STAGES ST. LOUIS Turley Challenge Grant Announced

STAGES ST. LOUIS, the region's foremost not-for-profit musical theatre company and performing arts academy, is thrilled to announce a $250,000 Challenge Grant honoring our Silver Anniversary! A gift of Board Trustee Lynne Turley and her husband Jim Turley, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Ernst & Young, this generous challenge grant will help nurture and sustain STAGES beyond our milestone year.

The Turley Challenge is the largest operational grant STAGES has ever received in its 25-year history. The monies raised will be strategically allocated to developing future award-winning productions, innovative theatre education and outreach initiatives and tomorrow's theatre audience.

Grantors, Lynne and Jim Turley commented, "Their undeniable love for musical theatre is evident in every production; Michael Hamilton and Jack Lane have created what we believe is the best theatre company - ANYWHERE! Our $250,000 gift to STAGES honors Jack and Michael for their tireless dedication to producing the highest quality shows, as well as educational opportunities, for people of all ages."

Executive Producer, Jack Lane stated, "STAGES is most fortunate to have supporters like Lynne and Jim Turley, who have become part of the STAGES family. The generous support of the St. Louis community, as well as corporate and foundation donors, has resulted in 24 years of success and many special memories. We are looking forward to continuing the tradition of ‘Broadway in St. Louis' as we advance in our journey, turning sliver into gold!"

Every new and increased gift received, during the 2011 Season will be matched dollar for dollar by the Turley Challenge, up to $250,000. The campaign to meet this challenge kicks off with a special commemorative mailer, sent to season subscribers and BACKSTAGERS, our donor members. The campaign will continue throughout the season as we gather favorite memories recollected by our patrons and supporters. Audiences can track the results of the campaign and patron memories via STAGES' website, www.stagesstlouis.org and in the theatre lobby.