State Theatre Center for the Arts announces new season
The State Theatre Center for the Arts announced its 2003-2004 season Thursday at a “Breakfast for the Arts,’ designed to attract local sponsorship of shows. “It’s important that we have sponsorship to continue the tradition of bringing professional shows to the State Theatre,’ said executive director Chris Wagner. “Without sponsorship and ticket sales combined, we are unable to show a profit and continue to operate.’
Scheduled to start in October, the 2003-2004 season offers a variety of what local audiences like best: musicals and orchestras.
“We’re pretty excited,’ said Wagner. “Musicals seem to do so well and this area really comes out for Big Bands.’
The line-up for the 2003-2004 season and tentative dates for the shows are as follows:
– “Singin’ in the Rain,’ Oct. 18, 2003.
– Guy Lombardo and His Royal Canadians, Nov. 15, 2003.
– “A Wonderful Life,’ Dec. 13, 2003.
– “The Three Irish Tenors: Christmas From Dublin,’ Dec. 21, 2003.
– “The Fantastics,’ set for mid-February, 2004.
– “Noises Off,’ March 27, 2004.
– Jack Daniel’s Silver Cornet Band, April 24, 2004.
– “The Unsinkable Molly Brown,’ May 1, 2004.
In addition, the State Theatre will see the return of “Superstars in Concert’ on Dec. 6, 2003. The State will also continue to run its education series for students.
Wagner noted that all dates are tentative and subject to change. No ticket prices are available yet. More information will be released later in the year.
The State Theatre also used the breakfast, which was held at Becker’s Shadyside Inn in North Union Township, to stress the importance of sponsorship and the significance of the State Theatre to the community.
J. William Lincoln, a member of the board of directors, told the audience, “I think anyone who has grown up and lived in Fayette County realizes that culture is one of the things we’re short of and the State Theatre is an opportunity to see things they might not otherwise get to see.’
Noting that economic times are making it tough for all non-profit organizations, Lincoln added, “Tell your friends how important it is not to lose this theater.’
Wagner addressed the audience, pointing out that the theater is not a typical business.
She said, “We must rely on the generosity of the community.’
Wagner said that people can support the State Theatre by attending a performance and talking to their friends and neighbors about it.
She said, “You become one of our best sources of advertising.’
But Wagner also stressed sponsorship of the shows and explained the advantages of sponsorship.
They include having the sponsor’s name appearing on all advertising, which includes radio, newspapers and cable television. Signs posted at the event will also include the name of the sponsor.
There are a variety of sponsorships available: Director sponsorship of $10,000, Lead Actor/Actress sponsorship of $5,000; Understudy sponsorship of $3,500; Supporting Cast Sponsorship of $2,500; and Ensemble sponsorship of $1,000.
But Wagner noted, “No sponsorship amount is too great or too small.’
The 2002-2003 season of the State Theatre continues with “George M’ today at 8 p.m., “Ain’t Misbehavin” on March 15, “Sandy Duncan Celebrates Broadway’ on March 20, “When Music Was Music: A Tribute to the Greatest Generation,’ starring Mac Frampton and the Hollywood Hills Orchestra, on May 3; and “Barry Manilow’s Copacabana’ on May 11.
For more information on sponsorships or tickets for current shows, contact the State Theatre at 724-439-1360.