COMMUNIT Y REPORT
2007 - 2008
ayton has a vibrant arts community that rivals that of cities much larger. The successes outlined in this community report are only a reflection of the trust that you, our stakeholders, have placed in Victoria Theatre Association and the Arts Center Foundation. With a Vision to enrich the lives, learning, and leisure of our community through the performing arts, Victoria Theatre Association, with its supporting organization, the Arts Center Foundation, continues to pursue our Mission to strengthen the economic and artistic vitality of our community and arts partners through presenting quality and diverse arts experiences and through stewardship of our community’s state-of-the-art performance venues. We recognize that these are challenging economic times for everyone. We are indeed fortunate to have the support of dedicated stakeholders and donors whose generosity enables us to meet our mission. Thank you very much for your committed support. You are the lifeblood of Victoria Theatre Association and the Arts Center Foundation. Best regards,
Photo by Jennifer Wilson
Photo by Ray Wylam
Cast from The Max & Ruby Show visits Dayton Children’s Hospital
Photo by Jennifer Wilson
Lou Mason Chair, Board of Trustees
Dione Kennedy President & CEO
Photo by Ray Wylam Photo by Ray Wylam
ARTS CENTER FOUNDATION • VICTORIA THEATRE ASSOCIATION
SEASON HIGHLIGHTS
Ticket Center stage provides frontline customer service and sales for nine of Dayton’s arts organizations. Ticket agents personally handled over 78,000 calls resulting in more than 300,000 tickets sold and $9.5 million in sales. This past year, Ticket Center Stage implemented a new ticketing software system. This project will allow the “print at home” option for our patrons, as well as introduce scanning of tickets in our venues. Victoria Theatre Association received Unified Health Solutions’ “Celebrating Children & Families” Award – 400 of Dayton’s most “at-risk” school children were introduced to live theatre through this partnership with UHS. Students had the opportunity to attend Young at Heart Family Series and Physicians for Kids Discovery Series performances, as well as participate in related workshops offered in an after-school setting. In its second year, the “Fueling Education” program offered free RTA bus rides to more than 1,200 students and teachers, nearly doubling the inaugural 2006-2007 year. The evocative and extensive “Through the Eyes of a Child: Children & the Holocaust” education project involved more than 9,600 area students from 16 schools in collaborative productions that focused on this disturbing chapter in history as seen through the eyes of those who were children at the time. Victoria Theatre Association was honored that Holocaust survivors Ela Weissberger and Anne Fox attended the performances. Also in its second year, the new suite of Broadway education programs (JPMorgan Broadway University, JPMorgan Background on Broadway & JPMorgan Backstage Broadway) nearly tripled its participant numbers. Highlights included a dance master class with the cast of CHICAGO, brass and percussion workshops with the musicians of BLAST, and a technical theatre master class with the stage manager of MONTY PYTHON’S SPAMALOT.
Photo by Ray Wylam
schuster Center Celebration Choir and schuster Center Broadway Children’s Choir, in addition to their regularly scheduled individual concert performances, joined forces with the University of Dayton’s New Horizons Band for a joint concert with almost 50 instrumentalists and 100 voices at Westminster Presbyterian Church. Dr. Benjamin schuster received the Broadway League’s star of Touring Broadway Award. He was nominated by Victoria Theatre Association for his contribution to building the performing arts center that bears his and his late wife’s names, changing the face of touring Broadway in Dayton. A new Customer satisfaction process has been implemented across all lines of business – Ticket Center Stage, Event Services, Citilites, Parking, Venues, and Programming. This online survey has yielded consistent feedback. For example, the VTA catering department is currently at almost a 98% excellent rating, almost a full 1.5% increase over its five-year average and the second highest yearly rate in its five-year history. A new African-American Arts Festival built more bridges in our community, making our spaces unique gathering places for all of Dayton to come together. • new partnership with Southern Christian Leadership Conference for the Martin Luther King Jr. Concert • continuing partnership with University of Dayton’s Diversity Lecture Series on Spike Lee and with EbonNia Gallery/Bing Davis on Visual Voices (nearly 25,000 viewed the exhibit) • new partnership with the AKA sorority in support of RAISIN’ CANE plus a great education/outreach event with 1,154 students in a“Q&A” with actress Jasmine Guy In today’s trend of consistently rising health care costs, we were able to negotiate a 15-month health care contract with an overall 8.7% reduction in total health care costs, while keeping the same high level of health care coverage for our employees.
