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BACT will work with those children who would like to participate in productions but are unsure on how to do things. Commissioner Hess discussed with Ms. Meehan the reasons BACT responded to the City's RFP and whether BACT was going to have sufficient staff to be able meet all requirements and have successful productions. Ms. Meehan provided Chairperson McLane information on how BACT would involve family members in the productions, through volunteerism, photography, providing snacks, etc. Chairperson McLane opened the meeting for public comment at 7:45 p.m. Toby Leavitt, Executive Director for San Francisco Shakespeare Festival - thanked everyone involved in trying to keep SFSF in Pleasanton. Ms. Leavitt provided information about recent productions, number of attendees, ticket sales, etc., and felt that SFSF had brought excellence to the mix and helped many children enjoy the productions. She thanked everyone for their support through a difficult transition. Rebecca J. Ennals, Artistic Director for San Francisco Shakespeare Festival - indicated she has enjoyed working with the many children and their families who had participated in productions. She felt the productions had been successful and was deeply saddened by the decision not to continue their contract, but was happy that a children's theater program would continue. Natalva Riciovich, Pleasanton —felt that Pleasanton Civic Arts had been a second home to her and has helped her grow and be part of a big family. Tina Wagner, Pleasanton — thanked the Committee and the Commission for their hard work. As a parent and volunteer she understands the RFP requirement, but thought a larger story was at play. SFSF has helped put a large family in place and has provided wonderful shows. Ms. Wagner felt it took a long time to build to the point that currently exists and has been built by SFSF and should continue to be supported to keep the family in place. John Ribovich, Pleasanton — is an Artistic Director with lots of experience and has been very impressed with SFSF and the great kids and volunteers who have all worked well together. He felt changing to another group would mean building a new infrastructure, and suggested that "if it isn't broke —don't fix it". Rae Kerton, Pleasanton — is 8-years old and has been in three of the SFSF shows and discussed with the Commission reasons to keep SFSF. She provided copies of an online- petition completed by 207 people. Cora Kerton, Pleasanton — is 6-years old and wants to be able to act with Rebecca, SFSF Artistic Director and will not be able to do so if their contract is not renewed. Liz Kerton, Pleasanton — read a number of comments from the online-petition. Civic Arts Commission February 4, 2013 Page 4