Theater director fired; board to vote on fate of SCTA June 20
John Glidden, Staff Writer
June 18, 2012
Filed under Administration, News, Theater
In a 5-2 closed session June 6, the Solano College governing board voted to terminate the director of theater production position, currently held by Chris Guptill.
“I had been informed that the decision was not to be voted upon until the meeting of June 20th,” said Chris Guptill in an e-mail to the Tempest. “I am, or apparently was, the Managing Director of Theatre Operations, a position I have held since July of 2006. It has been a great pleasure for me to serve the Solano community and especially to work with a talented, dedicated staff.”
“This is part of the budget reduction process,” said Jowel Laguerre, president-superintendent of Solano College in an e-mail to the Tempest. “And a way to harmonize our fine and performing arts offerings and to feature a sustainable and affordable model of support for the arts in Solano County and Winters,”
Laguerre said he did not know if Guptill will be offered another position at the college.
“As far as my own position goes,” Guptill wrote, “I intend to work closely with the dean of the School of Liberal Arts, Mr. Jeff Lamb, to make the transition as smooth as possible.”
Trustees Honeychurch and McCaffrey were the two trustees who voted against the termination of the director position.
Currently, Solano College provides $750,000 each year to the Solano College Theater Association (SCTA), which provides training to students, and produces the shows performed each year.
The governing board, at their May 16 meeting, was asked to reduce the annual funding Solano College gives to the SCTA by $650,000.
At that meeting Trustee Honeychurch requested that more time be given to the governing board so they could consider the issue.
The governing board is slated to make an official decision regarding funding to the SCTA at their June 20 meeting.
The meeting will begin at 6:30 pm and is being held in room 626 on the main campus.
Members of the public wishing to address the governing board about this item must submit a blue card to the governing board prior to start of the meeting. Blue cards can be found at the entrance to room 626.
