PNT Community Challenge Campaign Surpasses Expectations

The staff and board of directors at Performance Network Theatre have been overwhelmed these past two weeks by the outpouring of generosity and concern from new and continuing donors! Board President David Herzig said, “This challenge campaign has reinforced the importance of arts organizations, large and small, to the residents of Ann Arbor.  It proves that our citizens care deeply about the quality of life in their community. This was a real wake-up call to many arts patrons that something they had taken for granted might no longer be in existence”
 
The entire staff, led by Executive Director Carla Milarch, has been working around the clock to accept donations from nearly 500 donors who have come forth to support PNT in its time of need. “We are humbled and thrilled at this outpouring of support from the community”, said Artistic Director David Wolber. “In addition to the much-appreciated attention from our fantastic media partners, we saw the importance of social networking from our staff and the theatre community. The number of new donors was amazing!”
 
But now the real work begins!  This Community Challenge was part of a major effort to insure the future financial viability of PNT including significant cuts to the current budget. Along with the challenge, PNT had announced the postponement of the last show of the 2008-2009 season, The Blonde, the Brunette and the Vengeful Redhead.  This play will now open the 2009-2010
season followed by a fantastic group of offerings including The Seafarer, Little Shop of Horrors, It Came From Mars, Christmas Carol’d, K2 and Woman Before a Glass. 
 
Tickets are on sale right now for the last two plays of the 2008-2009 season, Fences (April 23 through May 24) and A Picasso (June 11 – July 12). Excellent seats are still available for many performances.  Please visit their website at www.performancenetwork.org or call the box office (734) 663 0681 for further information.
 
PNT continues to accept donations to its ongoing annual campaign. Donors of $65 or more automatically enjoy all member benefits at a variety of levels. With the announcement of the upcoming season, underwriting opportunities for individual plays are available.  For more information, please contact Janet Torno, Director of Development, at (734) 663 0696 or on the website at www.performancenetwork.org.