The University of Windsor is moving forward with its decision to close the University Players production unit and lay off six employees.
"To ensure the continuation of academic excellence in the School of Dramatic Art, the University of Windsor will proceed with its plan to close University Players. A thorough evaluation of alternatives proposed by University Players employees found that none would achieve the required savings, and all would still result in significant financial losses. This decision allows the University to prioritize academic programs and focus on ensuring new and innovative experiential learning opportunities for students," reads a statement from the university.
The union representing the employees, CUPE Local 1393, voiced its disappointment after presenting the university with potential alternatives last week.
"A 65-year history of graduating world-class actors, directors, producers and technical experts in theatre, movie and television has been eliminated thanks to short-sighted budgetary realignment measures that will only serve to diminish the educational experience for students, CUPE 1393 maintains that the University Players should have and could have been sustained if there had been the desire from University administration to support the arts at University of Windsor, the wider Windsor Essex arts community, and the industry as a whole," Kristen Siapas, Acting President of CUPE 1393, said in a statement released to the media.
The union will now support the employees through the layoff process.
"As an affected member of University Players, the closure is personally devastating. The theatre company is a close-knit group of co-workers who have dedicated their professional careers to educating and entertaining the University community and people of Windsor-Essex," said Siapas.
The University of Windsor announced its decision to close the University Players in June. It is part of its plan to save $5.6 million and balance the operating budget.