Performance Network Announces 30th Anniversary Member Drive

Ann Arbor's professional theater, Performance Network, will hold a fall 2011 member drive as a part of its 30th anniversary.  It aims to increase its member base by 30%.

Executive Director Carla Milarch said, "There's a national discussion happening right now about how we can create sustainable funding for arts organizations. Non-profit arts groups rely on donations for up to 50% of their operating revenue, and up until recently, received generous subsidies from the government and corporate foundations. With decreases in these areas, many groups are struggling right now and looking for ways to make up the shortfall. Building a robust member program is one way to do that."

Beginning on October 17, the theater will launch its member drive with three goals in mind:
• Increasing its membership by 30%, by reconnecting with lapsed donors and recruiting new ones
• Raising awareness in the general public of its need for contributed support through memberships
• Promoting its multi-tiered membership program, which includes benefits ranging from discounts on tickets, to private receptions before shows, dinner with an artist, and more, depending on the level of membership.

Development Director Christina Mooney said, "Many folks hear ‘membership' and they think of a private club, but we want them to know that when you make a donation of $65 or more, you become a bona fide voting member of Performance Network. Each member level includes great perks and recognition. It's also a terrific way for people to deepen their engagement with the theater, and get a glimpse behind the scenes, all while sustaining a valuable community resource."

For the first time, the theater will make ALL levels of membership available through its Sustainers' Club, which allows patrons to designate a payment amount of their choosing (starting at $9), which is automatically run once a month. Mooney says, "It's a convenient way to give. Once you set your amount, you don't need to do anything else, and you can pick whatever amount is comfortable for you. It's a great way to donate for the first time or move up to the next level of membership."

As an added bonus, anyone who becomes a member for the first time, makes a contribution after a lapsed membership, or increases their giving level during the drive will receive an invitation to Performance Network's annual holiday party. Normally reserved for donors of $500 or more, new and returning members will have the opportunity to enjoy complimentary food and drink, and a chance to meet and talk with the staff, board and artists featured in the season.

Membership benefits are listed below or can be viewed at www.performancenetwork.org:

-- Memberships provide all benefits of the prior levels ---

Basic - $65 to $94
•Discounts on up to four tickets per show
•Member bar privileges for two people
•Member name listed in the Playbill for one year

Family - $95 to $149
•Free entry for the entire family into all Children's Theatre Network Saturday Series performances
•$10 off any children's acting class
•$75 off any private performance for special events such as birthday parties

Patron - $150 to $249
• An invitation to the annual Subscriber's Choice Awards, held each June at The Earle

Company - $250 to $499 • Invitations to special events • A free ticket in the month of Member's birthday

Chorus - $500 to $999
•an invitation to PNT's annual Holiday Party, with staff, board and actors

-- DIRECTORS CLUB --
Contribute $1,000 or more and become a member of the Director's Club, receive special recognition and the chance to enjoy exclusive theater experiences.
Supporting Player - $1,000 to $2,999
•Priority seating on single tickets
•Invitation to Season Preview Party

Leading Player - $3,000 to $4,999
•Signed production photo
•Dinner with the Artistic Director or other artist

Show Sponsor - $5,000 and up
•Sponsor recognition in the season brochure
•Special "thank you" announcement from the stage
•Exclusive reception at PNT for 20 people

 

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