Posted on Fri, Jul 1, 2011 : 1:53 p.m.
Three staff members laid off at Purple Rose Theatre
By AnnArbor.com Staff
The Chelsea Standard is reporting that three staff members laid off from the Purple Rose Theatre Co. in Chelsea.
One of those let go is longtime Managing Director Alan Ribant, the Standard reported.
The Standard quotes Artistic Director Guy Sanville as saying, "People are moving on to other opportunities. We are downsizing a bit ... we're just getting ourselves in a better situation to face the future."
Comments
Blackbird
Mon, Jul 4, 2011 : 6:56 p.m.
The community is deeply saddened to hear of these changes at the Purple Rose Theatre. As a friend of the Purple Rose staff for ten years, I pass along my best wishes to all who have been affected. Before making erroneous comments, readers should carefully read the Chelsea Standard article. At this time, there are few details given, but the theatre's statement is sufficient, in my opinion. To point to the Artistic director as the decider in all of this is simply not supported by the information given in the article. These decisions are painful and they are not the decisions of any one person. Alan Ribant came to the Rose with years of experience. He is a kind man, an open book, and a terrific leader. He is an inspiration to us. There is a reason they call it Show Business. It's not Show Art. Alan is one of those rare administrators who understands what happens on both sides of the curtain, and we are sad to see him go. If the article has left some readers wanting more, then I am sure that in time, all will be revealed, and those curiosities will be satisfied. In the meantime, let us not make assumptions about the inner workings and try to pass them off as facts. If we value journalistic integrity, then we should uphold it when we make public statements too. If we want clear, undistorted news, as I believe we do, then we have to be part of that process. We have to be factual and clear too. Let's not misconstrue the information given, especially in matters of business. On behalf of the Blackbird Theatre, we stand in support of the fine individuals who have made the Purple Rose Theatre a success. Alan, we salute you, and we wish you the best. And to the Purple Rose Theatre, an invaluable institution, we stand in support of your ongoing success. It saddens me to see anyone lose a job in the arts. Barton Bund <a href="http://www.blackbirdtheatre.org" rel='nofollow'>www.blackbirdtheatre.org</a>
A2lover
Fri, Jul 8, 2011 : 12:29 p.m.
Alan Ribrant was, according to many sources, the sanity at the Purple Rose, so it's sad to see him ousted. But a theatre claims solvency, gloats of have a "national(?)" reputation, and where everyone there is "purple", has now been revealed as losing a significant amount of money recently. While Mr. Daniels was elsewhere and not raising money for the theatre with his guitar concerts and celebrity golf games, the artistic and administrative personnel were losing money, so it's not a surprise that the layoffs were instigated.
Blackbird
Wed, Jul 6, 2011 : 6:35 p.m.
Phil, that wasn't my intentions. It's hard to discern from this article exactly how the decision was made, so I didn't want to jump to conclusions. My message was purely to just express our sadness over the layoffs, to express our support for everyone affected. It's no smokescreen. We don't know the particulars, certainly not from what is given. And I really don't want to know, to be honest. My message was purely intended to show our respect for Alan's work.
Phil Powers
Tue, Jul 5, 2011 : 3:49 p.m.
Bart, you know that Guy runs the Rose. Stop smokescreening for him.
A2lover
Mon, Jul 4, 2011 : 12:34 p.m.
Thanks for your cogent advice, Ziggy8051, but you obviously don't know anything about theatre. The Artistic Director does not design productions, that the job of a scenic designer. And, although the Purple Rose Board would have some say, or decide lay offs were in order, it would be the choice of the Artistic Director to propose who exactly would get the axe, as they run the day to day operations of the theatre and know who best can be sacrificed. As for the Daniels family being such humble, giving people, what's that got to do with people losing their jobs? If they are such supporters of the town and theatre, get them to pay the salaries of the people laid off.
A2lover
Sat, Jul 2, 2011 : 12:11 p.m.
Something is wrong here - these people have either been "laid off" or (according to Mr. Sanville) "they've left for better opportunities". You can't have it both ways. So , who is wrong? A2 News or Mr. Sanville? I'd say Mr. Sanville, because if that were the case (people leaving for better jobs) we wouldn't have heard anything about the situation. I'm surprised because all Jeff Daniels has to do is write a big check to bail out the theatre.
Ziggy8051
Sat, Jul 2, 2011 : 11:06 p.m.
If someone wants an answer to the question they need to ask the board of directors which made the decision. Not the Artistic Director who designs the production. As for Jeff Daniels, he should not have to write a "big check". You are obviously not from Chelsea . The Daniels family, not just Jeff, are some of the most humble, giving people I have ever met in my life. They have given everything they possibly can to Chelsea on a daily basis. Im sure there is alot you could learn from them.