Curtain falling on Council of Performing Arts

By Chris Spangler

After more than four decades, the curtain is falling on the Council for the Performing Arts of Jefferson County.

The CPA Board of Directors has posted the following message on its Facebook page: “It It is with great sadness that the Board of Directors of the CPA announces that, after 44 years, we are dissolving. 

“It has been a long run, but the last years have been very difficult to grow the board and fundraise enough to keep the organization viable.”

The post states that the CPA’s last official board meeting was Dec. 22. 

“Our small amount of assets has been given to a variety of nonprofits in the community who either have helped us through the years or continue our mission of bringing the performing arts to the community,” the post states.

It also notes that the CPA’s webpage has been taken down and its Facebook page will be removed at the beginning of the new year.

“We thank all of you who have supported the CPA through the years, both by attending our events and contributing to our fundraising,” the board states. “May the new year bring new beginnings for health and happiness.”

Founded in 1977 by a group of arts-minded people in Jefferson County, the CPA presented the majority of its programs in the 1,000-seat Jefferson High School Auditorium. Its programming featured dance, theater and music, with the mission of providing local, regional and professional performing arts entertainment close to home.

This story may be updated.

Musical Director Craig Engstrom, from left, Trudianne Thom and choreographer Susan Knutson pose for a group photo in 1990 during a production of  “The Wizard of Oz.”

Munchkin coroner Kyle Graham, at left, and the Munchkin mayor Alex Schneider take the stage during a 1990 production of “The Wizard of Oz.” 

A program from the 1990 performance of “The Wizard of Oz.” The presentation was just one of many supported over the course of some 44 years by the Council for the Performing Arts in Jefferson County. 

Contributed photos. 

Public domain photo. 

This post has already been read 3902 times!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *