Two Weeks In, Totem Pole Campaign Shows Positive Signs
On August 29, Franklin County's historic Totem Pole Playhouse announced a financial crisis requiring approximately $250,000.00 by October 1, 2012 in order to maintain a 63rd season in 2013.
Two weeks into its fundraising campaign, indications are that Totem Pole may well meet its goal in time. According to Ray Ficca, Artistic Director, "We have had tremendous response – we are over $160,000 in the first two weeks of September. Individuals, children, businesses – even our staff, who aren't paid a lot."
The Playhouse relies on ticket sales for income, but sells tickets for only a thirteen to fourteen week season. Although it applies for arts grants and other funding, it intends to do so on a more active basis than it has previously. Ficca also notes that Totem Pole had its greatest successes when there was a star, Jean Stapleton, active on the Totem Pole stage. A return to star performers is one of the many possibilities being considered for the theater, although it is an expensive one.
Presently, 200 tickets have been sold in advance for the September 16 Totem Pole fundraiser with Robbie Limon. For more information, visit the Totem Pole website at www.totempoleplayhouse.org.
Photo credit: Totem Pole Playhouse
