LIBERTY, NY — Paul Austin, founder of the Liberty Free Theatre, a mainstay of the area’s cultural scene for 10 years, has announced that the theatre is closing. Having lost its home theatre in the Village of Liberty several years ago, the company has toured the county with productions at a variety of venues for the past few seasons. A letter sent to the theatre’s supporters read in part:

“... By the end of last year’s season the Liberty Free Theatre was in an even more precarious financial condition than it has been these last ten years... In addition, the wear and tear of touring the county these last seasons has made it difficult for both artists and volunteers to offer their services as readily as they did when we had our home base.

“So it is with regret that the Board of Directors and I have decided to close the Liberty Free Theatre.

“The sorrow and regret at having to close the doors, however, does not in any way diminish the feelings of pleasure and accomplishment that I, the Board, the artists, volunteers and, I hope, you feel for what we contributed to the cultural vitality of our community. And, perhaps more importantly, how all of us, as friends and neighbors, may have opened another door showing others that small, rural counties can and should provide quality theatre of modest size and great ambition where ‘everyone is welcome, always.’”