| Two More Theatres in Financial Straits |
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| Written by Jacob Coakley | |
| Mar 02, 2009 |
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CHICAGO and WORCESTER, MA—Two more theatres are feeling the grip of the recession. The Foothills Theatre Company in Worcester, Mass., must raise $100k “in the next few days” in order to avoid having to cease operations. In Chicago, the About Face Theatre states that they need $300k, which “will solve our immediate crisis and build a foundation for ongoing financial health.” Both theatres have donation links on their web sites, and Foothill is forthcoming about its crisis, and how they got into this situation, stating that they have held off asking to avoid creating a “boy who cried wolf” situation. On their site they say that “Ticket sales are lagging, Foundation support is not available because of the Stock Market decline, and corporate sponsorships have been reduced. This is a stressful time for the community, and the theatre is no exception.” In addition to the $100k needed within the next two weeks to continue immediate operations, a further $100k is needed to finish the season, and $200k will need to be raised before next fall in order to present that season. The theatre is not alone in its troubles. According to the Worcester Telegram and Gazette, the Hanover Theatre which opened in Worcester in March 2008 has its own annual appeal under way for $100,000 and “the Worcester Center for Crafts, one of the city’s oldest cultural institutions and one of the oldest crafts schools in the country, has suspended daily operations and may have to close permanently if it cannot raise $1 million.”In Chicago, About Face Theatre, which creates "exceptional, innovative and adventurous plays to advance the national dialogue on gender and sexual identity," is trying to raise $300k to “ensure its future.” It is not as specific as to the nature of the financial situation it finds itself in, but notes that it has reduced its budget by over 30% by implementing staff and production cuts while also postponing their third show of the season. For more information on, or to donate to, The Foothills Theatre Company visit: http://www.foothillstheatre.com/ For more information on, or to donate to, the About Face Theatre Company, visit: http://www.aboutfacetheatre.com/ Don't get Stage Directions? Click here to subscribe now!
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