

There is a huge difference between working things out in offices, hatching plans to work together, and seeing you partner in life splashed across the front page of a tabloid with "Beck Center Swapping Spit With Crocker Park." One would seem to mean that both parties love and respect each other and seek a FAIR and EQUITABLE relationship they want to keep going, and build on. The other is nothing more than a slap in the face.

When Jennifer Aniston saw Brad making out with Angelina in the Enquirer, she knew there was little to salvage from that relationship.

Me personally, I would lock the doors, and start charging for parking, and raise rates on the armory. From this point on I would see all talks as a way to stall the inevitable, and these things just get uglier. Let's take the high road, let them have Crocker Park, after all we are getting two businesses from Crocker Park moving here to Lakewood in the next three months. This office has gotten calls from two others that are considering the move as soon as their leases are up. Reasons for their move "Lakewood is much more affordable, vibrant, and a real city with people living within walking distance."

I would have to advise the city, to not waste one more penny or minute on this. Unger is quoted as saying this move would take 2-5 years, and costs $20 million dollars." My answer would be, "Mr Unger how will you last 5 years with no parking, and no public help from Lakewood?"

Speaking for myself, I cannot see the Lakewood Observer continuing to GIVE the Beck $156,000.00 in FREE advertising over that time period. I cannot waste the time, effort and money of Lakewood businesses and volunteers on building equity for Crocker Park. That would be insane.

Let's get the community together and rebuild Lakewood Little Theater, our once grand community theater. You can also see where the Beck tone has shifted. Instead of providing great affordable local productions, and hands on experience for younger children, they now seem worried about, "Having a place for parents to shop" while the children attend high priced classes.

The Beck location is perfect for the next group to come in. In the heart of Lakewood's Entertainment District, surrounded by plenty of parking, bars, restaurants, and HOMES. Since this story first broke at the Lakewood Observer nearly six months ago, I have spoken with like minded people that believe we could keep this momentum going while never missing a beat, or a show date. Some believe that it would be even more viable as a FOR PROFIT entertainment group.

I mean how are you going to keep them down on the farm after they have seen a painted up Jezebel, with silicone breasts and collagen injected lips, with a little vial of blood around her neck? I am sure Jennifer Anniston wondered, then took the high road and moved on.

Beck Center good luck, keep up the fine productions, enjoy your new life and don't let the door hit you in the ass on the way out.

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[Joan Roberts]

I think Mr. Florian got it exactly right. When the Beck's mission changed from being a community institution to a second-tier regional promoter of professional entertainment, it would naturally follow that demographics, income, etc, would begin to play a more integral role.

If you are able to speak PR-ese, Mr. Unger's comments in the PD were reminiscent of those the minister made in explaining Lakewood UCC's move to Westlake. Basically, they both boiled down to "There are more people with more money out there. Next question?"

My gut tells me that the Beck Center should stay a performing arts venue, at least until it ultimately proves unviable as such. Facilities like that are rare, they're hard to build from scratch, and if the roof leaks, well, that can be fixed. Building a working stage is a little trickier.

Maybe the expectations get scaled back a bit, back to the future. Lakewood Little Theater. cooperative ventures with Cleveland Public Theater, Dobama, plus little things maybe no one has thought of yet.

For example, Apollo's Fire, the Cleveland baroque ensemble, plays its West Side concerts in a church.

I guess it just always seemed a little incongruous to me that a small facility in the suburbs was putting on "Miss Saigon," one of the most technically demanding shows of the last 20 years. If that's your mission, maybe a small venue jammed into a residential neighborhood isn't really what you need.

The key of course, is going to be working those angles and angels. I still have the sneaking suspicion there are revenue sources in Lakewood that aren't being tapped. That Y isn't being put up with bake sales.

Of course, these are all the ruminations of a total layperson with no inside knowledge. Maybe I'm wrong about all of it.

But Mr. O, remember that for as long as the Beck is here, their productions are part of Lakewood life. I hope you're not considering shunning them from the publication.[/i]

[Jim O'Bryan]

But Mr. O, remember that for as long as the Beck is here, their productions are part of Lakewood life. I hope you're not considering shunning them from the publication.[/i]

Joan

I will lobby the advisory board my damnedest to do just that. Luckily for everyone, it is not MY PAPER I have always viewed it as the city's paper. It was created to amplify Lakewood's artistic and intellectual capital. This is in our mission statement. Crocker Park appears no where in this mission statement.

They will always be welcomed as advertisers, at "Scale." They can always post on the board. We even created a special section for them they have never used.

As far as the time and trouble to rebuild, I beg to differ. Before becoming a mediocre broke publisher, I did bar and nightclub renovations. I would bet you (?) less than 6 months. On the Beck Footprint 1 month. I have been working on this a little longer than you, so maybe I see it differently.