ARTS CENTER FOUNDATION • VICTORIA THEATRE ASSOCIATION
T
FINANCIAL REPORT
expected to cover these additional costs, but unfortunately did not. The good news is that the other areas of our business, when viewed as a whole, held their own, generating a balanced net operating result. In order to meet our goal of a “break even” Net Operating Income for the new 2008-2009 season (FY09 Fiscal Year), Victoria Theatre Association implemented significant operational changes. This necessitated tightening the proverbial belt and making difficult but financially necessary decisions, including a reduction in force. With exciting programming and other opportunities on the horizon, we now have a lean but strong operating budget – and an equally impressive team – to face the future with cautious optimism and our usual resilience.
he 2008 Fiscal Year was a tough one for businesses across the Miami Valley. The not-for-profit arts sector was no exception. The Net Operating Income before depreciation for the combined operations of Victoria Theatre Association and the Arts Center Foundation (excluding Second & Main Ltd.) for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2008 is projected to be a loss of 3.1% of operating revenue. The prior year netted a 3.7 % surplus. Although lower than projected, ticket sales for all VTA presentations almost equaled the same amount as the prior year, but the cost of presenting the performances (artistic fees, labor costs, etc.) increased significantly. In the current economic climate, this can be expected. Projected increased ticket sales were
oPERATinG REVEnUE BY soURCE - FY 2008 (UnAUDiTED)
$12.8 million
Other, 1.8% Parking Garage, 10.9% Food Service, 10.8% Ticket Center, 4.3% Food Service, 10.0% Contributions, 14.6% Facility Fees, 9.8% Ticket Center, 6.5% Parking Garage, 3.6%
2008
oPERATinG EXPEnsEs BY soURCE - FY 2008 (UnAUDiTED)
$13.2 million
Programming, 47.9%
Programming, 48.0% Administration, 10.2% Fundraising, 2.1% Facility Costs, 19.6% Note: amounts exclude Second & Main Ltd.
oPERATinG REVEnUE BY soURCE - FY 2007
$13.4 million
Other, 1.7% Parking Garage, 10.3% Food Service, 10.8% Ticket Center, 3.8% Food Service, 9.9% Contributions, 15.4% Facility Fees, 9.2% Ticket Center, 6.3% Administration, 11.0% Fundraising, 1.8% Facility Costs, 20.1%
2007
Programming, 48.8%
oPERATinG EXPEnsEs BY soURCE - FY 2007
$12.9 million
Parking Garage, 3.7% Programming, 47.1%
Note: amounts exclude Second & Main Ltd.
ARTS CENTER FOUNDATION • VICTORIA THEATRE ASSOCIATION
WHAT WE DO
PROGRAMMING Chase Broadway Series: Selected from the hottest touring companies from Broadway and beyond, these blockbuster shows bring the best of Broadway to Main Street in Dayton at the Victoria Theatre and the Benjamin and Marian Schuster Performing Arts Center. Young at Heart Family Series: The Miami Valley’s largest and oldest performing arts series for children is designed to introduce children to the magic of live theatre and performance through world-class performances at the Victoria Theatre. Universal 1 Variety Series: This eclectic mix of performances at the Victoria Theatre are casual, contemporary, and sometimes irreverent, targeting a new, younger demographic than existing programming. New in Fiscal Year 2008. The Eichelberger Loft Series – Series 1: This three-play series has been a collaborative effort between Victoria Theatre Association and The Human Race Theatre Company for the past 10 years. Produced by The Human Race, the series featured newer musical and non-musical plays at the intimate 215-seat Loft Theatre in the Metropolitan Arts Center. Collaboration finished Fiscal Year 2008. The Human Race continues production of a full five-play series. Physicians for Kids Discovery Series: Live touring theatre productions are professionally produced and presented for school children in grades PreK-9. Each Discovery production specifically enhances classroom curriculum and parallels Ohio Department of Education Academic Content Standards. The series features literary classics, profiles important historic and contemporary figures, or explores important issues, such as self-esteem and social responsibility. Michelob Ultra Cool Films Series: Movie goers enjoy free popcorn and soda in the lobby and a pre-show organ concert on the NCR Mighty Wurlitzer organ as part of this series of classic films that run every weekend in July and August at the Victoria Theatre. Star Attractions: These non-series performances are scheduled to appeal to the broadest cross section of our community and may include blockbuster Broadway hits, cutting-edge Off-Broadway theatre, family friendly shows, and concerts. Education & Outreach: Victoria Theatre Association has an extensive, multi-faceted education & outreach program that reaches thousands of students and adults each year. Education Projects: Year-long projects go in-depth with topics, such as the Underground Railroad and the Holocaust.
