Actors Theatre To Remain Open Due To 2nd Stage Of Fundraising

Buoyed by a "vote of confidence" from the community – both in and out of Arizona – that has generated more than $200,000 in just over eight weeks, The Actors Theatre Board of Directors has agreed to keep the 26-year old theatre company's doors open at least through the end of June.
"Our board is committed to continuing the fight for Actors Theatre," said Producing Artistic Director Matthew Wiener. "The response from the community has demonstrated widespread support for what we do and the board is confident that moving forward is in the best interests of the community and the company itself."

As of January 3, the first two phases of the three-tiered fund-raising effort have raised $228,000 from 722 donors from more than 30 Arizona cities, 19 different states and the United Kingdom. More than 54 percent of the gifts have been from new donors and 10 percent of those donors have committed to regular ongoing support. Among the gifts was $25,000 through a match granting by several anonymous donors for donations made from Dec. 10-31.

"While we fell short of our $240,000 goal, we were fully aware of new funding opportunities that became available on January 1. We also knew of a number of people who were waiting to see our progress that we hope are now comfortable and confident in supporting the company," said Managing Director Erica Black. "The progress we have made primarily through this grass-roots effort has sent a very strong message about how the community views our product and supports our mission. We need to build on that momentum through leadership gifts from individuals and corporations who will follow the lead of our board of directors. We are not out of the woods yet and the situation remains critical to the survival of the company."

The company still needs to raise $260,000 by June 30 to build a solid financial foundation.
Board President Oonagh Boppart said the grassroots approach was important in "creating an understanding of the need and generating momentum. The board and staff are now ready to pursue an aggressive strategic planning effort to create a blueprint for the future of Actors Theatre. Our first goal is to identify and cultivate leadership gifts."

Boppart, Wiener and Black also ask that individuals continue using their personal email and social networking communities "to spread the word quickly and efficiently."

Simultaneously with the fund-raising effort, Actors Theatre prepared and opened its third show of the 2011-12 season, Hunter Gatherers, at the Herberger Theater. The show runs through January 15 and will be followed by Dead Man's Cell Phone (Feb. 24-March 11), Body Awareness (March 30-April 15) and Time Stands Still (May 11-27).

The company also will begin planning the introduction of new, lighter fare off-season programming to generate additional income. The first summer show, "The Wallace and Ladmo Show," is a collaboration with Desert Foothills Theatre and Centennial Theatre Foundation.

Donations can be made online at www.actorstheatrephx.org or by mailing a check to Actors Theatre, PO Box 1924, Phoenix AZ 85001. Tickets to Hunter Gatherers also can be purchased online or at the Herberger Theater Box Office.

For more information, call Actors Theatre at (602) 253-6701 or visit the website.

Phoenix Awards - Live Stats

Best Musical - Top 3

1. TOOTSIE (Arizona Broadway Theatre)

23% of votes

2. ANASTASIA: THE MUSICAL (Don Bluth Front Row Theatre)

8.6% of votes

3. WE ARE THE TIGERS (Velvet Curtain Productions)

7% of votes

Vote Now!