Irene Wipes Out Williamstown Theatre Festival Props

By Larry MurrayBerkshire On Stage
12:30PM / Friday, September 02, 2011Print Story | Email Story

Some 10 feet of water filled the basement storage area at the Blackinton Mill, damaging decades worth of theater props. Left, some of the stored items before the flood.

WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. — The Williamstown Theatre Festival just finished up one of its best seasons in years but a pair of behind-the-scenes disasters has left it facing an estimated $350,000 bill.

Most of that should be covered but the WTF is hoping patrons will help it raise $25,000 to close its budget gap.

On Aug. 28, the final day of the 2011 season, just as the company was carefully closing up the shop for the winter, Mother Nature, in the form of Tropical Storm Irene, paid a seriously unwelcome visit to the festival's new storage space and scenery shop in the Blackinton Mill in North Adams.

The nearby Hoosic River breached its banks and filled their freshly constructed and inventoried prop storage space with 10 feet of muddy water. While the WTF says some items may be salvageable, the majority of the stock — collected over half a century — is damaged and will have to be discarded. Loss and damage is estimated to be in the six-figure range.

This was the second disaster in 2011. Previously the WTF scene shop was located in the Hoosic Mill, a 19th-century mill in nearby North Adams that also served as a storage facility for 57 years worth of furniture and props. In February of this year, heavy snow load caused the building's roof to collapse in several spots, including the space leased by WTF. The building was declared unsafe and as a result the WTF was not able to go in and assess the damage until early May.

They then decided to move operations to the historic Blackinton Mill, which was conveniently located not far from the '62 Center theaters and just over the town line in North Adams. The complex had been recently purchased and the new owners were eager to have WTF as an anchor tenant as they made plans to redevelop the site. WTF assembled a crack team of carpenters and transformed the raw space in the Blackinton Mill into a theatrical scene shop.

As the season approached, crews started moving equipment and materials from the old shop to the new space, a new shop floor was laid, loading ramps were built, new lighting and electrical systems were installed, offices and support spaces were constructed, and hundreds of other improvements and customizations were made. Efficiency, economy, and safety were the key elements in the design of the new shop. In addition, tens of thousands of furniture pieces and props were moved and sorted into the new storage space.

The new scene shop is a considerable upgrade from WTF's previous site in regards to safety and efficiency. Previously occupying the same large space, the wood shop, metal shop, and paint deck are now separate spaces and office and design facilities are significantly improved. The shop is also a classroom for the Williamstown Theatre Festival where their interns and apprentices can work on a professional level for the first time, and are instructed and mentored by designers and senior members of their staff.

According to an email sent to contributors and ticket buyers, these two unfortunate incidents have forced the festival to incur roughly $350,000 in expenses over and above its annual budget. The mailing states that these extra bills are starting to pile up and, while WTF is hoping to receive a reasonable insurance settlement and has also applied for funding from the Massachusetts Cultural Facilities Fund, it is asking its patrons to help close an anticipated $100,000 gap by the end of September.

"We've received an extremely generous challenge gift of $50,000 from an anonymous supporter and have already secured $25,000 from some close friends of the Festival," said the message from Eric Kerns, director of development. "We ask you to please consider making a tax-deductible gift today to help match the final $25,000. This goal must be reached by September 30."

Gifts may be sent to:
Scene Shop Challenge
Williamstown Theatre Festival
PO Box 517 Williamstown, MA 01267

For more information, contact Kerns at ekerns@wtfestival.org.

Larry Murray is a contributor to iBerkshires.com and offers reviews and arts news from around the region at Berkshire On Stage.

Tags: Irene, WTF,

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Your Comments

iBerkshires.com welcomes critical, respectful dialogue. Name-calling, personal attacks, libel, slander or foul language is not allowed. All comments are reviewed before posting and will be deleted or edited as necessary.

Any significant storm will flood that basement with up to 6 feet of water; i'm not surprised to hear 10 feet with Irene; too bad WTF or the new owners didn't know about that. Outside work needs to be done so that overflow from the river is not directed that way; a major channel opening has to be blocked permanently with concrete in the area near the driveway to the rear property.
from: Local resident	on: 09-02-2011 01:32PM I Agree (2) - I Disagree (2)

Perhaps the old owner of the mill should have informed the new owners. The new owners know now
from: Too bad indeed	on: 09-02-2011 04:12PM I Agree (3) - I Disagree (0)

It will be interesting which flood loss hits the Williamstown community the hardest, and which they most quickly remedy: the Spruces Mobile Home Park, and the WTF props! There seems to have been precious little interest or effort for the mobile home park homeless people, and for that matter the news coverage has been very timid too.
from: f.w.goudy	on: 09-02-2011 05:52PM I Agree (126) - I Disagree (73)

