To the editor:

On behalf of the Board of Directors of the Lake Placid Center for the Arts, we would like to thank you for the excellent coverage of Ruckus: A Cirque Spectacular in Monday’s issue. Our audiences told us they loved the presentation of this Vermont-based circus troupe and that the standing ovation was well deserved. The article, as well as the picture, helped communicate our excitement at presenting this exemplary company and share an amazing opportunity for residents of the North Country to see Cirque close to home.

However, we would like to take the opportunity to clear up some misconceptions that the article may have caused. Presenting a varied and balanced season, that highlights local artists and provides opportunities for local residents to experience work that they might not otherwise have access to, is one of the principal goals of our organization.

The LPCA remains steadfast in our commitment to support and highlight local talent. For our current 2014-2015 season, 36 percent of the total programming is comprised of local talent – an increase of 8 percent from the previous year. In the upcoming months, we are excited to be able to share the talents of Julie Robards in a unique musical concert, Burdette Parks’ artwork, Dan Duggan and Peggy Lynn with their annual concert An Adirondack Christmas, the students of the Lake Placid School of Ballet and Dance starring in The Nutcracker, and many more.

While Community Theatre Players and Jessica Deeb’s Rising Star Children’s theatre have chosen to use other performance venues this season, we remain firm in our support of these valuable organizations and welcome them for future performances. We have, and will continue, to hold spaces for each organization on our calendar.

We appreciate the opportunity to clear up any possible confusion caused by Monday’s article. We are grateful for the opportunity to bring quality programming – local, regional, and national – to our community and confident that during the upcoming season, there really is something for everyone at the LPCA.

The LPCA Executive Committee

Cathy Johnston – president

Heidi Roland – vice president

Kathy Daggett – vice president

Diane Fish – vice president

James Maswick – treasurer

Caroline Welsh – secretary

Sally Crowley – board member and programming chair