Performance Network Launches Campaign To Reach 2010 Season Subscribers in 2010

On April 1, 2010 Ann Arbor's only professional theatre, Performance Network, received a $9,350 check from the Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation (AAACF). No April fool's joke, but the first of two installments of an $18,700 capacity building grant that will support Performance Network's efforts to expand its 2010 season subscribers. The 2010 Campaign seeks to expand the number of Performance Network's season subscribers by 67% to 2010 and to create a renewable source of revenue that will sustain Performance Network over the next ten years. AAACF's grant will cover the marketing costs of The 2010 Campaign - allowing Performance Network to reach out to a wider audience of potential theatre patrons.

The Community Foundation's grant will enable Performance Network to work with a marketing firm for the first time to design is subscription graphics and campaign slogan, which will be seen on banners, busses and billboards throughout Ann Arbor. AAACF's grant will also support a subscription brochure mailing that will reach out to a much broader target audience. The 2010 Campaign will make season subscriptions available to the entire community - increasing access to students, seniors and the economically disadvantaged by offering a certain number of subscriptions at a discounted rate or for free.

Development Associate Heather Meixler said "We are thrilled that the Community Foundation recognizes the importance of supporting local arts organizations, and can provide funding that will allow us to build our subscription base and ultimately enhance Performance Network's sustainability over the long-term. The success of The 2010 Campaign will have a tremendous impact on our ability to fulfill our mission - to produce theatre that engages, challenges, and inspires audiences and artists. The 2010 Campaign will increase our subscribership by 67% and be a watershed in our organizational development. Most importantly, a successful campaign will create a renewable revenue source that will help sustain the Theatre Over the next ten years."

The theatre will kick off the marketing campaign in July, in conjunction with the announcement of its full season of seven plays, produced in agreement with the Actors' Equity Association of professional Actors and Stage Managers. Currently, five plays have been selected and early subscription orders and renewals are being taken. Details on the shows selected so far can be found on the theatre's website at www.performancenetwork.org

Executive Director Carla Milarch said "There's been a lot of talk lately about the new economic reality, and at Performance Network we're dealing with that too. The cost of selling single tickets continues to rise as media coverage grows scarce, and state funding is at an all time low. Like everyone, we're re-examining the way we do business in order to stay sustainable. In the next decade the strength of our subscriber base will be critical."

The 2010 campaign's accessibility component will provide the opportunity for many to purchase season subscriptions at a discounted rate and will make a certain number of subscriptions available for free. Discounted subscriptions will be available to students and seniors through a variety of avenues and a limited number of free subscriptions will be given away based on need and availability through the campaign's "give the gift of art" program. Individuals wishing to apply for a free subscription should contact Chelsea Sadler at 734-663-0681. Donations are still being accepted to support the free subscription program.

Founded in 1981, Performance Network Theatre has grown from a fledgling company to Ann Arbor's only resident, professional theatre. The Network reaches 40,000 theatre patrons and children each year through the year-round Professional Series and The Children's Theatre Network. Performance Network also presents the Fireside Festival of New Works and a series of classes on theatre-related topics. The Network provides uncompromising artistic leadership in the region and produces works that engage, challenge and inspire audiences and artists.

The Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation is dedicated to enriching the quality of life in our region through its knowledgeable leadership, engaged grantmaking and creative partnerships with donors. Founded in 1963, AAACF has been building our community's endowment for nearly 50 years - a source of permanent community capital that will be available to invest for the good of our community - For good. For ever. AAACF manages nearly $48 million in assets on our community's behalf and awarded more than $1.6 million in grants and scholarships in 2009.

Performance Network is currently celebrating its 10th season in its downtown home at 120 East Huron (Corner of Huron and Fourth). Since opening its downtown space 9 seasons ago, the company has grown into a regional leader, with a track record of winning more awards than any other theatre in the state. It has garnered national acclaim, including 3 American Theatre Critics' Association nominations and moved plays premiered in Ann Arbor to theatres nationwide, including one optioned for Broadway.

Performance Network brings joy and entertainment to 20,000 patrons each year, and its touring shows and family series light up the faces of 20,000 children. Its programs include the critically acclaimed professional series, the Fireside Festival of New Works featuring scripts in development, classes and workshops for children and teens and a late night performance series for developing artists.

 

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