Almost 300 people are homeless just 2 miles down the road at the Spruces in Williamstown. If the Williamstown Theatre Festival has any class, they will donate the money to the victims who need it or simply return it (if the person is truly "anonymous" well, put it in the bank and never use it) I would also hope Erik Kerns directs people to donate to actual human beings who struggle every day trying to figure out how they will survive versus a theatre company which is fiscally sound and wont skip a beat. This is absolutely disgusting is all respects and its unfortunate the people remained anonymous. If we knew who they were, it would be comforting to actually insert a name when talking about some of the most pathetic human beings amongst us who have their priorities so backwards they wouldn't know a kind deed if it slapped them in the face!
from: Who Cares	on: 09-02-2011 07:24PM I Agree (128) - I Disagree (92)

It is too bad about the residents of the Spruces - it will take some time but rest assured that they will see huge outpourings of support and all will be fine in the end. Fortunatly no loss of life occured. HOWEVER there are other people and businesses that suffered as a result of this storm and the WTF is one. I am pretty sure that over 40,000 people attended the theater this year and the majority come to the theater from all over the US to stay, shop and eat in Williamstown and the surrounding communities. Without financial support this non-profit could not operate and now has sustained hundreds of thousands in losses. There contribution to the Town of Williamstown as well as North Adams is major and they bring lots of money to the area. This artical is about them so let us save the comments about the Spruces for the three other articals on Iberkshires, etc.
from: Larger picture	on: 09-02-2011 09:34PM I Agree (88) - I Disagree (124)

WTF injects millions of dollars into the local economy every year and are struggling to get by just like every other non-profit. They're not allowed to fundraise because the Spruces flooded? The two have nothing to do with each other. The community is helping the Spruces and they'll have access to FEMA assistance that WTF won't. Can't we do both?
from: apples & oranges	on: 09-02-2011 09:51PM I Agree (90) - I Disagree (125)

Believing the Williamstown Theatre Festival ï¿½injects millions of dollars into the local economy every yearï¿½ is no different than watching a group of grown men & women ï¿½playingï¿½ on stage and considering that reality. Certainly people who come to Williamstown to watch grown adults play make believe will undoubtedly eat dinner and may do some shopping, all of which does benefit the Town. However, ï¿½millionsï¿½ of dollars is an outrageous statement. Nonetheless, if you have factually documented information to support your claim, I would be interested in reviewing these reports so I can be the first one to say I was wrong and you were right.
from: Fantasy Land v.s. Reality	on: 09-03-2011 08:37AM I Agree (118) - I Disagree (69)
Editor: "Millions" might be much but the theater does bring people who spend money here and it does employ people who live here.
I Agree (9) - I Disagree (0)

The bitterness exhibited here is really ugly. I hope you folks don't think you're doing the Spruces residents any favors by voicing your resentment in this way. I'm embarrassed for you. Can there only be one recipient of people's good will? Can there be only you, you, you ? What will satisfy you?
from: guy	on: 09-03-2011 10:28AM I Agree (98) - I Disagree (32)
Editor: Agreed. This isn't a contest over who's suffered more or who's more deserving. The residents of the Spruces have been particularly hard hit, but so have a lot of people in Vermont, and along the Mohawk Trail, and in eastern New York, etc. Let's be civil.
I Agree (76) - I Disagree (0)

what about williams college,,look at all the food they throw away every day,,,couldnt williams invite the people from spruces to eat,,,also williams could let them use the field house
from: dan	on: 09-03-2011 11:40AM I Agree (11) - I Disagree (2)

I wouldn't be surprised if the WTF's brings in millions of dollars -- if you Google summer theater festivals, you'll find similar estimates.
from: Andy	on: 09-03-2011 02:46PM I Agree (4) - I Disagree (1)

"arts are a business": http://www.artrageousfridays.com/blog/as-societal-impact-of-the-arts-is-widespread-so-will-be-the-effects-of-cutting-their-funding/
from: Andy	on: 09-03-2011 05:42PM I Agree (3) - I Disagree (1)

@Fantasy Land and Editor Actually, there was a comprehensive study done a few years ago by the Center for Creative Community Development on the economic impact of the non-profit sector in Berkshire County. You can read it here. Go to section IV. http://web.williams.edu/Economics/ArtsEcon/library/pdfs/BerkNonprofReportRevDec2010.pdf The 22 performing arts organizations in the county generated $67M in economic impact. Even if you were just to divide it evenly, that would have WTF generating $3M. And WTF is one of the larger organizations so it's likely much higher.
from: Facts	on: 09-03-2011 09:21PM I Agree (34) - I Disagree (81)

Williams has been doing quite a bit in regards to flood relief but has not been jumping up and down saying "look at me." (it's also the mot chaotic time of year as students are returning) As for the leftovers, most of what disposed of is unservable by law. It depends on various things, like how long it has has been as certain temperatures, exposed to the public, how many times reheated, etc... Lots of places are chipping in and nobody should be going hungry or not have a place to sleep. I am very proud of the way that Williamstown and North Adams residents have come together to take care of a vulnerable population.
from: Food	on: 09-03-2011 10:02PM I Agree (27) - I Disagree (0)