JPMorgan Backstage Broadway: High school students explore behindthe-scenes with working professionals as their guides. JPMorgan Background on Broadway: Informative and entertaining talks focus on production history, musical highlights, and insider anecdotes. JPMorgan Broadway University: Area students participate in master classes with the stars of our stage. Visual Voices: Each February, Victoria Theatre Association partners with Willis “Bing” Davis, curator of Dayton’s EbonNia Gallery, to display the work of local African-American artists in the Schuster Center.
Wintergarden Wonderland: Each November & December, the Schuster Center Wintergarden is transformed into a wonderland of holiday activities, including the famous Rike’s holiday displays, holiday music, and more. Schuster Center Celebration Choir: Originating with the opening of the Schuster Center in 2003, this inter-generational, multi-ethnic adult choir mirrors the diversity of the greater Dayton community. Schuster Center Broadway Children’s Choir: Dayton-area students ranging from age 9-16 perform Broadway-focused repertoire at various community events. ImPACt program: Further expanding VTA outreach efforts, up-and-coming arts presenters and producers get the opportunity to use the Mathile Theatre at the Schuster Center for their performances at a significantly reduced rate and are assisted by our professional staff. TICKET CENTER STAGE This centralized ticketing service for the venues we manage serves nine local arts organizations, as well as others who rent the venues, selling in excess of 300,000 tickets annually for $9.5 million in sales. FOOD SERVICE Event Services: Providing a wide array of catering and banquet options for events of all sizes, Event Services receives top customer service ratings that have made the Schuster Center the place to host an event. Citilites Restaurant & Bar: For lunch during the week and for dinner before a Schuster Center performance, Citilites provides casual, yet elegant, dining. FACILITIES Dayton is blessed with incredible arts venues, and Victoria Theatre Association has the privilege of operating and maintaining the three professional facilities in downtown Dayton for the benefit of the community and the arts organizations that use them. They include the historic Victoria Theatre, the state-of-theart Benjamin and Marian Schuster Performing Arts Center, and the intimate Loft Theatre in the Metropolitan Arts Center. The cost of operating these facilities is tremendous; their operation is supported through fundraising and other revenue streams to ensure they are always available to the non-profit arts organizations at affordable rates. Second & Ludlow Parking Garage: This clean, safe, and conveniently located parking garage near the Schuster Center provides parking for performances and for downtown business people on a daily basis. CONTRIBUTIONS We maintain a professional development staff that ensures that our contributed income levels support all aspects of our operation and our mission. Sponsorship, annual fund, grants, planned giving, and special campaigns are all ways in which the community can support and make a great impact.
ARTS CENTER FOUNDATION • VICTORIA THEATRE ASSOCIATION
COMMUNITY IMPACT
PROGRAMMING
Chase Broadway Series Young at Heart Family Series Universal 1 Variety Series The Loft Series 1 (with The Human Race Theatre Company)* Michelob Ultra Cool Films Series Other presentations Education & Outreach programs
* collaboration ended as of June 30, 2008.
