Anonymous Donor to Match Arizona Theatre Company Gifts Through June

An anonymous donor has taken the lead to ensure a sustainable future for Arizona Theatre Company (ATC) by offering to match donations made to ATC through the end of June up to $500,000.

"This is huge for Arizona Theatre Company," said Interim Managing Director Matt Lehrman. "This match is a tremendous vote of confidence in the future of this company and a meaningful step to advance ATC toward an exciting, important and sustainable future."

As a nonprofit 501c3 arts organization, 40 percent of ATC's annual operating budget derives from contributed revenue through grants, sponsors and individual donations. In addition to underwriting the productions of Arizona's only fully-professional theatre company, contributed revenue also supports ATC's school matinee performances, statewide youth outreach initiatives and its popular Summer on Stage program. Ticket sales represent about 60 percent of the Company's overall revenue.

"From the strength of our ticket sales, we know that Arizona values theatre." Lehrman said. "We are confident we can reach the $500,000 goal, but this is clearly an "all hands on deck" situation."

Lehrman said the timing of the offer coincides with a comprehensive season-long assessment to scrutinize and strengthen every aspect of ATC operations.

"The opportunities for ATC's future are great," he said, "but they don't exist until we achieve the challenges of the present. That's why this match is so important."

ATC Board Chairperson Cameron Artigue noted that the leadership of the Board and initial response of the community has been very encouraging, saying "the need to raise money is a fact of life for all non-profit organizations; this challenge grant adds powerful fuel to the ATC engine and provides a great boost to optimism and confidence."