Itï¿½s completely irresponsible to distort the report by insinuating W.T.F. generates 3 million. If the report actually stated W.T.F. contributed 3 million, then so be it. A third string quarterback on a Super Bowl winning football team does not deserve the same credit as the starting Q.B. Simply put, W.T.F. may be producing more than 3 million or a lot less, until those facts are known, its incorrect to hypothesize. Nonetheless, no one should be overly concerned about the fiscal viability of the W.T.F. or non-profits what so ever. According to the same CCCD report (who is stationed at Mass MOCA) total revenues for non-profit art & cultural orgizations have increased from 27,000,000 in 1996 to 87,000,000 in 2006. I think they are all managing quite well, including W.T.F. as there have never been any reports they are in danger of closing. I wonder if that can be said for all the residents of Williamstown, not just the Spruces, who were impacted by the extreme flooding. This fund raiser involves nothing more than a group of self promoting elitists. Help humans first, then lets all get together to buy some props for a magical night of fantasy.
from: WTS	on: 09-04-2011 02:46PM I Agree (91) - I Disagree (53)

perhaps gwennie paltrow can help. at the very least, she could donate a used frock or two.
from: chi-chee	on: 09-05-2011 12:06AM I Agree (2) - I Disagree (0)

who was the previous owner of the now-flooded mill basement and were the new owners informed of the flooding problem? was there any sort of inspection before the transaction was finalized? it's not too hard to spot high-water marks.
from: poufy	on: 09-05-2011 05:52PM I Agree (0) - I Disagree (0)

I recall watching the Corps of Engineers blow and then concrete a channel in the 50's from the back of my pop's laundry on River street ..... Flood Control was the purpose. Guess they did not design for a 100 year storm, eh? Must have been a butt load of H2O.
from: DAV	on: 09-06-2011 12:41AM I Agree (0) - I Disagree (0)

We are all connected and should support each other in time of need, including artistic venues that bring in tourist dollars. That said, I think the article brought a lot of reactions because of the extreme urgency of the plea (they MUST be done by Sept 30 or--what?) to save old costumes in contrast to the human suffering at the Spruces and elsewhere. If the tone of the fundraising effort was a little more humble and more grateful maybe it would have not gotten the sharp replies it did. Don't worry about the WTF, they can raise ticket prices a couple bucks next year. Given that high-end fundraisers are really trying to speak to the most self-absorbed of us it might be too much to ask. I for one am thankful to the good people of Williamstown who are supporting our most marginalized citizens in their hour of need.
from: Costumes or food	on: 09-06-2011 09:16AM I Agree (69) - I Disagree (5)
Editor: The urgency is the deadline for the matching funds is Sept. 30. (Changed this response because it was in error)
I Agree (2) - I Disagree (0)

Is it the crisis of "Irene" that brings out the "my dog's bigger than your dog?" or is it angry people needing a venue? I am sad about "The Spruces" and I am sad about the loss for W.T.F. Yes..its people vs. things. It's time to do what you can to help, and being negative is not helping...passion is great...but why denigrate ??
from: sjnanster	on: 09-06-2011 10:34PM I Agree (14) - I Disagree (0)

To the editor - I understand the Sept. 30 deadline is for matching funds, but that is just a false drama caused by a well-meaning donor. In the real world there are true deadlines being set - peoples health and well being is at stake.
from: Costumes or food	on: 09-07-2011 09:04AM I Agree (4) - I Disagree (4)
Editor: The well-meaning donor is not obligated in any way to support causes or people he or she does not wish to and likely does not even know about. And insinuating people at the Spruces will go hungry because someone is giving money to the WTF is ridiculous.
I Agree (26) - I Disagree (1)

Williamstown Board Opts to Negotiate with College on Water St. Lot

By Stephen DravisiBerkshires Staff
05:04AM / Tuesday, June 09, 2026

Newly elected board member Nate Budington, far left, participates in his first in-person meeting along with, from left, Matt Neely, Stephanie Boyd, Peter Beck, Shana Dixon and Town Manager Robert Menicocci.

WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. — The Select Board on Monday decided to enter into negotiations with Williams College on the sale of the vacant town-owned lot at 59 Water St.

But the board members made it clear that the college's proposal to acquire the lot is a starting point, not a final deal that the elected officials would accept.

"For the sake of continued conversation, I'm in favor of [awarding Williams the site], but if this process wasn't continued with the opportunity for further negotiation, I wouldn't vote to continue this," Peter Beck said. "I think that next step is necessary for us to get to a yes on this."

"I think there's wide agreement on that," Matthew Neely said just before the 5-0 vote to enter talks with the college.

Williams was the sole respondent to a town-issued request for proposals to develop the former town garage site, currently a dirt lot.

The college's stated intent is to build a new Facilities office and create up to 170 parking spaces at 59 Water Street. That use will allow the college to redevelop the current Facilities building site and parking lot as part of a reconception of the school's indoor athletic and recreation facilities.

Under the terms of the RFP, the college's proposal was subjected to review by an ad hoc advisory committee to the town manager, who brought the question to the Select Board. That board will have the final say on any purchase and sales agreement.

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