The city council of Olympia recently issued a proclamation recognizing the value and contributions of local live performing theaters. Live performing arts is an important resource for contributing postively to a community’s cultural, economic and social fabric as affirmed in national “Best Places to Live” surveys. Kiplinger’s recently rated Olympia as the 6th best place to live in the U.S. based in part on the area’s wealth of cultural resources and highlighting the downtown theatre district.

Olympia is home to a historic and acclaimed cultural treasure of a number of live performance not-for-profit theatres. These theatres bring to life diverse ideas that entertain, challenge, enlighten and educate. The retention and longevity of these theatres and their respective production companies is a tribute to the greater Olympia community who, through continued attendance (over 182,000 patrons in downtown Olympia in 2008) and solid financial support, have created a meaningful cultural resource.

Recognizing that live theater is a cherished art form within this community; one deserving continued public and private financial and moral support and with the city council and mayor wishing to promote public awareness of and apprecation for Olympia’s live performing theatres have declared the third week of October to be known and celebrated as Live Theatre Week.

The Arts Alliance of Downtown Olympia (”AADO”) thanks the city for its continued support. AADO focuses on marketing and branding of the downtown Olympia theatre district which is comprised of the State Theatre (Harlequin) , Capital Playhouse, Capitol Theatre (Olympia Film Society) and the Washington Center for the Performing Arts. Through collaboration with such groups as the Olympia, Lacey, Tumwater Visitor and Convention Bureau and the Olympia City Parks and Recreation, AADO provides a collective effort to heighten awarenes of the downtown theatre district (such as this proclamation initiative).