Actor's Express Reaches Out for Immediate Aid

Actor's Express Theatre Company announces a critical juncture in its 23-year history. Due to decreased discretionary spending and a reduction in philanthropic support, its operating revenues have been severely impacted, and the acclaimed theatre is facing an impending budget deficit that threatens the survival of the company, which is located in West Midtown at the King Plow Arts Center.

In a letter to supporters, Artistic Director Freddie Ashley said, "Staff and board have worked tirelessly to do more with less - cutting spending while continuing to present works of the highest quality and importance. In spite of our efforts, though, we are faced with an impending deficit that quite literally threatens our existence. Without immediate additional support - above and beyond that already projected - we will be forced to close our doors. Specifically, to save Actor's Express, we need $50,000 over the next four weeks, and an additional $150,000 over the subsequent four months."

Managing Director Lara Smith points out measures in place to prevent situations of this kind from recurring in the future. "Not only have we not acquired any additional debt this year, we have managed to retire some past debt by working out payment plans with vendors," Smith said. "We have now implemented new financial tracking processes to assert more control over cash flow and have changed our thinking to include retiring our debt as part of our operations. Staff has implemented significant expense controls and continues to find ways to stretch our limited resources without diminishing the quality of our art."

Smith goes on to say, "We're on our way, but we need the help of the community."

Despite the significant challenge in front of the Express, its staff and board look to the long-term legacy of the theatre and its recent accomplishments and remain optimistic about the theatre's future. "We have the right staff in place, and we're excited about the future. Freddie and Lara will take the organization to greater heights once we overcome this hurdle," says Board Chair Bruce Cohen.

Here is a list of the theatre's recent accomplishments, both artistic and administrative:

§ Winner of the Audience Choice Award for Outstanding Overall Season from the Suzi Bass Awards in 2010.
§ Three AE productions named to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution's top 10 theatre events list of 2009, more than any other theatre.
§ AE's World Premiere of Fair Use named by Creative Loafing as the top Atlanta theatre production of 2009.
§ Eight AE shows recently named to Creative Loafing's list of the top 50 Atlanta theatrical productions of the last decade.
§ Co-hosted the 2009 National New Play Network showcase attended by 36 theatres from across the country.
§ Staged AE's most commercially successful show of the decade, Grey Gardens, in 2009.
§ Became home to the Essential Theatre festival and Libby Whittemore's cabaret.
§ Received specific grants to upgrade our infrastructure, including a new seating system; upgraded sound system; refurbished lobby and signage; the addition of a permanent concession bar; and a new customer management database.

Ashley continues, "I'm so excited about what is on the horizon for Actor's Express. Between finalizing our strategic plan and our 25th Anniversary just right around the corner, we have a lot to look forward to. For the upcoming 2011-12 season, we are planning recent Broadway hits, a great American classic, and also some exceptional new work - in other words, a season full of all the things that have made Actor's Express an Atlanta treasure for 23 years."

Donations can be made online at www.actors-express.com and PayPal, or by calling the theatre at 404-875-1606.

About Actor's Express

Since 1988, Actor's Express has offered original voices and new perspectives that reflect Atlanta's diverse and evolving community. Recognized as one of the most remarkable and daring theatre companies in the Southeast, Actors Express has been cited as "the city's most vital theatrical venue" (Creative Loafing) and continues to fill an important niche in Atlanta's rich arts community as a place for high quality theatre and theatre education.

In 2009, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution cited three AE productions in its list of the Top Ten plays of the year, more than any other theatre. When Creative Loafing announced its pick for the top productions of 2009, Actor's Express was recognized twice and was the only theatre to be honored for more than one play.

Under the artistic direction of Freddie Ashley, the theatre strives to nurture the next generation of playwrights through workshops, readings, and full productions of new plays; to enhance Atlanta's artistic community through theatre training; to catalyze dialogue essential to the vitality of our city and to enhance Atlanta's reputation nationally as a thriving center for live performance.

Major funding for Actor's Express is provided by the Fulton County Board of Commissioners under the guidance of the Fulton County Arts Council. This program is supported in part by the Georgia Council for the Arts through the appropriations from the Georgia General Assembly. GCA is a Partner Agency of the National Endowment for the Arts. Actor's Express programming is also supported in part by the City of Atlanta Office of Cultural Affairs.

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