The History of Scripps
Ranch Theatre - In 3 Parts
Part
Three
In a 1993 letter to Board members and friends, then-SRT
president Arnie Gass presented three challenges: 1) find a permanent home; 2)
develop an artistic vision or purpose; i.e., standards for play selection and
“who we want to be;” and 3) develop a stronger community base and involvement.
These themes echoed those of SRT’s past.
During the 1992-93 season the first challenge was met. My
husband, who was then President of USIU, and I approached then-SRT President Bob
Hitchcox about moving the theater from the Mira Mesa storefront to USIU, which
resulted in a long-term relationship between SRT and USIU. SRT had come full
circle, having launched itself at the Legler Benbough Theatre in 1978. Hitchcox
noted in the April 1994 program for Night of January 16th, “we
have a “real” home on the Ranch and we have honest to goodness theater seats…no
more wooden folding chairs!”
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At the same time additional marketing
efforts were undertaken. Senior centers were approached about bringing
groups on “Senior Sundays.” Scripps Ranch organizations such as the
Welcome Club and the Women’s Club were asked to initiate “theater
nights” as part of their social activities. More recently, the Scripps
Ranch Civic Association buys out an extra performance as a thank you for
its newsletter distributors. Special performances of To Kill a
Mockingbird and Fences were held for Scripps Ranch High
School students who were reading those works in their classes.
Play selection focused on having
seasons mixed with comedies, dramas and musicals. In 1996 SRT joined
the San Diego Performing Arts League, an umbrella organization that
assists its members with marketing, fundraising and other activities.
The Board launched other efforts to
provide patrons with unique experiences. Ivan Menchell, who wrote
The Cemetery Club, attended a performance and did a “talk-back” with
the audience, followed by a reception. At the opening-night reception
of I Do!, I Do! guests were treated to wedding cake and printed
napkins. The 1997-98 season was the “season of trees” with life-size
trees on the sets of The Cemetery Club, The Fantasticks!
and To Kill a Mockingbird. A gospel choir entertained patrons
during pre-show and intermission of To Kill a Mockingbird.
Large-scale musicals such as A Chorus Line and How to Succeed
in Business were undertaken, despite the small space. Special
thank-you events have been held for season ticket holders. The annual
awards banquet—complete with music and auction items—in recent years
has drawn 150 people
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1992-93 – Crimes of the Heart, Brecht on Brecht,
Inherit the Wind, The Odd Couple
1993-94 – 6 Rms Riv Vu, A Shot in the Dark, Night
of January 16th
1994-95 – The Miracle Worker, Enter Laughing,
Sleuth, The Murder Room
1995-96 – Goodbye Charlie, I Do!, I Do!, Nuts, Par
for the Corpse
1996-97 – Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, Man Who Came to
Dinner, Deadly Game, Play On!
1997-98 – Cemetery Club, The Fantasticks! To Kill a
Mockingbird
1998-99 – Pinocchio Comedia, The Gingerbread Lady,
Beau Jest, Everything in the Garden
1999-00 –Never Get Smart With an Angel, Perfect
Crime, A Chorus Line, Last of the
Red Hot
Lovers
2000-01 – Bermuda Avenue Triangle, Same Time
Another Year, Fences, Don’t Dress for
Dinner
2001-02 - Lend Me a Tenor, Ravenscroft, I Ought to
be in Pictures, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying
2002-03 - Rumors, Wrong Turn at Lungfish, Fatal
Attraction, Perfect Wedding
2003-04 – Arsenic & Old Lace, Killjoy, Once upon a
Mattress, Side by Side by Sondheim
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Between the 1998-99 and 1999-2000 seasons,
the theater was renovated. USIU obtained a $95,000 grant from the Legler
Benbough Foundation, largely because of the relationship with SRT, which
resulted in a new stage, light/sound booth, seats, carpet and lighting. In 1997
John Simonds became SRT’s first artistic director, followed by Jill Drexler in
2002. Primary responsibilities include play selection, director/producer
selection, and ensuring quality of the overall productions. In 2001 Raylene
Wall assumed the role of technical director, responsible for sound, lights, and
backstage equipment, as well as training new technicians. In May 2001 SRT
launched its first-ever web site.
The combination of a “permanent” home,
enhanced marketing, and quality productions has resulted in greater demand for
tickets. During the last two seasons, extra performances have been added to
accommodate the sold-out crowds. Currently, SRT has over 1,000 season ticket
holders. Over the years SRT has won numerous Aubrey Awards in countywide
competition.
Scripps Ranch Theatre ended its 25th
season with numerous accomplishments. Many volunteers are to be commended for
their commitment and efforts in making SRT what it is today. Thanks also to
season ticket holders and other patrons for their support. What began as B. J.
Scott’s idea 25 years ago has matured into a highly respected performing arts
organization. Thanks to all of you who have played a role in this success.
Scripps Ranch Theatre History - the first 25 years
Scripps Ranch Theatre History - Part 1
Scripps Ranch Theatre History - Part 2
Scripps Ranch Theatre History - Part 3
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