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BACKGROUND In 2010, the Firehouse Arts Center opened and the City determined that a relationship with a semi-professional theater company would be a good addition to the programming. City staff met with Pacific Coast Repertory Theatre (PCRT) to discuss options for providing theatrical production services that would include: professional, artistic, technical and administrative support for three (3) annual theatrical productions. In January 2011, the City contracted with PCRT to produce four (4) shows. They included: "Cabaret", "Chicago", "Thoroughly Modern Millie" and "The Last Five Years." The 2012/2013 season included Broadway favorites: "Beauty and the Beast", "Rent" and "She Loves Me". The City's current Agreement with Pacific Coast Repertory Theatre expires on June 30, 2013. In order for the City to continue to provide theatrical production services without interruption, it conducted a Request for Proposal (RFP) process. As a result, two (2) theatre companies responded to the RFP for the theatrical production services; Tri- Valley Repertory Theatre and Pacific Coast Repertory Theatre. On October 24, 2012, a Screening Committee consisting of two (2) Civic Arts Commissioners and City Staff reviewed both proposals and interviewed both of the two (2) theatre companies. Although the Screening Committee acknowledged that both companies were qualified to provide semi-professional theatrical services, they unanimously voted to recommend Pacific Coast Repertory Theatre as the City's provider of theatrical production services. Overall, the Screening Committee and the Commission were impressed with Pacific Coast Theatre's experience, high level of professionalism and particularly their commitment to amateur/professional actor mentoring. They felt strongly that Pacific Coast Repertory Theatre would not only continue the excellent level of theater that the community had come to expect, but the City's program would continue to grow and the experiences for the community would only be more enriched. DISCUSSION Pacific Coast Repertory Theatre Pacific Coast Repertory Theatre was founded in 2010 with the purpose of bringing professional-quality musical theatre to the Tri-Valley area. PCRT strives to distinguish itself via the quality of its shows. Casts are composed of professional-level performers and include a mix of Actors Equity Association and/or long time experienced actors and dancers. PCRT's production team includes some of the Bay Area's best-known talent such as Broadway veteran Lois Grandi, formerly of Playhouse West in Walnut Creek, award-winning musical director Pat Parr, and lauded New York Times lighting designer Mike Oesch. Page 2 of 3