76,127 11,467 2,015 10,285 16,969 35,205 176,126 328,194
I have to tell you that I walked into my classroom this morning to a Fosse Fest! The kids were so excited to show me their “All That Jazz” routine. It means a lot that these performers are willing to take time out of their pressing schedule before the show to energize and inspire future performers. — Bryan S. Wallingford Director of Theatre, Archbishop Alter High School My students enjoy these productions (Physicians for Kids Discovery) so much and look forward to coming to see a play each month...The enjoyment factor is even more enhanced by the fact that my students have multiple disabilities which include physical, developmental, and cognitive delays. Even my most autistic students love the color, movement, and most of all the music, singing, and dancing as they absorb what they can from each show. Without these offerings (scholarship tickets), our kids would not be able to attend. — Mrs. Ellen Burt Special Needs Teacher Multiple Disabilities, Grades 5 -8 Wogaman Pre-K – 8 School
Total attending VTA Presentations:
SERVICES
Event Services Citilites Restaurant and Bar Ticket Center Stage - $9.5 million in sales Total Served by Services Division: 38,322 21,025 59,347
FACILITIES
Benjamin & Marian Schuster Performing Arts Center Victoria Theatre Metropolitan Arts Center/Loft Theatre Additional People Served by the Facilities: 126,852 25,440 6,595 158,887
SCHUSTER CENTER AT FIVE YEARS
In celebration of the fifth anniversary of the grand opening of the Benjamin and Marian Schuster Performing Arts Center, which officially opened on March 2, 2003, Victoria Theatre Association presented a photo exhibit entitled “Building of a Dream: Celebrating Five Years.” The photos, which were donated by photographer Andy Snow, trace the construction process of the Schuster Center. Since its grand opening, the Schuster Center has hosted more than 900 performances. More than 1.3 million people have attended performances at the Schuster Center and more than a quarter of a million people have attended catered events.
TOTAL NUMBER SERVED:
546,428
Brundibár was fantastic! I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to reach more people with our message. This was a great partnership, and the results will be felt for a long time to come! I congratulate all of you on a very successful event that brought new people into the Victoria and taught students and adults a lesson for life. — Renate Frydman Director, Dayton Holocaust Resource Center
MARIAN SCHUSTER 1926 - 2007
The entire Dayton arts community mourned the passing of Marian Schuster, longtime Dayton resident and patron of the arts, on July 19, 2007. Mrs. Schuster was an exceptional woman with a heart dedicated to her family and to this community. She and Dr. Schuster have provided an incredible legacy to the arts community. We will always remember her with gratitude and admiration. She took great pride in her family, and she was indeed a woman of grace and stature, who knew what was important in this life. She is greatly missed.
Photo by Ray Wylam
ARTS CENTER FOUNDATION • VICTORIA THEATRE ASSOCIATION
VICTORIA THEATRE ASSOCIATION and ARTS CENTER FOUNDATION BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Chair – Lou Mason, Community Volunteer, special term ends 6/30/11 Vice Chair – Pat McDonald, Senior Vice President and Regional Market Manager Key Private Bank, Southwest Ohio District, special third term ends 6/30/10 Treasurer – Steven L. Beinlich, Office Managing Partner, Ernst & Young LLP, first term ends 6/30/09 Secretary – Steve Miller, President, C.H.Dean, Inc., second term ends 6/30/10 Brian Anderson, Senior Vice President, Market Executive, National City, first term ends 6/30/10 Marsha Bonhart, Anchor/Reporter, WDTN-TV Channel 2, first term ends 6/30/10 Thomas E. Bettcher, President and CEO, Emerson Climate Technologies, Inc., retired 6/30/08 Robert J. Kegerreis, Ph. D., Former Executive Director, Arts Center Foundation, second term ends 6/30/10 Albert Leland, Community Volunteer, special third term ends 6/30/11 William T. Lincoln, President, Berry Investments, Inc., first term ends 6/30/09 Dale Medford, Retired Executive VP & CFO, The Reynolds & Reynolds Company, second term ends 6/30/10 Shirley Nixon, Vice President, Wells Fargo Insurance Services of Ohio, LLC, first term ends 6/30/10 Frank Perez, President, Kettering Health Network, first term ends 6/30/10 Benjamin Schuster, MD, Medical Director, Kettering Cardiovascular Institute, lifetime Richard Schwartz, President, WinWholesale and The Win Group of Companies, special term ends 6/30/09 Ad-Hoc David Wyse, President & CEO, Projects Unlimited, Inc.
SENIOR STAFF
President & CEO – Dione Kennedy Chief Financial Officer – David Schrodi Vice President - Development – Michael R. Roediger Vice President - Marketing & Communications – Sue N. Stevens Vice President - Programming – Tina McPhearson Director - Facilities – Jo Ann Brown Director - Human Resources – Rhonda Hess Director - Ticket Center Stage – Lisa Wagner
Vision
To enrich the lives, learning, and leisure of our community through the performing arts.
Mission
To strengthen the economic and artistic vitality of our community and arts partners through presenting quality and diverse arts experiences and stewardship of our community’s state-of-the-art performance venues.
ViCToRiA THEATRE AssoCiATion 138 north Main street Dayton, ohio 45402-1776 www.schustercenter.org www.victoriatheatre.com