Letter from the Managing Director

As the New Year approaches, we remain proud to bring you the best in entertaining, innovative, challenging and thought-provoking theatre. In September of 2009 we proudly launched our 29th season with our production of the Pulitzer Prize winning play Top Dog / Underdog by Suzan-Lori Parks. This production was underwritten with funding from The Bob & Aleicia Woodrick Diversity Learning Center of the Grand Rapids Community College. Generous and enthusiastic sponsors, both big and small, allow us to continue to fulfill our mission to the level of quality and professionalism you have come to expect.

"Well" September - October, 2008

As we look back on the successes of our 2008 – 2009 season, we are proud of our accomplishments. Actors’ Theatre received nine nominations for Grand Awards in theatre excellence and once again was the recipient of the Silver Townie Award from On The Town magazine. Regardless of past success, however, we cannot allow ourselves to rest on our laurels. Now, more than ever, Actors’ relies on the generosity and support of our community of patrons and friends. The important work we do would not be possible without your season ticket purchases and additional contributions. Thank you for your ongoing support.

In our 2009 – 2010 season our projected ticket income, including season ticket sales, only accounts for 34% of our annual expenditures. In addition to proudly paying our actors a stipend for their performances, we must also account for the general expenditures necessary to mount our quality productions such as royalties, designer stipends, sets, props, costumes and sound effects. All of these expenses will account for over $48,000 of our operating budget for 2009 – 2010.

"The Clean House" January 2009

With more focus then ever before on the artistic community of Grand Rapids, we find ourselves at an exciting yet pivotal time. Promoting diversity of thought and the desire to bring work to Grand Rapids that may not otherwise be seen here is what we thrive on doing. However, this would not be possible without continued support throughout our season. Therefore we present you with several opportunities to become involved with Actors’ Theatre:

As a business, you can become a Production Sponsor with a donation of $5,000 or more, an Artistic Sponsor for $2,500 or a Corporate Member for $1,000. At any of these levels you will receive exciting partnership and advertising opportunities – allowing us to mutually benefit one another.

As an individual you may:

• Become a member of Directors’ Circle for a donation of $1,000 or more. Members receive special benefits throughout the season such as tickets to our annual gala and one-of-a-kind posters signed by the cast of each production. For more information on the benefits of becoming a Directors’ Circle member, visit our website at: www.actorstheatregrandrapids.com

• Become a season ticket holder, or purchase our mini-season subscription as a gift, good for our final three productions of the season.

• Make a donation or pledge a series of donations of any amount to support the entertaining, innovative, challenging and thought-provoking work Actors’ Theatre presents. No donation or pledge is too small.

Actors’ Theatre is committed to the highest standards of artistic excellence. Your support makes a difference! We ask you to make a financial contribution to Actors’ Theatre; in return we promise that we will stay true to our mission and to our community.

If you would like to request further information about Actors’ Theatre, please feel free to contact me directly at (616) 234-3817. Thank you again for your continued support and patronage. We wish you the happiest and healthiest of holiday seasons, and look forward to seeing you in the days and months to come!

Best wishes,
Kyle Amanda Dutkiewicz
Managing Director
Actors’ Theatre