As you know, Theatre Charlotte is dedicated to creating outstanding theatre opportunities for the people of the Charlotte region.  As we prepare for our 82^nd season, we would like you to know how we are responding to the economy and what you can do to help.

Despite the struggling economy, we remain committed to making theatre relevant in the lives of more people by demonstrating that theatre can engage, entertain and inspire.  Theatre has the power to change lives, and Theatre Charlotte has been changing lives since 1927—as the oldest cultural institution in Charlotte and the oldest continuously producing community theatre in NC.  Each year, more than 500 volunteers take part in our productions, but even with this help, presenting quality theatre is costly.  The average cost of a musical is $24,000, and the average cost of a comedy or drama is $9,000.

Ticket sales account for only 50% of our revenue.  The remaining 50% comes from donations from individuals, corporations, foundations and the Arts and Science Council.  This year, the ASC Annual Fund Drive raised 37% fewer dollars than the prior year.  This has resulted in a 29% cut in the operating support that ASC will provide Theatre Charlotte during the 2009-2010 season.  We have been preparing for cuts from ASC and other sources of contributed income by reducing staff salaries up to 10% and making sizable reductions in staff benefits.  We have selected plays and musicals for 2009-2010 that will engage, entertain and inspire, yet can be produced with smaller budgets.  We are also planning more low-cost special events throughout the year to help generate additional revenue, such as a Junior Cabaret (featuring performers ages 8-18), a murder mystery dinner theatre and more.  However, we will still need your help.

To those who have already given a donation to the 2009-2010 season, we sincerely thank you and appreciate your commitment to presenting great theatre at affordable prices.  If you have not yet given, we respectfully ask that you consider supporting our mission at a level that is appropriate for you.  You may send a check, payable to Theatre Charlotte, 501 Queens Road, Charlotte, NC 28207.  Or you may donate online by visiting www.theatrecharlotte.org/donate.asp.  If you choose to donate online, you can opt to make a one-time donation or pay your donation on a monthly basis through justgive.org.  This is a way you can make a donation without putting more stress on your personal budget.  Please see www.theatrecharlotte.org/donate.asp for details about this convenient way to make a gift.

Again, thank you for your commitment to Theatre Charlotte.  Together we can continue to change lives through theatre.

Sincerely,  

Ron Law                                                                    Bruce Nofsinger
Executive Director                                                  President, Board of Directors