July 29, 2009

What a season this has been!
Reviewers and audience members write:

Funny Girl: “…launched a rousing, upbeat, attention-getting summer of theatre…”
                                                “Liz Aiello may have been born for the role of Fanny Brice…”

Big Criminals: “It’s a Crime if you miss Big Criminals.”

Death of a Salesman: “…so elevated above ordinary dramatic performances…”

Brighton Beach Memoirs: “The SART actors…all deserve high praise…”

Reactions to Home Again and The Foreigner yet to come are sure to add to these superlatives!

HOWEVER,  SART has experienced a severe income shortfall due mainly to:

• a decline in single ticket sales of $41,000
• not receiving a $25,000 grant of “Stimulus” money from the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA)
• a decline in contributions of $15,000
• a decline in other income of $12,000

           
SART has been able to control costs and stay slightly under budget in 2009.

            SART needs to raise $20,000 immediately to finish the remaining four weeks of the season AND another $80,000 by December 31.

The Board of Directors understands that you have been besieged with pleas for contributions.  Few nonprofit organizations have escaped the impact of the financial times.  That said, SART must ask for your help in paying the bills for the season and continuing the fine theatre we all enjoy.

            Here is how you can help:
1.         Contribute what you can, remembering that ANY amount helps and is appreciated;
2.         Let a board member know if you know someone who could help;
3.         Donate something tangible such as vehicles, boats, furniture, antiques, art works, real
estate, appreciated stocks, etc.;
4.         Tell people about SART and the upcoming shows, Home Again and The Foreigner.

            We will post our progress on our web site www.sartplays.org.

Thank you for your loyal support,

                                                                       
Walt Currie, President