In order to assist the Tacoma Actors Guild (TAG) with its efforts to reorganize, the City of Tacoma and TAG agreed to restructure the current working agreement for the use of Theatre on the Square. The current agreement, which provides TAG with exclusive use of Theatre on the Square, will end Jan. 31, 2005.

During a meeting this week between Mayor Bill Baarsma, City Council Member Bill Evans, City Manager Jim Walton and TAG president Mike Jones, an agreement was reached to end the current contract between the City and TAG. By ending the current agreement, the City is hoping to help with TAG’s reorganization efforts.

“The City recognizes the contributions TAG has made to the Tacoma arts scene in its 10 years in Theatre on the Square,” said Leslie Rowen, General Services Department Director. “The City Manager has directed Broadway Center for Performing Arts and City staff to facilitate the successful completion of the current schedule of TAG performances.”

TAG will retain priority preference for use of the Theatre on the Square through the end of this season. The City also intends to make the theater available for other productions and uses on open dates. TAG is being assisted by the Bellevue Civic Theatre to produce the remainder of this season’s schedule.

TAG will develop a business plan for its reorganization by the end of this month. The business plan will allow TAG and the City to be in a position to discuss a new long-term agreement for use of the theater.