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Dear Supporter, The Board of Directors and staff of The New Vic Theatre wish to express our gratitude for all of your faithful support over the years. Through your generosity last year we raised just over $45,000 for the Annual Fund. It is "that time of year" again and our goal for this year is $48,000. Your generosity this past year allowed us to purchase a much needed new ice machine for the kitchen, rebuild and replace some set pieces, update some office equipment, and assisted in covering operating expenses such as lighting, heat, etc. The New Vic is certainly unique among area arts organizations with respect to the high percentage of its budget that comes from earned income. Over the last 45 years The New Vic has averaged 70-75% of its budget from earned income. Even in the midst of a struggling economy, we continue to maintain that average. Last year we were working with a budget of $216,000. Ten years ago we were working with a budget of $250,000. This year we have raised our budget to $238,000. We've spent several years trying to cut our expenses and have succeeded. Most of those cuts, unfortunately, had to come from production. Also, our staff has not been given a cost of living raise in almost ten years. Of course, nothing is getting less expensive. Our costs for everything continue to rise. If we can succeed in raising our goal amount this year, we can get our production costs back in line with our artistic vision. This is where your generosity comes in. If you have never given to support the annual fund, please consider a first time donation. If you have given in the past, please consider matching or raising that contribution again. Thank you again for your support. We couldn't do this without you. Sincerely, Jennifer Furney |
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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 these items simply Season Tickets: $120 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! |
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Dear New Vic Supporter...
because we have fewer seats. The theatre’s budget is currently slightly over $216,000. 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. 
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