Growth and Strong Results Highlight Year for Dr. Phillips Center
By: BWW News Desk Aug. 30, 2016
For the fiscal year that ended June 30, a total of 302,582 people attended events at the center, which hosted 338 shows, a 17 percent increase from the first season.
"We originally projected 150 shows per year, so we are very proud of our operations" said Kathy Ramsberger, president and CEO. "Memberships increased to more than 1900, up 23 percent from last year."
"While most new performing arts centers rely heavily on fundraising for about 40 percent of their income, 83 percent of our income is from our operations - sales, sponsorships and maximizing the programming of a diverse roster of shows throughout the season," Ramsberger said.
"Since opening our doors in November 2014, we have been committed to providing local programming in addition to major national, even global, productions. That combination clearly resonates with Central Floridians."
"Since opening in late 2014, the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts has become one of the most celebrated artistic centers in the nation. From presenting acclaimed artists and performances to serving as a center of arts learning and wellness, the DPC has added enormously to our superb quality of life," said Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs. "After the Pulse tragedy, the Dr. Phillips Center quickly became the heartbeat of our community, and played a pivotal role in the helping our nation and the world in grieving and healing. We're so proud of this tremendous cultural asset, and look forward to many future chapters of success," she said.
"The Dr. Phillips Center is an essential addition to our community. It's rewarding to see its operational and financial success, because its presence clearly adds unique cultural and entertainment offerings for our residents and the 66 million tourists that visit each year," said Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer.
"The board of directors set the model of running the arts center by setting high goals. We are exceeding those goals, and I want to thank the board, donors and our entire staff for their dedication and creativity as we build a nationally recognized arts center that is engaging people from across Orlando and beyond," Ramsberger said.
The Dr. Phillips Center was host to numerous charity events organized in response to the Pulse tragedy, including "Beautiful Together," "AC2," "Fun Home" and "From Broadway with Love," altogether raising approximately $500,000. These ticketed events were additional efforts alongside providing a space for the makeshift memorial that grew organically on the Seneff Arts Plaza, the public green space in front of the building that Ramsberger fondly refers to as the community's "family room."
"We always wanted to become a gathering place, and we've seen that happen in a number of ways over these past two years, most significantly as our community united to mourn, support each other and move toward hope for the future. We are a place to be together," she said.
Similarly to the first season of operation, the arts center donated services and equipment that is approaching another $2 million in value to community projects, events and amenities.
"Running the Dr. Phillips Center like a business allowed us to accomplish much more in our first two years, with financial growth that puts us in an excellent position as we look beyond our start-up phase," said Jim Pugh, chairman of the board.
"We not only anticipate another tremendous year three in our programming and operations, we are looking forward to completing the fund-raising for Phase 2 and adding the 1,700-seat Steinmetz Hall," Pugh said.
The 2016-2017 season officially began this month with Maxwell and Alice Cooper both taking the Walt Disney Theater stage. The line-up of forthcoming shows includes the FAIRWINDS Broadway in Orlando season, resident companies Orlando Ballet, Orlando Philharmonic and Opera Orlando seasons, as well as Scott Bradlee's Postmodern Jukebox, Neil deGrasse Tyson and Lily Tomlin, among others.
Engaging Orlando: Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts By the Numbers
Participated
• 1,921 members from 3 countries, 19 states and 27 Florida counties
• Approximately $500,000 raised through ticketed events benefiting charities responding to the Pulse tragedies.
Performed
• 302,582 guests saw 338 performances
• Over 11,500 subscribers to FAIRWINDS Broadway in Orlando Series
• 1,015 subscribers to Morgan Stanley Jazz at Dr. Phillips Center Series
Grew
• 84,776 student participants through all Dr. Phillips Center Florida Hospital School of the Arts programming and outreach
• 732 students in camps and classes
• 6 percent increase in ticket sales
Celebrated
• Named as one of the Top Places in the South (#10) by Southern Living
• Honorable mention of arts center's director of education, Dana Brazil, from the Tony Awards for Excellence in Education
Engaged
• Approaching 70,000 likes on Facebook
• 10,000+ followers on Instagram
• 1.12 million website users
The Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts is a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization operating the state-of-the-art performing arts center in downtown Orlando, Florida. With its opening in November 2014, the performing arts center launched its vision of Arts for Every Life by being a gathering place for creativity and discovery; a vibrant urban destination where artists, audiences and students come to experience, explore and learn. The two-block community destination features the 2,700-seat Walt Disney Theater, 300-seat Alexis & Jim Pugh Theater, Seneff Arts Plaza, Dr. Phillips Center Florida Hospital School of the Arts, the DeVos Family Room, and other event rental spaces. Future expansion includes Steinmetz Hall, a 1,700-seat acoustical theater, along with rehearsal, classroom, office space and commercial development spaces. The Dr. Phillips Center is a private non-profit collaborating with the City of Orlando, Orange County, the State of Florida and generous donors.
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