The Fresno City College theatre has had to accommodate more groups annually wishing to use the facility. With most dates reserved by early-summer, newer and smaller groups have found there is a shortage of open dates to book a performance.

Larry Dickson, interim box office director, said the making of the theatre calendar requires a lot of planning and advanced notice. The chairs of the departments collaborate over summer and do their best to divide time in the theatre based on the events already submitted to them.

“It’s getting harder and harder because they’re adding more and more [groups],” John Morrice, strings instructor, explained of a situation where increasing amounts of groups are competing for time in a near-booked theatre.

Groups such as the various FCC clubs, events put on by the administration such as the First Year Experience for freshman, and all performing arts groups fortunate enough to get theatre time, especially smaller branches of the music department such as the various ensembles (woodwinds, strings, etc.) and small jazz groups.

Groups that wish to schedule an event not discussed early in the process must either work with what is left or schedule off-campus dates. The orchestra booked its first two performances two weeks apart because the theatre was unable to schedule otherwise.

Greg Rodriguez, an alto sax player, said he will play at the theatre only once this semester for the Fresno City Jazz festival with the jazz combo. But there are groups within groups. “There are at least three just within this jazz combo,” he says. “They usually play down at the Tower Mosaic.” (A small art gallery in the Tower district)

Although the policy of the theatre is first come first serve, certain groups such as the drama department, who use more-or-less the same dates annually are given priority.

Part of the issue is the use of the facility for days at a time by any one group. The drama department may have a week to raise and deconstruct sets. The dance groups may get a week to practice on stage. These days of backstage work are necessary, yet occupy time many other FCC groups are eager to use.

Head of the Music Department, Mike Dana, has recognized the potential the Old Administration Building has to decongest scheduling at the theatre. “I’m beyond thrilled that it’s going to happen,” he says. He organized “Friday Night Jazz” last year to help raise funds for the project.

Mr. Dana has attempted to alleviate the situation by scheduling more off campus performances. He points out the choirs scheduled performance at the St. Therese church this fall.

He adds how the dimensions of the stage in the OAB are smaller than that of the theatre, making it more practical for guest speakers, concerts, and film showings as compared to theatrical events, which require a deeper stage.

Larry Honda, professor of music theory and woodwinds conductor, also said the re-opening of the Old Administration Building will alleviate the situation. “It’s going to be a few years,” he added.

Chuck Erven, head of the drama department, said booking the theatre was not a problem for him. “It’s all difficult,” he jests, “but the biggest issue facing the drama department is getting an audience.”