COOPERATION IS THE THING FOR CLEVELAND AREA THEATRES

Eight Cleveland area theatres, rather than competing for audiences, are cooperating to announce their schedules and promote subscriptions. The Professional Alliance of Cleveland Theatres, formed in 1992, is one of a growing number of umbrella arts Organizations around the country. Similar groups in San Diego, Los Angeles, Chicago, Boston New York and Washington, DC, are jointly tackling the problems of marketing, corporate sponsorship and audience development. They are finding that sharing and cooperation make each organization more secure.

PACT allows member companies to pool resources, which gives them some of the advantages of larger Organizations. By creating a joint marketing campaign, these smaller theatre companies Call reach a broader audience. They also can work together to find solutions to common challenges. Cooperative efforts help ensure greater visibility for PACT members and strengthen each theatre in an increasingly competitive market.

PACT members believe their individual existence depends on collective survival. They share information and technical resources, sponsor joint listings of productions and hold joint media previews.

Member companies offer diverse experiences from classical to contemporary work, experimental theatre, original scripts, accessible performances, culturally rich plays and performers presented in intimate theatres at affordable prices. Area theatres that use professional actors, directors and designers, and are committed to high professional standards are eligible to join the coalition. Contact Carol Rivchun, PACT marketing coordinator at 216/321-9150. Members of PACT include Cleveland Public Theatre, Cleveland Signstage Theatre, Cleveland Theatre Company, Dobama Theatre, The Eldred Company, Ensemble Theatre, Halle Theatre, Karamu Performing Arts Theatre and Porthouse Theatre Company.

ANYTHING CAN HAPPEN AT THE RIFFE GALLERY

Mexico Ahora: Punto de Partida/Mexico Now: Point of Departure, at the Riffe Gallery January 25 to April 5, 1997, represents current artistic attitudes in that diverse country. It was organized by the Ohio Arts Council in partnership with the Institute of Puerto Rican Culture, the Illinois Arts Council, the Delaware Arts Council, the Texas Arts Commission, the North Carolina Arts Council, the Mid-Atlantic Arts Foundation and Arts Midwest, The exhibition and its two-year tour are sponsored by Philip Morris Companies Inc. Additional support comes from the US-Mexico Fund for Culture. Public/private partnerships like this are necessary if we are to keep the arts vital in our nation. The Riffe Gallery is at State and High Streets in Downtown Columbus. Call 614/ 644-9624 for hours.