To the editor:

I recently joined the board of Bainbridge Performing Arts following six successful years on the Bainbridge Island Museum of Art’s Founding Board and chairing their marketing committee.

Now I am thrilled to be a part of BPA and look forward to helping them build on their reputation as the community’s cultural center.

But I was dismayed to read in the Bainbridge Review that school board candidate Lynn Smith actively supports a new theatre on the high school campus because “BPA’s a great little playhouse, but it’s a little playhouse…”

I’d like to set the record straight. BPA has for 59 years put community obligation first. In fact, one year ago BPA carefully began planning an expanded facility addressing the community’s obvious growing needs.

This planning stage includes supportive Bainbridge Island residents and board members who look to build upon BPA’s community foundation. This would mean increased seating, enhanced rehearsal space, expanded current lobby space and capacity at BPA.

I do like the idea of a performing arts center at Bainbridge High School. The BHS students deserve an opportunity to act and perform in school productions in a well-thought out theatre. Personally I remember my acting and directing days at John Jay High School in San Antonio, Texas. I wish only the same good memories for all the thespians at BHS.

But we need to be clear. BPA is not only fulfilling the need for a community cultural center presently, it also has plans in the works to build on capacity to meet increasing demand.

ELIZABETH COPLAN

Bainbridge Island