Community Support Lifts Arizona Theatre Company

Thanks to statewide support, Arizona Theatre Company is expected to raise more than $700,000 from a challenge match grant by an anonymous donor who increased the original amount from $500,000 to $600,000 in June.

ATC received nearly 900 gifts during the month-long campaign, representing almost half of the 2039 individual gifts received during all of Fiscal Year 2014-15. Of the gifts to the match campaign, 575 were for $100 or less.

"The community really stepped up eagerly and generously to make an investment in Arizona Theatre Company. Thanks to the extra incentive by the donor to increase the match, we expect the number to top $700,000 once remaining pledges have been fulfilled," said Interim Managing Director Matt Lehrman. "These funds move ATC forward in substantial and exciting ways. We are incredibly grateful by this show of support."

As a nonprofit 501c3 arts organization, ATC generates 40 percent of its annual operating budget from contributed revenue through grants, sponsors and individual donations that underwrite ATC productions and support statewide youth education outreach initiatives which include the Student Matinee Series, Summer on Stage and Theatre on the Go - Shakespeare Residencies. Ticket sales represent about 60 percent of the Company's overall revenue.

"There is a very strong message from this campaign in how the community believes in and wants the quality professional productions and enriching theatre experiences ATC mounts every year in Phoenix and Tucson," said Lynne Wood Dusenberry, Board of Trustees Chair Elect. "We are gratified by that support and energized as a board and a theatre company to exceed every expectation that comes with every gift."

For more information about Arizona Theatre Company and to make a donation, visit www.arizonatheatre.org.