05/26/2022
Dearest Stage Left Theatre Current and Former Families-
As we are nearing the end of the year, we regretfully must inform you that after much thought and consideration, Stage Left Theatre will drop the curtain for the last time this Friday night. This has been one of the hardest decisions that Mrs. Rod and I have ever had to make, but unfortunately, after weighing our options it became apparent that this was the only course of action that we could take at this time. Having been with the program from the very beginning and watching it grow over the years, we couldn’t just take our final bow without making you aware. We cherish the time we have committed to the program and are extremely proud of Stage Left Theatre’s reputation. For us, it has been more than just an after-school program as we made lasting connections with our students and parents, which made this decision extremely difficult.
We can’t thank our parents enough for sharing your children with us over the years. It has been one of the most rewarding experiences of our lives. We have watched many of our students grow into some of the most caring, respectful, and remarkable individuals, and they have shown and taught us a lot along the way. Every year, we hope our students develop positive attitudes towards themselves and others, as well as find a safe space to be after school; one that is a special place to grow and be challenged. We will forever treasure the relationships we have formed with so many families and our students throughout the years. It was an honor and a privilege to work with you, and personal joy to have had the opportunity to be a part of so many young lives. Your children were a delight to work with and their interactive interest in theatre made the days and years fly by. As we were making our decision, we took the opportunity to reflect on so many wonderful memories from our years teaching theatre and I can honestly say those are some of the times we will cherish the most.
So, from the bottom of our hearts we say, Thank You! Stage Left Theatre has been a second home to us for so many years. We have always felt that this was the path we were supposed to be on and couldn’t give up on these students and their talents. When we first started the program 22 years ago, little did we realize how much we would fall in love with it and develop such a deep affection for working with all the students, staff, and parents? We greatly appreciate your confidence and support of the program throughout these many years and want you to know that each and every one of you has made our theatre program one that will forever hold a special place in our hearts. This isn’t goodbye by any means but only a see you later! The students will continue to see us at Buford and CHS working our tech jobs and our door is always open to them. We want to continue to be available if the students or you ever need anything, so please don’t ever hesitate to reach out to us.
With much love,
Mr. and Mrs. Rod
A message from Charlottesville City Schools
Dear SLT families –
Thanks for your participation in this amazing youth theatre program. We appreciate everything that Rod and Kristina Durrer have done to establish and support theatre in our schools, especially at Walker and Buford.
As the SLT program has evolved over the years, it has become more difficult to maintain and operate in alignment with the schools’ financial practices and other policies.
The schools have presented options such as having SLT become its own nonprofit or private entity that partners with our schools and maintains its own finances, but these options are not workable for the Durrers at this time. We respect their decision and their many services to our schools, and while SLT is coming to an end, we will continue to support the Durrers as employees. We will also continue to support theatre as an important part of our schools, whether through clubs or classes.
Aaron Eichorst
Fine Arts Coordinator
