CenterStage is approaching the halfway point of our 2010-2011 season, and I have some thoughts to share with you. Having worked in an arts related job for the past 22 years as a teacher, performer and now director/producer, I have a clear understanding of how troubled economic times can affect the arts. I know and understand the spending of every discretionary dollar is scrutinized, examined and evaluated.
CenterStage is one, if not the only theater in our area that relies primarily on ticket sales for its survival and up to now has been able to do so. Over the course of the first half of our 2010-2011 season, CenterStage has brought over 2,000 people into contact with the JCL. While this is a positive step, we continue to feel the crunch of these difficult times. Both our season subscriptions and single tickets sales are down this year. Both Seussical, The Musical, and 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee were a tremendous success artistically, but suffered shortfalls at the box office.
On behalf of CenterStage, I am asking for your help! Our one and only fundraiser, Light Up CenterStage, is being held on Saturday, November 13. This sixth annual event features your favorite CenterStage actors in an original Broadway style revue, open bar, light hors d’oeuvres, indulgent dessert buffet and live and silent auctions.
We will also, again this year, feature an online component of our auction, opening on October 25, which you can view by clicking here. The event is less than four weeks away, and we have not met our goal in sponsorships. Light Up Sponsorships levels start as low as $50. Tickets to the event are now on sale and are $75. For more information on sponsorships and tickets call Kim Hales at 238-2777.
CenterStage is your community theater and is rooted in over 91 years of theatrical tradition at the Jewish Community Center. It is the only theater in the area that provides a performance venue for works of Jewish interest that offers a broad cultural appeal.
Not only does it reach the Jewish Community with shows like Parade, Fiddler on the Roof, The Producers, The Last 5 Years and Cabaret to name a few, but its outreach into the greater community is second to none.
Please join me in making sure CenterStage exists for many years to come. Every little bit helps.
If you find you are unable to support Light Up CenterStage at this time, there are other ways to support the company. Buy a season subscription or single tickets to our shows. Brigadoon opened yesterday and will run through November 7.
Thanks in advance for your support. Remember, we are your community theatre. Let’s work together to make sure CenterStage is here for another 90 years.
John R. Leffert,
CenterStage Artistic Director
