Letter from Susan Egan... — Page 4

Scott Eckern has announced his resignation as artistic director of California Musical Theatre following public turmoil in response to his financial support of California's Proposition 8.

In a statement released Nov. 12, Eckern said, "I am leaving California Musical Theatre after prayerful consideration to protect the organization and to help the healing in the local theatre-going and creative community. California Musical Theatre will continue to welcome with open arms all staff, artists and audiences who collaborate in the experience that live theatre does best – to lift the human spirit. I will continue to be in the audience to cheer on all the good work. It has been an honor to serve alongside those I love and respect in this noble profession. I am disappointed that my personal convictions have cost me the opportunity to do what I love the most which is to continue enriching the Sacramento arts and theatre community."

In his letter of resignation, Eckern also said that while he helped fund Proposition 8, his sister is a lesbian in a committed domestic partnership, adding, "I am loving and supportive of her and her family, and she is loving and supportive of me and my family. I definitely do not support any message or treatment of others that is hateful or instills fear. This is a highly emotional issue and the accusations that have been made against me are simply not true. I have now had many conversations with friends and colleagues, and I am deeply saddened that my personal beliefs and convictions have offended others. My choice to support the Proposition was personal, and does not represent the views and opinions of California Musical Theatre or the many people associated with the organization. I was required by law to identify my employer and occupation at the time of my donation."

California Musical Theatre has not issued a statement on a replacement for Eckern.
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This was from Playbill.com

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I worked for this company for three years and my parents have been subscribers for years and years. Some of the very first shows I ever saw where at this theater. My family and I are very disappointed and saddened about the whole thing.

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Updated On: 11/12/08 at 09:14 PM

In the NY Times he was also quoted as saying, “I understand that my choice of supporting Proposition 8 has been the cause of many hurt feelings, maybe even betrayal,” Mr. Eckern said. “It was not my intent. I honestly had no idea that this would be the reaction.”

Huh? What reaction did he THINK it would get? Or did he think at all? My guess is that he didn't.

Put it this way: He has a right to vote the way he wants (even if I don't agree with it AT ALL), but when it comes to donations, they are public record. He should have realized that and not donated at all and kept his vote private. He would still have his job today if he hadn't made that donation. That $1000 cost him a whole lot more, especially in this economy.

You have to be smart about your convictions and actions. I work in the media for a company. I have to be smart about my political affiliations and I have to even be smart about what photos I choose to put up on my FaceBook profile. It is a public era with the internet. All actions have consequences and Scott's story is a classic tale of that.

Yeah, it's amazing how much all those good people who voted for Proposition 8 really love gay and lesbian people, even their brothers and sisters who are in domestic partnerships or civil unions. If all those supporters of Proposition 8 were really in favor of civil unions, then one would expect there to be civil unions in Utah, where Mormons predominate. Or that the Roman Catholic Church was busy lobbying in favor of civil unions in the 40-odd states that do not have them. But alas no, the Mormons and the Catholics and the Evangelicals have fought tooth and nail against any attempt to establish civil unions, and even to repeal them as they did in Oregon and Washington. Don't believe the hype: people who voted against marriage equality would also vote against civil unions if they had the chance.