Following another successful season Theatre North West is preparing to present its final play of the season.
Kiss the Moon, Kiss the Sun, a comedy by Canadian playwright, Norm Foster, will open April 14.
When the curtain comes down at the beginning of May, the season tally will total 90 performances seen by about 17,000 patrons, including 3,723 season pass holders, the second largest number since the theatre was launched in 1994.
TNW's fast rise has been built substantially on the loyalty of its subscribers. During the past three years, box office receipts have covered almost half of the theatre's annual operating budget of nearly $1 million.
Compared to many non-profit societies, the portion of the budget raised by the theatre without government participation is extraordinary, said Jeremy Stewart, interim administrative associate
with TNW.
"Almost a quarter of last year's budget was raised through donations, sponsorship, concession sales, and fundraising, including special events like the popular International Wine Festival."
Although the Premier Christy Clark recently announced that some gaming money will be restored, none of it will go to arts groups in TNW's category, said Stewart
Despite the strong community support, this season's budget had to be tightened due to reductions in grant money from the province.
"The provincial government shocked non-profit societies last year by slashing gaming grants that many charities had been relying on to cover basic operating expenses, so TNW streamlined certain aspects of its operation to minimize the impact of cuts, but those cuts are about to get deeper," said Stewart.
"Next season, the theatre will lose the rest of its bingo and casino funding, totalling $61,000, which is sure to constrain employment, as well as certain types of programming, including large cast shows like this season's All Shook Up, an attendance record -breaking production.
"It's at times like these that the theatre is especially grateful for its family of sponsors and loyal patrons, many of which have been with the theatre since it's beginning," Stewart said.
TNW is also preparing for its 2011-2012 season in ongoing negotiations with a line up of guest directors, designers, and actors, all vying to come to Prince George to be a part of the city's vibrant theatre culture, said Stewart.
The list of plays for next season will be revealed to patrons during Kiss the Moon, Kiss the Sun comedy, kicking off the annual subscription campaign with hopes to broaden TNW's sponsorship family.
Kiss the Moon, Kiss the Sun is a story of an unlikely friendship will capture your heart, and maybe change the way we see others. Although Robert, 35, has the mental capacities of an eight-year old, he's wise in the ways of the world. Holly is pregnant and alone, and simply needs the right break. Uplifting, poignant, and broadly comical, it's a tale of a special friendship during uncertain times.
TNW has had outstanding support from its long-time sponsors like The Prince George Citizen which was among the first back in 1994, and since 1999, has been the sole all-season sponsor.
Other loyal sponsors include the Travelodge Goldcap, Schultz Autobody (formerly Schultz Pontiac, Buick, GMC), Prince George Savings Credit Union, ReMax Centre City, and media sponsors CKPG TV and affiliate radio stations, and the Free Press.
