With Liberty and Theatre for all

By JONATHAN FOX

Paul Austin is a remarkable man. Over the years he has worn many hats—actor, writer, director and teacher. Austin has participated in virtually all aspects of the theater world and his resume is impressive.

Not only has he written for, and about, the stage, but his plays have been produced in New York and around the country. For many years, he was the artistic director of the Image Theatre and Studio in NYC, and still found time to appear in film and television productions. He has directed well over 100 plays, including many new works.

Austin began spending his weekends in Sullivan County in 1990 and decided to make the Catskills his permanent home in 1992. Building on a legacy of impressive credentials, and armed with dedication, passion and an ongoing drive to produce and create artistic endeavors, he founded the Liberty Free Theatre five years ago. His dream was to make theatre and art available to anyone who wishes to avail themselves of the opportunity to experience it, creating the theatre’s slogan “everyone welcome, always.”

Austin’s involvement in community activities also played a role in the creation of the theatre. As he became more involved with his neighbors throughout the region, he became acutely aware of how he felt he might contribute. “This is not a community theatre” he explains, “but a professional theatre that belongs to the community.”

Commenting on the fact that the theatre produces many new works with themes that could be interpreted by some as “controversial” or “experimental” he said, “I don’t think of our work as ‘political’ theatre, but I do think of it as ‘socially conscious’ theatre.

Austin’s personal integrity is paramount. “I don’t think anybody should do anything, without a willingness to commit,” he said. “I have always been convinced that if one does something well, it will work—and if you execute a work of art with integrity, it has to work.”

Creating a place for community to gather and experience art without charging admission was always a part of the goal for Austin.

“Ideally, what I’m looking for is an audience that is diverse and represents the entire spectrum of the community, regardless of economic constraints, and an audience that is unaware of differences between them.

“When I realized that attempting to make a profit from such an enterprise would be daunting, at best, is when I realized that it should be free.” In its own way, every performance at the theatre is like a town social. The audience is always invited to stay after the show, share something to eat and drink and discuss whatever is on their minds. Sometimes the discussion is a lively debate about the production that has just played—but it can also be about the weather, or the latest news.

“It really doesn’t matter what direction the conversation takes,” Austin said. “It’s much more about the community feeling at home here—and knowing that art has its place in everyone’s lives; that’s why we make it accessible to everyone.”

The Liberty Free Theatre is incorporated in the state of New York as a not-for-profit organization and is partially funded through private donations and some grants provided by the Delaware Valley Arts Alliance, but when directly asked about how the theatre sustains itself, the answer was simple and direct. “It does not sustain itself. It is not possible,” Austin said. “I lose money every year.”

That being said, Austin does not despair, nor does he ever consider giving up or losing hope. “Economic trends change,” he said, “and as long as the community wants us to be here, we will be.” Community outreach is key to the future success of such a lofty endeavor. “It’s difficult to convince the grant-givers that what we do should be free to anyone wishing to participate,” Austin said.

Getting the word out and supporting the theatre is a responsibility which, if shouldered together as a community, can and will work. In uncertain times like these, it’s more important than ever to get together, share ideas and celebrate community, and how artistic expression can enrich everyone’s Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.

The Liberty Free Theatre gratefully accepts donations and checks can be made out and sent to The Liberty Free Theatre, Inc., 109 South Main Street, Liberty, NY.

For more information on how to contribute, and a full schedule of events, visit LibertyFreeTheatre.org. You’ll be glad you did.