SPRINGFIELD – It is with a heavy heart that I write about the closure of Pegasus Playhouse at 402 Main St. due to cuts in federal funding.
Since becoming a nonprofit in 2018 and moving to Main Street three years ago, this community theater has been a cherished hub for both adults and children, offering classes and summer camps that showcase an incredible array of local talent.
Art organizations, especially theaters, rely on charitable contributions from individuals, businesses, and grants to thrive.
Erin Frazier-Maskiell, a licensed therapist and owner of Alive Holistic Healing – a counseling clinic in Eugene that uses holistic, client-centered, strengths-based approaches – plays an integral role in supporting Pegasus Playhouse.
Her husband, Scott Frazier-Maskiell, serves as the founder and artistic director of the theater, and Erin often lends her talents by appearing in various productions.
Erin said that Alive Holistic Healing is proud to be the playhouse’s primary financial supporter because, for those struggling with mental health, getting involved in activities like acting reduces stress and promotes self-expression and creativity.
“Theater is a healthy outlet that creates connection, tells the story of lived experiences, taps into joy and our humanity,” Erin said.
“Art makes a difference in the world,” Scott added.
The couple takes pride in helping create an environment that is a safe space for all communities, emphasizing inclusivity and care in their work and personal identities.
“I did my first show at Pegasus four years ago,” said Adeline Daggett, an actress who recently played in the 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. “I found such a community – I am still friends with those same people to this day … I (also) got to co-direct two shows this summer. That was one of the best experiences of my life.”
But recent federal government cuts in grants to the arts, healthcare, and nonprofit organizations have had a significant impact on our community, Erin said.
“Over the years, the Oregon Health Authority has incentivized providers to keep 50% of caseload Medicaid clients to meet the needs of the community. They did this with an increased reimbursement rate,” she said. “Unfortunately, this is ending abruptly as the state of Oregon is facing catastrophic Medicaid cuts, and providers are left scrambling to absorb this on very individual levels. Having to withdraw financial support to Pegasus Playhouse is a direct result of these cuts,” she said.
So, what’s next for Pegasus?
“This is the end of Pegasus on Main. This is not the end of our story,” Scott said. The organization is seeking sponsorships and is looking for new venues.
Until then, the shows must go on.
Sunday in the Park with George runs from through Oct. 5 and will be the last performance at the playhouse. The play pays tribute to Georges Seurat’s painting, “A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte.”
The story spans from the Victorian era to the present, alternating between the challenges faced by the artist Georges Seurat and those of his grandson, who is also an artist. This play is particularly relevant to today’s creative community and is sure to resonate with the Pegasus audience.
January’s scheduled production of Oz and February’s production of Godspell have already been cast, and Pegasus plans to perform once a new venue is secured.
“We are working furiously on (finding a venue) and luckily a lot of the community is reaching out and helping,” Scott said.
Leaning into her therapist role, Erin offers advice for individuals struggling with depression related to government budget cuts, politics, or global changes.
“It is human nature to cover, huddle up and withdraw – and just stay glued to the news when things are tough,” she said. “But participating and supporting live theater and arts, in general, is an act of resistance. If you want to help, don’t stay at home, get out there and support the community.”
Pegasus is also looking to host a benefit on Oct. 18. Check for updates on the locations of upcoming plays on its social media pages and at pegasusplayhouse.com, and in upcoming editions of The Chronicle.
To donate, visit: donorbox.org/pegasus-playhouse
Sarina Dorie is the arts writer for The Chronicle.
