The REP Receives Top Ranking by United Arts General Operating Support

For the second consecutive year, Orlando Repertory Theatre (The REP) is ranked highest of all fifteen "large budget" applicants by United Arts General Operating Support grant panelists. Earning a score of 96.22 points out of 100, The REP was ranked as the first of the 15 applicants in the large budget category.

The United Arts General Operating Support grant process provides stabilizing operating support to the region's cornerstone cultural organizations. The extensive application includes three years worth of financial data, full demographic breakdown of patrons served, an exhaustive listing of all programming offered, staff resumes, and questions regarding the artistic quality, financial management, and service to the community offered by the organization.

An applicant's score in the artistic quality category makes up the majority of application scores, at 40%. One panelist remarked that The REP's programming is "high quality - Broadway caliber - and fully engages the kids in the audience."

Business and fiscal management scores, judged largely by staff qualifications and financial documents, represent 35% of an applicant's score. Community collaborations and engagement (programming working with underserved or underrepresented populations, efforts to reach visitors and residents, and collaborations with other nonprofit organizations) represent 25% of overall score. Another panelist said "[The REP] is a model of collaboration - with the school system, and with community organizations."

In addition to reviewing the submitted application packet, individual panelists observe performances of applicant organizations throughout their respective seasons, and personally experience their programs. These panelists meet in November each year to share their experiences, rank organizations, and make funding recommendations to the United Arts Board of Directors.

Panelists serving on the 2015 large budget panel complimented The REP's national prominence: "Every group in the large budget category should be seeking to raise the Central Florida reputation on the national stage. And this group is doing that."

"We are thrilled to be considered the highest ranking arts organization in Central Florida," says The REP's Executive Director, Gene Columbus. "Our staff and board strive daily to create 'The Finest in Family Theatre', and we are thankful that these efforts are recognized."

In 2015, The REP receives $90,000 in operating support from United Arts, who awarded $1,423,821 to 43 nonprofit cultural organizations in Central Florida. Funds awarded support all activities occurring during the 2015 calendar year. Grant awards in the large budget category (organizations with operating budgets of $750,000 or more per year) ranged from $5,000 to $188,822 in 2015. The $90,000 award represents a 9% increase over The REP's 2014 award.

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