To be honest I have put in writing to one council person who I talked with on this subject that I would be willing to take the project on myself. Heidi Hilty has the paper running incredibly smoothly, it would seem solid for the near term, I have been working on a couple LO productions anyway. I bet I could have a community show in under a month, a profit in 12 months, and it nationally known in two years or less.

The area is perfect for the proper form of entertainment that I would see as community plays, music, comedy. The stages are perfectly sized for a perfect fit with other venues in town, Civic over 3,000, Phanatsy 2,000, Winchester 800. It is in the heart of the Entertainment District, in a vibrant city with development ongoing.

This is a no brainer.

Joan, what can I say? I wear my heart on my sleeve.

----

Joan

A little test as you are now the publisher. Do you spend a full page or half page on a 16-24 page newspaper on a business we know is moving out of the city. Or do you give that to the business that has dedicated themselves to making it work in this city? Where a page might help them pay the rent and stay in business in Lakewood?


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[Joan Roberts]

I think you missed my point about the facility.

The Beck has an exisiitng theater. There aren't many places in Lakewood, to my knowledge, where that can be duplicated. Rather than make the Beck complex an office building, then try to amass the cash to renovate, say, the derelict Westwood, it just makes more sense to me to make keeping the Beck (or do we now start calling it the Lakewood Performing Arts Center?) what it is.

But the real reason for this second post is that I'm sure the Beck board has considered the cons as well as the pros of becoming a wholly-owned subsidiary of Stark Enterprises.

In any kind of performing arts endeavor, there is the obvious tension between creatives and money. What if Mrs. Stark prefers an annual production of "My Fair Lady" or "Grease" to "Urinetown" or "Full Monty"? What if the members of her church don't like all the cursing at those quirkier "little" shows.

Over the years, the Beck has established its lines and limits with Lakewood (ugh, alliteration). Those little unwritten contracts now have to be negotiated all over again.

(One side note: Remember that, as a media mogul, you're there for the readers. I'm certain you'll be talked out of your instinct by cooler heads. )

[Jim O'Bryan]

Joan

I would imagine you are right on all counts.

But as I am feeling a little used and abused right now, let me continue.

I know at least 6 places that could cover if needed. One comes online in two years, McKinley, which would be a perfect fit in a perfect location. The place already has two theaters of almost the exactly the same size as the Beck, A massive parking lot that could be shared with the rest of the entertainment district, provides a great lead in to the Sloan business district and The Cliffs. We might have gotten this news at the perfect time. I know one of the groups looking at McKinley could be activated in months.

With at least two groups looking to turn this into a "Arts Building" with gallery, theater, music and living space. Do we concentrate on building Crocker Park's equity, or Lakewood's?

I have to think at some point this applies to the city, the paper, and the residents and sponsors.

I mean it is only Art until $$$$$ get involved and then it is ART BUSINESS. At that point we have to apply good business sense.

It would be best to keep the Beck Buildings intact, if it is not possible, we have other spaces, and we as a community will once again get a chance to prove we are better than others. We are dedicated to schools, arts, development and great live-ability.



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[Phil Florian]

I think regardess of whether or not the Beck as an entity (not as a building) leaves Lakewood, the space it is in now needs to be either gutted and fixed up or replaced. Having worked in it and know others that do for a living, it is the hodge-podge that they claim it is and in need of some serious upgrading. This is regardless of whether or not you want to make a Regional theater or maintain a quality community theater. Someone (as Joan calls, "angels") needs to take that space under their wing and nurse it back to health, whatever that looks like. I don't fault Beck for thinking the same way but I do for their other justifications (as discussed above, the desire to change their model and mission).

I am not quite ready to throw the baby out with the bathwater as Jim is, though. I think his ideas for doing a new theater is grand but I think the reality of pulling together a show people want to pay for again and again is more difficult that his listed steps. (#1 Do a show in a month, #2 profit! ). Having worked in theater (and married to someone who still does work in theater) it is rarely that easy, though. Losing the Beck means losing a LOT of built-in mechanisms to get shows up and running. Starting that from scratch will be a tough road but a worthy one if taken up. I think envisioning a space, as Jim noted, that combines entertainments is going to be important. Places that offer easy access to shows, parking, food, booze, and so on will be a great way to make a destination spot in Lakewood. It would be nice to see a theater lead off more local events like the Arts Festival (why isn't the Current Beck one end of that street fair?? Is it??), more with the 4th of July parade (why can't we be HALF as creative as Parade the Circle??), and so on.

One voice I haven't heard from is the schools. Doesn't Lakewood City Schools have a relationship with The Beck?

