A memorandum of understanding was unanimously agreed upon by both boards, in which the Reg Lenna would permanently join of the NCC upon the completion of due diligence, the finalization of a definitive agreement, and the final approval of each board.

The Reg Lenna board of directors recently approached the NCC board to explore an enhanced partnership in which the two organizations would restructure to help support both organizations’ missions and long-term goals. Following the approval of the Memorandum of Understanding by both boards earlier this week, a task force comprised of board members and staff from both organizations will now be created to finalize the new organizational structure and to develop a long term business plan, while leveraging the synergies and efficiencies of a combined entity.

The move comes following the announced departure of Reg Lenna executive director Kathleen Eads, who announced she would be resigning at the end of September in order to take a position at Lindenwood University in St. Charles, Mo. to be the new director of theater operations for the school’s performing arts center.

“We’re so proud of the team at the Reg Lenna Center for the Arts, and what it has achieved in recent years. Thanks, in part, to local foundation support, we have completed a significant renovation that positions us for future growth. Now is the perfect time to explore a partnership with the National Comedy Center in expanding our reach and programming opportunities, and achieving sustainability,” stated Maria Kindberg, president of the Reg Lenna Board of Directors.

“As the longest standing arts and cultural organization in the community, the Reg Lenna will continue to strengthen vital connections. As we explore enhanced partnership opportunities with the National Comedy Center, we will focus on better meeting our mission of inspiring, educating and empowering an engaged community.  Joining forces with the Comedy Center will assist us in doing so,” stated Phin DeMink, Vice President of the Reg Lenna Board of Directors.

“The Reg Lenna Center for the Arts is a true jewel for Jamestown and Western New York,” stated Tom Benson, NCC project chairman. “By joining forces with the National Comedy Center, our two outstanding organizations can help fulfill our respective missions, while growing our brands and reaching new audiences more effectively – the National Comedy Center as a national-scale attraction and the Reg Lenna Center as the hub for arts and culture in our local community.”

The Reg Lenna Center for the Arts, located at 116 E. Third Street in downtown Jamestown, will continue host a broad range of events including live concerts, movies, ballet, orchestras, gallery shows, comedy performances and more.

NOTE: WRFA’s license is owned by the Reg Lenna Center for the Arts and station employees are part of the Reg Lenna staff. 

This “spirited” and culinary trip around the world will feature Evans Liquor and Wines and Southern Tier Brewing Company founder Phin DeMink teaming up to create four unique worldly cocktails.

A variety of foods from around the world will be provided by Reg Lenna Center for The Arts board members.

Several fun winter games including mini-curling, shuffle board and a ring toss will also be part of the festivities.

Tickets are $30 per person presale and $35 at the door. Proceeds benefit Reg Lenna Center for The Arts.

Due to construction at The Reg, a temporary box office location is open at 215 Spring St. (between 3rd and 2nd streets) and the entrance to the theater is next door. This box office is open between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Saturday. The temporary theater entrance will be open one hour prior to movies and events, at which time tickets will be available upon entering the building.

Throughout construction, Forte the Restaurant will remain open.

Tickets are available by calling 716.484.7070 for tickets, during the box office hours listed above or buying online at RegLenna.com.