         |
Dear New Vic Theatre supporter... You know how sometimes in life you go through a bad moment, and when your friends hear about it later, they say, "Why didn't you say something? Why didn't you ask? We would have helped." The New Vic’s moment is now and we are asking for your help. Very briefly, here's what happened. Over the past ten years, most of our funding has come from our box office and the contributions you have been so generous to give. This amounts to over 85% (70% earned and 15% gifted) of the theatre’s budget. Most theatres across the country are thrilled to account for 15-30% of their budget through this kind of earned income. For over 40 years the New Vic has operated in this way. However over the last 10 years there has been a steady drop in giving and funding. Along with this drop in income has been a steady increase in operating expenses. In the last 10 years we have operated with a yearly deficit of anywhere from $10,000 to $50,000. Feeling strongly that we should “stand on our own feet” and be as self sustaining as possible, these deficits were covered by loans and revolving credit. This has amounted to around $150,000 in debt. Our staff has been busy doing all they can to cut expenses and raise more money. For the first time in many years, instead of expenses going up, our staff has been able to cut our expenses by 23% over the last four years. With the recent passing of Mary Jo Kistler, an important member of the New Vic family and co-founder, we feel there is no better time to eliminate that debt. The success of the New Vic was of utmost importance to her, and we feel compelled to keep her dreams and vision alive. We've been surviving on faith and fumes, by cutting expenses, and by getting a few large gifts from new and old friends. But now we are about to hit a wall, and that's why we decided to do this. The need is immediate. Currently we are past due on a few bills and with the first of the month looming; we will only fall further behind. If over the past 43 years The New Vic has welcomed you and your friends, made you feel at home, made you laugh, think or tap your feet and sing along, then please consider how you can help. We wouldn't be asking, and not like this, if this were not a critical time. Please give serious thought to how your 100% tax deductible gift will help keep the New Vic a viable member of the Kalamazoo community and we thank you for your support. The Board of Directors, The New Vic Theatre A SUBJECT WE CAN NO LONGER IGNORE! The perilous condition of our state and national economy has occasioned unprecedented government and private efforts to stimulate recovery, including financial “bailouts” of numerous organizations deemed vital to the country’s overall health. The New Vic, held by many vital to our region’s cultural well-being, is endangered by current economic conditions. Over the years The New Vic has requested little corporate or grant support for its seasons, or even for single productions, largely because its board has attempted to support the program through earned income (therefore allowing more support to go to less established arts organizations). Since 1980 The New Vic’s Christmas Carol has played to over 80,000 theatre-goers and continues to sell out a full year in advance, thereby helping to support the balance of The New Vic’s entire program. The Vic is certainly unusual…if not unique…among area arts organizations with respect to the high percentage of its budget that comes from earned income; but during the past several years, even operating at an impressive percentage of its seating capacity, the Vic finds itself unable to completely support its fine program without additional support. During a time of transition that has seen them step aside from running the day-to-day operations of the company, the New Vic’s founders, Ted & Mary Jo Kistler, wish to ensure that the Vic’s legacy continues far into the twenty-first century in the capable hands of current artistic director James Furney and his wife Jennifer. As we’ve noted, A Christmas Carol supports itself and helps subsidize the rest of the season. But, like so many other organizations, in the arts and other fields, the Vic now finds itself in need of further aid. Sincerely,134 East Vine Street • Kalamazoo, Michiga |
||||
| Arnold Johnston Professor & Chair Emeritus Department of English Western Michigan University |
Deborah Ann Percy (Johnston) Principal (Retired) Maple St. Magnet Middle School for the Art Kalamazoo Public Schools |
|||
You can help by: Making a first-time, tax-deductible donation to the theatre; Making an additional 2009 tax deductible donation. For those of you with Christmas Carol reservations, pay for your tickets early this year…this would help with “cash-flow” difficulties; encourage others to aid in this effort. Attend “fund-raising events: “The Divas” & The Kings game. A note about support... The New Vic is a small venue. It was designed that way. Our community already has a fine community theatre and wonderful University and College venues. It is our intimacy and history of excellence which makes The New Vic experience viable and different from those which already exist in the community. The New Vic is one of very few Kalamazoo attractions that is truly unique. However, the devil is in the difference. In spite of our size, our expenses are not much different that venues 5 times larger. Royalties are the same, Insurance costs are the same, production costs are the same. There is no price-break for Season Tickets: $114 Each Producer: $100,000.00 or more Benefactor: $5,000 or more. Includes 6 Season tickets Angel: $1,000 or more. Includes 2 Season Tickets Patronage(s): $600 or more. Includes 2 Season Tickets Donor: Any donation under $600 For our handy-dandy downloadable donation form, just click on the PDF icon We should reflect on the fact that the New Vic Theatre has, through the years, played a central role in the Kalamazoo performing arts community, providing Michigan residents with insightful and provocative scripts and fielding some of the finest talent in the area. A live performance is a unique and engaging experience. Giving generously to the New Vic will ensure that the same quality theatre that has been enjoyed in the past will continue on into a new generation of theatre goers. Thank You for your Support! |
||||
these items simply because we have fewer seats. The theatre’s budget is currently slightly over $225,000. Even operating at 100% capacity we cannot meet that budget. Nor can any performing arts organization in this day and age...we all need outside support. In spite of our best efforts, that “outside support” has traditionally been slight for The New Vic. Even so, it has always been our philosophy that we must put people in seats. We are here to entertain and we are determined that our efforts must never become a self-indulgent exercise funded exclusively by wealthy foundations. Still, we would like to provide a “balanced diet” in our offerings. Sugar and spice, ice cream and candy are fine, but occasionally we all need some broccoli. Broccoli, however, has a limited audience and the deficit must be covered. Also, because we own our facility there is no landlord or civic entity to pick up the tab when the roof needs repairing or the plumbing breaks down. None of these expenses has the slightest thing to do with the production of live theatre. This season is full of music and laughter. We’re on our way, now, to half-a-Century. Please don't just ride in the wagon when we need a push. We need your help. Thank you.
.