The Backbones of The CENTER for Performing Arts at Rhinebeck
Through a major economic crisis in the 90’s, a flood in 2011, and now, COVID-19, The CENTER for Performing Arts at Rhinebeck has truly shown their perseverance during times in which many people would have given up.
This kind of perseverance, especially during COVID, is a direct result of the encouragement and determination of both the Managing Director, Lou Trapani, and Artistic Director, Kevin Archambault.
Trapani has been working at The CENTER for over 20 years, experiencing all of the ups and downs it has gone through. However, he has been involved in the Rhinebeck Theatre Society since it began in 1993, which led him to later pursue the title of site manager of The CENTER in 1996. About three years later, Trapani was able to secure his position as the managing director, and he has remained there ever since.
The CENTER for Performing Arts at Rhinebeck is an organization that provides a countless number of theatrical experiences for people of all ages. However, auditioning for shows is not the only opportunity that is offered. The CENTER also provides everything from workshops, to lessons, and even field trips.
Due to The CENTER’s inclusion of such a wide variety of ages, it has become home to many kids and adults, as well as Artistic Director, Kevin Archambault.
Archambault says, “I have a long history here at The CENTER — it’s one of those places that gets their claws in you (in a good way) and doesn’t let go. I have been at The CENTER first as a performer and director since 2005, then on staff as the director of community and public relations since 2012 and as artistic director only since 2018.”
Despite being part of such a tight knit community, The CENTER faced many challenges when COVID hit in March of 2020, especially Trapani and Archambault. As The CENTER is a not-for-profit organization, they had to figure out ways to incorporate the community, actors, and staff in shows that also obeyed the CDC guidelines.
According to Trapani, one of their biggest struggles was with money. “Money, money, money … That has been the struggle during COVID. We lost 75% of our earned revenue for two entire years and it is only now that we are beginning to recover. People are still reluctant to come to our theater and I hope that the spring and summer of 2022 see them overcoming their reluctance. Right now, people are still wary even though we have a strict vaccine and mask policy to attend a show.”
Throughout COVID, The CENTER made many efforts to reconnect with the public in the best ways that they could. Their first effort was through the use of live-streaming. Trapani and crew took shows that would normally be seen in person and filmed them live in order for audiences to watch from their homes. Although the turn out was not nearly as successful as it normally would have been, it was keeping the cast, crew, and community optimistic for the future.
Along with this, and arguably one of the most positive aspects that came from COVID, was their incorporation of an outdoor theater. Archambault says, “The fact that we built an outdoor stage, that audiences could enjoy live theater on their picnic blankets, was a great positive and joy for us.”
The CENTER has now opened its doors to the public again, but have continued to enforce strict mask policies and proof of vaccination for cast, crew, and audience members.
As for the future of The CENTER, Trapani and Archambault hope to continue to work alongside each other and many others with the incorporation of both new and traditional shows and programs. In the words of Lou Trapani himself, “People should look forward to us doing what we have always done: presenting the finest in theatrical and musical and dance entertainment.”