[Jim O'Bryan]

I am not quite ready to throw the baby out with the bathwater as Jim is, though. I think his ideas for doing a new theater is grand but I think the reality of pulling together a show people want to pay for again and again is more difficult that his listed steps. (#1 Do a show in a month, #2 profit! ). Having worked in theater (and married to someone who still does work in theater) it is rarely that easy...

Phil

Did it twice in Cleveland and once in Lakewood. It is really not that hard, though you are right it will take some effort and hard work. but hard work has never killed anyone and generally leaves you stronger for the effort.

Of course if you do it as a non-profit it becomes nearly impossible.

I am not throwing out the bath water or the baby. My family, myself and The Lakewood Observer were solid supporters of the Lakewood Little Theater and the Beck. I just think that we now have a sensible direction to go, start again, from what is now a very solid base. In five years that base is not one iota more solid. If we start now, in 5 years we can develop real street credibility.

I believe you and I are on the same page.


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[dl meckes]

Producing a play is far different than hiring bands to play at a venue.

The two things are polar opposites unless you are talking about hosting national touring compaines, and that opens a case of new worms.

[John Farina]

Hello All - It is great to see such a lively discussion about the Beck Center. We really appreciate the support of so many in the community and want you to know more about what is happening.

No one should rush to any conclusions. It's unfortunate to see that some have already sent us packing without knowing the full story. There are many on the Beck board and staff who are committed to Lakewood. And there are those who would like to explore other options - including Crocker Park.

In the coming days you will continue to see more and more information about what is going on with the Beck.

Just for the record, no formal decisions have been made to do anything yet. Let me repeat that - no formal decision has been made to do anything. All we are doing is exploring what options are best for the future of our organization. Our three buildings operate very inefficiently and we need to do something. That includes discussion on staying put in a new building or possibly moving. There are pros and cons to both. Certainly the support we receive from the Lakewood community - or the support we may or may not receive from a new community - is a serious consideration.

As far as our financial situation goes, even though we aren't rolling in cash (what non-profit is?), we aren't in danger of closing our doors either. We're stable and will be around for the long haul. We own all of our property, including the Armory. Our shows are doing well, as is our educational programming. We're a non-profit, we count on the support of others to make up the difference between expenses and revenues.

On another note, Cecil Yates is a developer who approached us to discuss building on our property - including a new Beck Center - he has ideas and we listened, as we have with anyone else that has approached us. And as the Plain Dealer and Free Times have already noted, we were approached by Bob Stark, another developer, to consider a move to Crocker Park. As a non-profit, we must do our due diligence to consider every option. It's nice to be in such demand. We are meeting with everyone we can to ensure we do the best thing for the future of the Beck and the community we will reside in. We will also have community meetings as we move forward. It was obvious from the success of the schools development efforts that the community needs to be involved in this discussion.

And finally, for the person who likes a glass of wine with their show, we do have a liquor license and our bar is open for every show.

Stay tuned and feel free to contact us with any questions. Our management team and board leadership are very willing to listen and discuss things with you.


John Farina
Director of Development
The Beck Center for the Arts
17801 Detroit Avenue
Lakewood, Ohio 44107
216.521.2540 X242 - office
jfarina@beckcenter.org
www.beckcenter.org

[Jim O'Bryan]

As a non-profit, we must do our due diligence to consider every option. It's nice to be in such demand...
John Farina
Director of Development
The Beck Center for the Arts
17801 Detroit Avenue
Lakewood, Ohio 44107
216.521.2540 X242 - office
jfarina@beckcenter.org
www.beckcenter.org

John

I think we all have to look at what is best for all of us right now with due diligence.

John you are part of Lakewood, you ran for council. How did that release to the Plain Dealer help build the Lakewood Brand? I predict that everyone associated with this will be seen for what they really are. Not friends of Lakewood. As I said, quiet talk is one thing, Front page tabloid stories is something completely difference. In my life when people offer ultimatums, it is best to let them go.

As for being in demand, to quote Asst. Planning Director Dryck Bennett from yesterday's Reality Conference. "The problem is not finding developer's it is finding space for them to develop."

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[Charyn Varkonyi]

I disagree.

I think that you are trying to assign a level of personal attack to this that is not appropriate to the situation - comparing the admission that they have been approached and are seeking to determine future solutions to adultery is just more emotional propaganda. Certainly a small paragraph at then end of a story on the arts is not a tabloid front page.

I, for one, would prefer that this be out in the open. That the comments be put on the record, that the issues be hashed out.

We cry when we don't know.. now we will cry when we know very near the first moment? That makes no sense to me.

John you are part of Lakewood, you ran for council. How did that release to the Plain Dealer help build the Lakewood Brand? I predict that everyone associated with this will be seen for what they really are. Not friends of Lakewood.

