Centerstage Theatre and city of Federal Way representatives met on Wednesday to resume negotiations on a future contract with Centerstage to operate at the Dumas Bay Centre.

Under the current three-year agreement, which is set to expire on June 30, Centerstage operates the city-owned Knutzen Family Theatre. The city pays Centerstage $76,500 per year to manage the facility.

Last week, city staff notified Centerstage that they decided to allow the contract with the theatre to expire. Instead, Mayor Jim Ferrell said the city would manage and operate the Knutzen Family Theatre in-house.

However, following Wednesday’s meeting, both Centerstage and the city renewed their commitment to move forward with negotiations.

Alan Bryce, Centerstage director stated, “I am pleased we are moving forward with negotiations towards a new agreement. Centerstage is a tremendous community asset that is recognized regionally for quality theater productions. We want to continue our relationship with the city of Federal Way at the Dumas Bay facility.”

Ferrell said, “I am encouraged with the progress made during the negotiation session today. I will recommend an up to 90 day extension of the current contract to council in order for an agreement to be reached. Our relationship with Centerstage is very important to our community and our citizens.”

This proposed contract extension will be presented to the Parks, Human Services and Public Safety Council Committee at 5:30 p.m. on June 9 and to the council as a whole for approval on June 16.

The extension period would be from July 1 through Sept. 30.

Dates and times for negotiation sessions have been tentatively scheduled during this period.