The University of Windsor’s recent decision to eliminate the production unit within the School of Dramatic Art and the University Players theatre group has been met with outcry from the community. Students, staff, and community members such as Stratford Festival artistic director Antoni Cimolino spoke to the media about the impact that the loss of the University Players will have on the community and on Canada’s broader arts scene. UWindsor student Allyson Johnston said that the timing is particularly upsetting for future students who have accepted admission into the program. CBC reports that a petition was started last week calling for the university to reinstate the University Players. A university spokesperson said that the program is not financially viable as salaries and costs outpace University Players’ revenue by over $1M annually.
