Dear Friend of Intiman,
As many of you know, the past several months have been extremely challenging for Intiman Theatre. While we recently announced that the initial Impact Intiman campaign benchmark was met and that we were launching our strategic planning phase of the campaign, the reality of our financial situation has made it necessary to reevaluate the potential for the current season.
As much as we had hoped to conduct a strategic plan while operating, it is evident that we needed to close the 2011 season following the final performance of All My Sons. With our current income limitations there's no alternative.
Our primary intent has been and continues to be to preserve the future of Intiman - and our hope was to save the season, too. Simultaneous efforts to accomplish both are simply unattainable. While we are driven by that "show must go on" kind of determination, we must ensure that shows go on the Intiman stage for years and that can only happen if we pause, plan, and prepare for strong seasons in 2012 and beyond.
By canceling the current season, we preserve and protect the ability to serve the community in 2012, when the board intends to reopen the theatre and continue Intiman's history of presenting this community with engaging art. We are still working through details of how this impacts our constituents and will have more information available soon. Regretfully, we are unable to refund your ticket purchase price.
We are working to provide our ticketholders with the following:
-Tax deductible donation for remaining balance of subscription or ticket value
-Access to other area venues who have offered to provide Intiman patrons with an arts experience
-Invitation to participate and inform our programming and services in 2012 and beyond
Please spend a moment reading the Frequently Asked Questions document we've enclosed with this message. Over the past two days we've heard from many of our patrons and we want to reply to all of your inquiries. In the next week we will update the website with a comments page and we encourage you to share feedback and ask questions there.
The open support from the community has been very heartwarming. We know you want us to continue and we are grateful for your generosity during this time of repair and regrouping.
We are in the process of figuring out what will be needed for long-term viability. We will continue to communicate with our community in this process. We appreciate the patrons who have supported us during this time and we look forward to seeing you all again when the theatre returns.
With great appreciation,
Bruce Bradburn
President, Intiman Theatre Board of Trustees
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is Intiman closing? Intiman is going on a hiatus from producing plays that were scheduled to run in 2011. The board's intent is to reopen with a new season in 2012.
Is Intiman filing bankruptcy? There is not a plan to file bankruptcy at this time.
Where did the money you just raised go? Intiman has been in a daily cash crisis for many months now and the money raised went to support the artists and staff required to continue with the 2010 and 2011 productions and pay past due payables. The monthly expense of running a theatre the size of Intiman is very high even with budget cuts and staff reductions that were implemented. Since November 2010, we reduced the debt load of the theatre by paying off over $1.7 million of our indebtedness. This progress puts us in a stronger position for the theatre's future.
How do I get a refund? We regret that Intiman is not able to refund money for tickets to shows that will not take place this year. All season ticket holders will receive a tax-deductible receipt for the remaining balance of their subscription. Intiman will also attempt to find alternative options for ticket holders to enjoy theatre experiences in the area. For future planning, additional consideration and incentives for renewing subscribers will be developed for the 2012 season.
Why close in the middle of a season? As much as we had hoped to create a new strategic plan while operating, it is evident that we need to close the 2011 season following All My Sons. With our current income limitations there's no alternative.
Our primary intent has been and continues to be to preserve the future of Intiman - and our hope was to save the season, too. Simultaneous efforts to accomplish both are simply unattainable. While we are driven by that "show must go on" kind of determination, we must ensure that shows go on the Intiman stage for years and that can only happen if we pause, plan, and prepare for strong seasons in 2012 and beyond.
You said you needed $1 million plus the annual goal. Aren't you meeting those established benchmarks?
Our earned income budget for 2011 changed as we reviewed actual revenues and expectations with our consultant. As the extent of the financial crisis became clearer, extraordinary gifts received during the Impact Intiman campaign were not enough to overcome the day to day cash challenges. Even if we met the June and September Impact Intiman goals, the regular annual giving goals, and other revenue projections, Intiman could only continue to survive week-to-week. But, it would not thrive. It could not continue in a fashion that allows Intiman to be what it's been to this community for 39 years: a vibrant theatre that produces high quality art.
How much money will you need to raise now? The hiatus analysis will determine the future size of Intiman. It is unclear how the state of the theatre will impact future attendance and fundraising abilities. A budget will be based on the revenue potential of a new theatre model. The board realizes that it will be a multi-year process to win back loyal patrons and instill faith from the community of ticket buyers, subscribers and donors.
Who is going to lead the rebuilding process? The Board of Trustees will engage in a strategic planning and business model development phase. As part of this process they have engaged Susan Trapnell of Arts Consulting Group, Inc. Susan will work with the Board of Trustees and community stakeholders to identify the direction and leadership choices in order for the theatre to reopen and operate in a fiscally and operationally solvent manner.
What happens to the actors and employees you've hired? Artists and actors for The Call will be compensated according to their contracts for the production. All contracts for future productions will be honored according to the predetermined terms related to cancellations. Unfortunately, the part-time, full-time and seasonal administration and production employees will be terminated. The board regrets these ramifications of the decision to pause.
Have you identified the core problem?
The challenges at Intiman can be summarized in the work necessary to rebuild for the future, which will focus on:
-Governance
-Oversight
-Planning
-Communication
What does it mean to create a new model? The board and staff leadership needs to reexamine what has made this theatre vibrant the past 39 years and determine what it looks like to be Intiman in the future. How many shows can one season have? What types of shows and programs do we offer? What time of year works best for the theatre? How do we use our venue in order to maximize potential? Do we co-produce or present? Can we afford commissions? Should we share our venue? Are there other untapped sources that we should investigate? Who will lead the staff and operations on a daily basis? How many employees can we afford? What is essential to put on productions? And most importantly: what is our mission?
