12 - Laserfiche WebLink

BACKGROUND In 1999, the City of Pleasanton's Civic Arts Division developed and implemented a children's theatre based program known as the Civic Arts Stage Company. At that time, all professional, artistic, technical and administrative support was provided by City of Pleasanton staff. After nine successful years, the demand generated by the Civic Arts Stage Company program on both the Civic Arts and Support Services Division(s) grew to more than the City could accommodate on its own. Two Requests for Proposals have been issued for Children's Theatrical Services and BACT was selected both times. The current contract with BACT expired on June 30, 2018. As a result, an amendment for services has been prepared. DISCUSSION Currently, BACT offers four different types of children's theatre programs: main-stage productions; educational drama classes; touring production companies; and pre- school theatre classes and productions. Over the past five years, BACT has assisted the City of Pleasanton in creating a safe, educational, and fun performing arts environment for our participants and families. Hiring three different high-quality directors for each production, while maintaining the same stage manager, creates program consistency and diversity in youth work. Additionally, BACT's staff are exemplary program partners and are always available to discuss the program's quality and growth. In the interest of program consistency, BACT and City staff have established artistic and program "norms" that are used among all of the City's performing arts programs (Drama Camps, Creatures of Impulse, Youth Music Festival, and Vocal Coaching). BACT also facilitates the Young Performers program, which is an arts education companion to Civic Arts Stage Company for youth ages 5-10 years old. The Young Performers program continues to sell out and consistently has waitlists. While the Civic Arts Stage Company programs are successful and in high demand with the youth of Pleasanton, costs to operate the program have continued to rise. Bay Area Children's Theatre has agreed to keep their contract costs the same for FY 2018/2019 as 2017/2018 in order to help the City defray costs. After market research was conducted on similar programs in the area, it was determined that the registration costs associated with the program could be raised 10%, thereby increasing revenue potential. Staff has also committed to renewed efforts on marketing the program with the help of BACT. BACT indicated there is potential to cast more youth in the winter performance, which could also raise revenues. Staff recommends extending the contract with BACT for one year based upon the high quality of Bay Area Children's Theatre's work, and their outstanding relationship with the City of Pleasanton and other agencies. Page 2 of 3