Divide and conquer isn't the solution for the Syracuse theatre scene. Instead, three theatre companies are collaborating in response to the current economic situation. They are known as the Syracuse Theatre District. As our Iris St. Meran explains, in the district, everything from ideas to actors are shared.

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Rarely Done Productions Artistic Director Dan Tursi said, "Using resources with one another: Actors, set designers and tech staff and ideas and spaces, et cetera."

The District includes Apple Seed Productions, Rarely Done Productions and Red House and launched in October. The goal is to continue to thrive as the theatre scene once did just a few decades ago.

"We used to have 23 plus theatre companies here in town that stood alone,” Tursi added. “You could because of the economy. It was great, the 80s and 90s were great. We all know what the economy is now. We need to help one another now. Standing alone is just something of the past."

Tursi didn't put a dollar figure on it, but said this collaboration would be a substantial savings for all involved.

In addition to saving money, The District will help promote each company's individual theatre productions.

"We have these things called district nights. We try on each of the opening nights of each other's companies. We bring a cast to those shows to build up the audiences," said Tursi.

And they're doing this for the audiences. To make sure theatre arts stays in the community an effort they're doing together.

This is the first year for the district. In the future, they'll look into inviting other theatre companies.