As you know, Barter Theater is one of the nation’s longest running professional theatres and an anchor of our region’s arts scene since 1933 (perhaps a call attention to one or two alumni with a very short story)
Barter generates $40 million each year in local business and tax revenue, and well over 400 jobs.
Because Barter’s patrons usually account for a huge segment of regional tourism, the businesses that gain customers when Barter’s attendance grows also lose customers when attendance drops.
As a NONPROFIT organization (AS IS EVERY THEATRE IN THE COUNTRY), Barter Theatre relies on ticket sales for 64 percent of its income each year and then relies on tax-deductible GIFTS to Barter’s Annual Fund for Artistic Excellence providing most of the additional revenue.
The 2019 season offers a variety of musicals, classics and comedies, and we’ve had very positive reactions to them from patrons and reviewers!
Unfortunately, significantly lower ticket revenues have left the theatre’s budget far below where it should be at this point in the summer.
Tourism in our region is down 16% and consumer spending, especially for non-essential items, has been at historically low levels for the last two to three months
When ticket revenues started declining a couple of months ago, we all began working diligently to shift priorities. Together, we curtailed expenses by over $250,000. Those adjustments helped, but they are not enough.
A significant infusion of support in the next few weeks from Barter patrons and donors provides the only path through this difficulty.
AND Barter will remain in control of its destiny with friends like you!
Here is how you can help: if you have been thinking about buying tickets to Barter’s summer, fall and Christmas productions, I encourage you to make those purchases as soon as you can. Seat selection will never be better than it is right now.”
Any immediate contributions to Barter’s Annual Fund for Artistic Excellence will make a difference.
Even better…purchase tickets and donate. That is a winning combination for Barter Theatre and this region all year long.
With that same spirit, I am convinced Barter and the region can emerge with an even stronger sense of shared purpose.
Robert Porterfield, Barter’s founder, used to say, ‘If you like us, talk about us.’ But right now, if you like us, support us.
