By Guy Stephens
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wnij/local-wnij-860879.mp3
Rockford, IL – It s never been easy for theater companies. And the current economic downturn has made it even harder. Cuts in private and public support, along with tightening credit, have led companies across the country to close their doors. But one troupe has bucked that trend.
Artists Ensemble Theater is a professional company based in Rockford. The company began its 6th season in Rockford College s Maddox Theatre September 11th with an original production, Jeeves in Bloom. It has ended every season of its existence in the black. On the eve of the new season, WNIJ s Guy Stephens asked executive director Richard Raether (RAY-ther) how the company s doing.