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WHEREAS, Open Stage Theatre was founded in 1991 by Earl Douglas Childs, Jr., Doug Sterling, Christine Suhr and Ruth Willis; and
WHEREAS, the Theatre provides local actors, directors, designers and technicians with unique and artistically challenging projects unlike anything found elsewhere in the City; and
WHEREAS, Open Stage Theatre has produced nearly 80 plays over the last fourteen seasons, with an emphasis on modern classics and contemporary themes, often including Pittsburgh premiers; and
WHEREAS, Founding Artistic Director, Ruth Willis, will be retiring at the end of the coming season; and
WHEREAS, Ruth Willis propelled Open Stage Theatre's growth from its itinerant, all-volunteer beginnings to its current incarnation as one of Pittsburgh's more respected small theatres; and
WHEREAS, on October 22, 2006 Ruth Willis received a Lifetime Achievement Award from Pittsburgh's New Works Festival; and
WHEREAS, on December 9, 2006 from 5:00-8:00 p.m., at its home at 2823 Smallman Street in the Strip District, Ms. Willis will receive a WQED/Dominion Volunteer In The Arts (VITA) award and Open Stage Theatre will honor the great work Ruth Willis has done for the Theatre since its inception fifteen years ago.
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NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh hereby commends Open Stage Theatre for its contribution to the Arts in Pittsburgh and thanks Ruth Willis for playing such an essential role in helping the Theatre to succeed; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh hereby declares December 9, 2006, "Ruth Willis Day", in the City of Pittsburgh.