Actors' NET - On Stage

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A Message from the Actors' NET Board President, Ted Fletcher

STATE OF THE NET
As we look back on the first eleven years of the NET's existence, it is worth our time to take a snapshot view of what we do and don't do at this point in our evolution.. This kind of self analysis will provide a sound basis for evaluating where we are now and where we want to be. in the next ten years. It's important to keep in mind the rather amazing over-all success of the NET during the past decade. The most remarkable of which is eleven years of continuous and ambitious top quality programming, funded almost entirely by ticket sales alone.- a rare and astounding accomplishment in itself.

For those who wish to participate in this self-analysis, the following is a bullet point view of what we are and what we do.

FINANCIAL
In the year 2006 the NET had revenues of $76,243. and expenses of $78,433. showing a net loss of $2,190. Over 91 % of the total revenue came from ticket sales, the remainder from much appreciated individual contributions and concession income.
The NET recently filed with the Federal Government for 501c3 status as a non-profit corporation. Once this is awarded we will be in a position to pursue grants supporting the arts and community redevelopment. We received one "bricks and mortar grant" for $ 15,000 in the year 2000 which enabled us to purchase sound and lighting equipment, build the storage shed next door and provide additional permanent seating.

We recently increased adult ticket prices to $20. for all shows (musicals and non-musicals) in hopes of alleviating our financial deficit. We have no experience with the new rates as yet, but we believe we have reached the upper limit of what we can charge given our overall presentation in our current location.

FACILITIES
We have 77 permanent seats in a converted borough garage that we lease from the Economic Development Corporation (EDC) for $350. per month. It still looks pretty much like a converted Borough garage with limited backstage space, stage size and storage/shop areas for costuming, set building and storage. . Parking along the dike is adequate but unpaved.

Many customers "overlook" our theater ambiance (or lack of) in order to see quality productions, but others don't see coming to the Heritage Center as "an evening at the theater." The sense of intimacy found in the theater area itself is a major "plus," but the cramped backstage areas and limited intermission and box office space lead to a feeling of poor housekeeping and questionable cleanliness

We have virtually no funds available for capital improvements such as expansion of work and storage areas and interior and exterior redecorating and beautification.

OPERATIONS
We are heavily dependent on volunteer services (with great risk of volunteer burn-out) for costuming, set building, painting, maintenance, lighting, sound, ushering, and housekeeping. We pay stipends for some of these services when the commitment and expertise required justifies it.

We pay musicians for our musical productions, but have been unable to pay our actors stipends for lack of funds although it has always been our hope to do so.

Despite our tenuous financial status, we are confident we can and will turn things around. Our most recent summer show -- the Mixed Bag Revue -- drew extremely well and replenished the coffers somewhat. And on Oct. 5, we launch season 12 with the Pulitzer Prize winning "Death of a Salesman" -- which is almost certain to draw well.

Once we acquire our own independent 501c3 tax exempt status, we'll be able to apply for grants which can finance projects to improve our facility's conditions. Some supporters have already said they work for corporations that will match their gifts to The NET, as well. Perhaps you or people you know do, too. So as we struggle for now, there is much reason for optimism.

Thanks to all who give of their time and talents to the Actors' NET. Once the storm has passed, we envision clear sailing!