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Hundreds of people rallied outside a theatre in Sacramento today in support of the artistic director who resigned over his stand on Proposition 8.
After 25 years with California Musical Theatre, Scott Eckern, a BYU graduate and distinguished alumnus, has left his position as artistic director because of how he voted.
Ticket holders, donors and friends rallied outside the theatre supporting Eckern.
"Freedom should be respected, and they haven't respected his freedom to do what he would with his funds," said supporter Jaynie Dufort.
Eckern donated $1,000 to support Prop. 8. It became public record and when the composer of "Hairspray," which had been performed there, found out. He called Eckern, telling him "money from [his] salary... had now been put to use to pass this bigoted proposition... no project of mine would ever play [his]theatre."
Eckern's publicist says others followed. Eckern then released a statement, which reads in part: "I understand that my choice of supporting Proposition 8 has been the cause of many hurt feelings, maybe even betrayal. I honestly had no idea that this would be the reaction.
"I am leaving California Musical Theatre after prayerful consideration to protect the organization and to help the healing in the local theatre-going and creative community."
California Musical Theatre is considered the largest nonprofit musical theatre company in the state. The manager insists Eckern was not forced out.
"A lot of the e-mails that we got yesterday, and the phone messages, are along those lines that we're pressuring the man, but we're not," executive producer Richard Lewis said.
Eckern received his Bachelor and Master of Fine Arts Degrees from BYU and spoke as part of the Honored Alumni Lecture Series in 2007.
"He represents, what I believe are, the highest values both artistically, professionally and administratively in the field, and his resignation will be a significant loss," said Stephen Jones, dean of the BYU College of Fine Arts.
Eckern also said in his statement this his sister is gay and in a committed domestic partnership and that he will be making a $1,000 donation to the Human Rights Campaign.
The theatre's board of directors has said it appreciates Eckern's years of service.
E-mail: cmikita@ksl.com
