It is with regret and sadness that I write this letter on behalf of the Blue Ridge Arts and Theatre Society (BRATS). We have reached the point where finding storage for our stage sets has become a major obstacle. At a BRATS meeting held February 20, members looked realistically at our situation and accepted the fact that we may need to disband. We can no longer continue producing plays as we have done in the past. For the past 30 years, BRATS has entertained audiences. We truly appreciate you kind people for your support, involvement, and encouragement. We thank those individuals and groups who have allowed us to use their space for a time. We have had seven locations since our beginning 30 years ago. However, we have had to move twice in the past four years and now we are faced with moving again. Moving is heavy, hard, stressful, and we are all getting older. We are looking for a long term arrangement. We can’t offer much in return except free tickets and our undying gratitude. The proceeds from ticket sales have been awarded in the form of scholarships to graduating seniors. If you have a space approximately the size of a one car garage, please call Linda Wilson at 694-6988. As we consider closing the curtain on BRATS, we take with us wonderful memories, lasting friendships, and tight bonds. We hope that we have given you, our audience, joy, laughter, and an appreciation of a community theatre. Phyllis Eastridge
