Penumbra Theatre Announces Changes to the 2011-2012 Season

Penumbra Theatre Company, one of the nation's preeminent African American theatres, announced changes to the 2011-2012 season and a new business plan which will be launched in the 2012-2013 season. These steps will help to ensure the organization can leverage its recent success locally and nationally while remaining fiscally viable during the continuing economic turmoil.

The following two plays in the current 2011-2012 season will be cancelled:
· Julius By Design, February 9 – March 4, 2012.
· Bourbon at the Border, March 29 – April 22, 2012.
All ticket holders have been notified directly and will receive a refund or can convert the tickets into a donation. Any unused tickets from the current season will not be honored next season so all ticketed patrons are encouraged to contact the box office by Friday, December 23, 2011 at 651.224.3180 or info@penumbratheatre.org.

The following two plays remain in the current 2011-2012 season:
· The special return engagement of I Wish You Love, originally scheduled through December 4, has been extended through December 18 due to demand.
· The final show of the season, The Amen Corner, will be presented as originally scheduled, May 11 – June 17, 2012 at the Guthrie Theater.

"These cancellations are painful for all of us – artists, patrons, staff and board," stated Bill Stevens, Penumbra Board Chair. "Not only is it disappointing and frustrating, but it strains our relationships – and for that we apologize. This last year taught us some tough and valuable lessons on the vagaries of this economy and its impact on our business. In response, we are cutting over $600,000 of expenses from our current budget, the bulk of which will come from these two shows."

Kate Barr, Executive Director of Nonprofits Assistance Fund, who has monitored Penumbra for over a decade, commented that "Penumbra has consistently demonstratEd Strong fiscal responsibility during these tough economic times. Their quest to be a sustainable and vibrant business has challenged them to test new strategies. Penumbra's ability to take risks is a key to their success – even if the results are disappointing in the short term. Their board and staff have developed a thoughtful conservative yet flexible business plan for the next five years that features their capacity to be responsive and creative."

The new 5-year business plan – 2012 through 2016 – will address the long standing goals of the organization to eliminate debt and restore the cash reserves. However, it is based on a new artistic model that will integrate the main stage, education and new play programs in more effective and engaging ways both locally and nationally. Currently in the final stages of development, the new model will be unveiled in the spring of 2012. "This concept will not change what we do but it will dramatically change how we do it," stated Lou Bellamy, Penumbra Founder and Artistic Director. "It allows more people – artists, patrons, scholars and students - to discover Penumbra in different ways. We are proud that RBC Wealth Management will be the presenting sponsor for this inaugural season. It is very exciting, so stay tuned."

For Penumbra, the year ending June 30, 2011, was the most difficult and the best year since the recession began. Even though net assets are positive, Penumbra experienced a $500,000 negative impact between lost income and increased expenses. This prompted the board and staff to make immediate adjustments to the current fiscal year ending in 2012 and accelerate the implementation of the new business plan to FY13 instead of FY14.

In addition to increased national visibility with successful runs at Arizona Theater, the Guthrie and The Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., Penumbra had increases in four key indicators:
· Total earned income increased by 53% over the year prior.
· Number of tickets sold increased by 52% and ticket revenue increased by 35%.
· Contributed income increased by 11%.
· Contributions from individuals increased 6%. This represented the sixth consecutive year of increases from individuals.

These incremental annual increases are consistent with prior year results. From FY06 to FY11, Penumbra has had a:
· 61% increase in earned income.
· 124% increase in the number of tickets sold and 123% increase in the ticket revenue.
· 44% increase in contributed income.
· 63% increase in contributions from individuals.

"The board could not ask for a more capable staff to surround the art and ensure its success. We are confident that Penumbra can not only achieve its goals over the next five years plan but will have an exciting impact on the nation's theatrical landscape. We believe we will change the way you think about theater," Stevens added.

Penumbra Overview.
In 1976, as a reaction to the stereotypical depiction of the black ethos, Lou Bellamy founded Penumbra to make art that roared with authenticity through the rich, unrestrained voice of black playwrights and artists. As Minnesota's only professional African American theater, Penumbra has achieved national recognition for its artistic excellence and signature style and has presented 155 plays including 34 world-premieres. It contributes over $2 million annually to the local economy, and attracts new talent and media attention from across the country.

The ultimate goal of the Penumbra mission is to make socially responsible art that provokes thought and action around issues of racism and social justice. This is achieved through three integrated and equally important programs which articulate and activate the mission: the main stage brings artistically excellent stories to life with an unflinching commitment to cultural authenticity; the play development program ensures that the African American experience is preserved by developing uncompromising stories; and, the education programs mobilize the power of art to create social change.

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