Year End Newsletter 2022

December, 2022

Five hundred, twenty-five thousand, six hundred minutes
How do you measure, measure a year?
Seasons of Love from RENT

Like many organizations, we enjoy looking back at our accomplishments and milestones as we reach the end of the calendar year. First, we want to express our gratitude to you – our sponsors, our patrons, our volunteers, and our partners. We are a true community theatre, and we couldn’t do it without you!

So, here’s our top memories for 2022:

We are overwhelmed by the renewed interest in theatre! 

This has been particularly wonderful this year. We’re busting at the seams here, with most of our spaces full many days of the week. We’ve got Young Company joyfully practicing in the Schmuckal Theatre, a tap-dancing class in the multi-purpose room, and a full-dress rehearsal in the theatre! Auditions have attracted new and veteran talents. And we wouldn’t have it any other way. This renewed love for theatre gives us all warm fuzzies!

 

Sold out shows! 

It was a joy to reopen fully after the pandemic shutdown. From Frozen Jr. to Cinderella to Chicago, we’ve sold out more shows this year than ever before. And so many of these people are new to the Playhouse. In fact, of our 1,694 ticket buyers this season, 922 have not bought before – that’s 54% that are new to our theatre! We also were able to again put on the Black & White Gala, a 20+ year tradition.

 

Young Company growth  

Young Company, the educational arm of OTP offers a full schedule of classes, camps, workshops, and performances serving ages five to eighteen. Our class sessions offer a uniquely authentic theatre learning experience and are seeing huge growth. In 2022, student registration is up 50% and we have tripled our staff. In fact, over 300 youth come through our program each year. In particular, the new theatre day camps introduce many new youngsters to the theatre experience. It is a pleasure to see a shy youngster come in the morning and leave laughing, singing and enjoying new friends by day’s end.

 

New branding and website 

Do you love our new look? We sure do! And our new website is full of photos and information. You can easily find out about our shows, volunteer opportunities and more. You’ll see our new logo on our building, in our ads and everywhere.

 

Building improvements 

The shows you see on stage are just the tip of the iceberg of what happens at OTP. Stage building, set design, costumes, light and sound help make up the puzzle. And to support all of that, our century plus old building takes some maintenance. In 2022 we were able to put finishing touches on the heating and cooling improvements, install new windows, fix the house lights, install new LED stage lights, build a new ramp to the stage, add a lift to the set shop and more. This upcoming January, a new sound system will be installed in the theatre. Special thanks to those that donated specifically to these projects including Michigan Arts and Cultural Council, Oleson Foundation, Worthington Family Foundation, Bart & Gail Ingraham estate, and Jeff Kroeger.

 

New staff and board members 

While every show can have a new cast and crew, there are always a few consistent faces at the Playhouse. This year we welcomed three Board members and three staff members. With a staff of just eight, everyone wears multiple hats. We value our team and hope you all have had a chance to meet them all.

 

Endowments 

Endowment funds are important to healthy non-profit organizations. They have a specific purpose and enable future planning. Thanks to generous donations, we were able to originate two funds this year.

Facility Expansion – Capital Project Endowment: The purpose of this term endowment is for expansion or large capital projects. This fund was seeded by an IRA donation of Jeff Kroeger.

Operational Funds Endowment: The purpose of this endowment is to supplement operating needs with earnings, leaving the corpus intake. This fund was seeded by the Bart & Gail Ingraham estate (Bart Ingraham is at right in the picture below from 2019).

 

Thank You! 

We appreciate your interest in and support of Old Town Playhouse!

Happy New Year!