So if someone is thinking about coming to Lakewood we SHOULD want it public to build the brand, but if someone is considering moving we should not? Hmmm... Selective transparency?

If we want to "be the city that knows itself better than any other city" then I recommend full transparency... and instead of reacting in a negative, hostile way to full disclosure we should post thoughtful questions to determine the whys, hows, what-do-we-thinks, and what-do-we-dos' about a situation.

I think that it would be utterly irresponsible for ANY organization not to review all of the facts and details to determine the best solution for any given business problem. INCLUDING leaving Lakewood if that is the best way to further the mission of the business.

The level of rumor, innuendo, and the amount of disinformation that has been spread through this forum on this topic is disgraceful. And quite frankly, Jim, while you claim to be 'just a guy' you should really try to bear in mind that you ARE the publisher, you ARE in the spotlight, and what you say IS taken literally by many many people. When you engage in these discussions and further the half truths or the attacks it causes irreparable harm to the entity that you are attacking, as well as the Lakewood brand.

You may not have wanted to be Lakewood's poster child, but you are. And Lakewood will be much better served the sooner you realize that.

And John:

Thank you for clearing up the misconceptions - I sincerely think you will find that the majority of us in Lakewood are truly appreciative of your efforts and are more than ready to stand behind the Beck in whatever way necessary to help revitalize the center and keep it here in Lakewood.


Warm regards,
~Charyn

[Jim O'Bryan]

Charyn

I have been working on this story for over a year. I knew about Cecil Yates plan from the second issue of this paper. I know and like Cecil, he asked me to keep it quiet and I did. I knew about Stark in the mix from the day after the first time it was mentioned in the board meeting. I have asked the Beck Center to comment each and everytime a "rumor" passed over my desk. They had 6 months of doing this with transparency, but everytime it was, "We have no knowledge of that."

ON THE RECORD - I love the Beck Center, and from what I hear believe the offer is too good to pass up, and an offer that Lakewood could never match. I wish the Beck Center great luck in the future. They will be only ten minutes down the road. If I can travel that for Borders I can certainly go ten minutes for the Beck Center.

But I also have to be a realist. I have seen similar deals my whole life. One stalls while they wait for the other location to be prepared. Stalling is one thing, asking a cash strapped city to pay is something completely different. I have not one ill will towards the Beck, but my city and home will always come first.

It is only common sense.

Would you rather we pay for the roof, and spend hours trying to save something that is going leave? Do we spend our $250,000 ED Fund to save and build the Beck Brand so that Bob Stark can cash in?

Or does it make more sense to wish them well, and look to our city's future? This is no time for emotions, emotions always screw up business deals. Beck leaving is not the end of the world. To be honest it could be a fresh start for both of us, and that is a good thing.

I fault no one. Now we should be worrying about Lakewood.

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[Bill Call]

The Board of Directors of Beck Center are responsible for the economic health of Beck Center. If it becomes a more successful institution by moving to Westlake then that is where it should be located, if short term economics are all that matter.

The citizens of Lakewood have supported Beck Center for 75 years. While I think that the Beck Center has a moral obligation to return that loyalty and support, the directors obviously think differently.

If the decision is made to move the Beck Center to Westlake, the City of Lakewood should end any economic or logistical support for the Center.
Lakewood shouldn't have to pay for the privelege of losing an economic cornerstone of the City.

If the land is redeveloped the development should be one that serves the needs of the City and not just the developer. The City provided a lot of money and support for the Marc's shopping center and got a flawed and unimaginative facility. Hopefully the City won't make the same mistake at the soon to be vacant Beck Center.

[Joan Roberts]

Mr. Farina...

Thank you for your post. I hope you will continue to be active here as your schedule permits. I also hope your communiques will be frank and clear. Obviously, there's an issue of credibility here.

Mr. O....

I agree wholeheartedly with your view that once a spouse has decided to walk out the door, offering to do more cooking and cleaning is probably pointless. But Mr. Farina throws at least a bit of doubt as to whether the Beck has indeed decided to hit the road.

Clearly there are entities in town who are concerned with "building the Lakewood brand" (the Observer, the library, the administration, etc) and just as clearly, there are/were entities operating in Lakewood who really didn't have a vested interest as to whether the brand was built or not (Fairchild, Lakewood UCC).

It seems to me the Beck Center is in the process of deciding whether Lakewood is mission-critical or not. It obviously is determining whether it is fish or fowl, and my life experience tells me that's a particularly agonizing process for a non-profit, much more so than a for-profit business.

The danger, of course, is that the city (or its "angels"), could wind up investing MORE in a replacement for the Beck Center than they would working with the original entity.

Again, you wear your heart on your sleeve. And I can't get that danged green eyeshade off my forehead.