Each year, as the City of Dixon prepares its annual budget, various departments and organizations submit funding requests. Among them are local non-profits, including Stage Left, which this year sought to increase its allocation from $5,000 to $20,000.
However, Dixon City Council members raised concerns about the request, prompting them to withhold any funding decisions until their questions were addressed.
At a recent council meeting, Stage Left Director Scott Fatisi appeared to clarify the organization’s needs. He explained that the requested funds would support production costs and ongoing work on their new theater, a project previously approved by the city several months ago.
Fatisi emphasized the cultural value of the arts, noting that during the winter months, Stage Left’s activities draw visitors to Dixon.
Currently, Stage Left is in the midst of constructing a new venue. While their upcoming season will proceed, performances will take place at alternative locations.
The goal is to debut the new theater in early 2026, though there’s a slight chance it could open as early as October 2025.
