North Shore Continues 'Save Our Theatre' Drive, $137,682 Raised So Far

North Shore Music Theatre (NSMT) has raised $137,682 as of Monday, January 5, in its ‘Save Our Theatre' appeal launched last Monday, December 29th. More than $62,000 has been raised in donations, $14,300 has been raised in post-performance collections, and more than $61,000 has been raised in additional ticket sales to Disney High School Musical 2.

While pleased with this response, they have stressed that continued support from the community and donors is needed to raise $500,000 by end of January and another $4 million by April, which would allow NSMT to proceed with producing its 2009 Season.

"We are extremely grateful for the support NSMT has received in the first week of fundraising, especially since it was a holiday week," stated David Fellows, chairman of the NSMT Board of Trustees. "However, we still have a distance to go to keep the doors of the theatre open. Consider that if every resident in Essex County donated just $5.40, we would meet our goal of raising $4 million. That's a small contribution to make when it means saving this North Shore treasure."

To raise funds for its ‘Save Our Theatre' appeal, the cast of Disney High School Musical 2 and the NSMT Orchestra will present lively cabaret-style performances featuring Broadway standards and pop songs on Thursday, January 8th at 9:45pm and Saturday, January 10th at 10:15pm following the regular performances in Overtures Restaurant. In addition, nearly 60 local students from NSMT's Academy of Music Theatre and Summer Stages programs will perform and share stories of NSMT's impact in their lives on Wednesday, January 7th at 7:30pm on the mainstage. The cabaret performances are open to theatergoers and the general public, and suggested donations of $20 will be accepted at the door.

Effects of the crumpling economy, lower than expected donations and ticket sales all season long have left the theatre unable to cover its operating costs - a national decade-long trend that is impacting theaters across the country. Further compounding the problem is debt that resulted from a devastating fire in 2005 that forced the theatre to make a major investment in its facilities. Fifty-seven staff members will be laid off on January 11th.

The theatre entered 2008 with a balanced budget that trimmed $1 million in expenses, but its projected revenue from tickets sales has fallen critically short of the goal. Over the last several months, the theatre's leadership has been focused on devising strategies that would keep the theatre alive and well, including the development of a new business model for the performance season, a possible land sale, and philanthropic outreach. Despite efforts by NSMT to reduce operating expenses and streamline business practices over the last several years, the severity and speed of the economic downturn has outpaced the theatre's ability to restore its economic health.

For more information on the fundraising cabaret performances, to purchase tickets for Disney High School Musical 2 which runs through January 11th, or to make a tax-deductible donation, please visit www.NSMT.org.

Operating since 1955, NSMT has evolved into the largest non-profit producing theater in New England, with approximately 300,000 patrons annually. NSMT has gained a national and regional reputation for artistic achievement, specifically in the areas of developing new works and providing outstanding theater arts and education programs. NSMT has received numerous industry awards including The Elliot Norton Award, The Rosetta Le Noire Award from Actors' Equity, and The Moss Hart Award. NSMT annually produces a six musical subscription series, an acclaimed concert series and award winning student productions. With its celebrated Theatre for Young Audiences program, a school touring program, and year-round classes for children, NSMT has become one of the region's leading providers of theater arts and education.

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