That old show business adage “on with the show” clearly applies to the New York State Theatre Institute.

Many theater programs would be crippled or possibly forced to shut down if they lost half of their funding and part of their staff through retirements and retrenchments, as NYSTI has.

But the institute is continuing, announcing a series of three productions for the fall season.

“It has been a real challenge,” said NYSTI Chapter President John Romeo, who explained NYSTI needed to re-examine and adjust its priorities with fewer funds to purchase scenic materials and costumes and to hire actors.

“We have tried to creatively simplify scenic elements, refurbish in-stock costuming and use whatever technology NYSTI already has to make the productions exciting,” Romeo added.

The fact that NYSTI is able to endure speaks volumes about the dedication of its members.

“I have never worked anywhere that people have put aside so much to do what needs to be done; to do the best work they can and go so far beyond the call of duty,” Romeo said. “The members have taken on all kinds of new responsibilities to make sure all areas of our program are covered. We are doing the work of more than 30 people with 15.”

An important part of NYSTI’s mission is to produce professional theater for school-age audiences, offering performances on weekdays for students. That form of cultural enrichment is even more valuable for teachers whose school districts are dealing with diminishing financial resources. Romeo says teachers are looking to use NYSTI’s educational programs to supplement their own dwindling arts programs.

NYSTI is working to put together its lineup for the spring season.

— Donald Feldstein