2 / 8
We have much to be thankful for here at The Grand as 2016
comes to a close. It has truly been a great year: over 132,000
patrons came through our doors (including an incredible
4,600 first-time patrons), we sold out 12 shows, were
recognized as one of Pollstar’s Top 225 theaters in the world,
launched a new website and mobile app, and debuted a new
LED message center on the historic marquee.
While those highlights are great, it’s the performances
that we’ll never forget, and 2016 featured incredible
performances from a vast spectrum of artists. Whether
it was the Broadway mastery of 42nd Street and Once,
the comedy of Ron White and Lewis Black, the family fun
of Vocalosity and the Shanghai Acrobats or the amazing
musicianship of the Havana Cuba All-Stars, these 12 months have featured something for
everybody. We thank all of you who have come out for shows this year and made it our most
successful one in over a decade!
Just as importantly, we’ve redoubled our efforts to build engagement with the community. Our
residency with gifted pianist Alpin Hong connected with students from K-12 and beyond, while
the Aca-Performance of a Lifetime Contest gave local groups the chance to open for Vocalosity.
Meanwhile, our student matinee series continues to flourish—over 15,000 students from 17
counties connected to the arts through attending a daytime show at The Grand this year.
As the year comes to a close, we’ll also be ramping up our annual fund drive. Even with a very
successful season, ticket revenues cover only 20% of our operating expenses, as most of that
ticket revenue goes to the artist and the cost of presenting the show. Your support helps us
ensure that we can continue to bring the best in the performing arts to the region, to provide
opportunities for students to engage with professional artists and to use the art to help enrich the
lives of the entire community. As you consider your end-of-the-year giving, I hope you’ll consider
a gift to the Performing Arts Foundation.
As we embark on 2017, we’re excited about a number of new initiatives: our involvement as one
of just two partners of the Overture Center in Madison for the Tommy Awards, which recognizes
the best of high school musical theater throughout the state of Wisconsin. Currently schools in
23 counties are involved in the Tommy Awards, and now schools across North Central Wisconsin
are taking part in this amazing program. We will also be continuing our brand-new 10x10 Series
which features 10 shows of emerging artists for just $10 a ticket, all with an aim of introducing
new audiences to The Grand and ensuring access to the arts without cost barriers. There are many
other exciting things we have planned for the months ahead and we look forward to sharing them
with you as the calendar turns to 2017.
Thanks again for your support of The Grand and best wishes for a wonderful holiday season.
FROM THE DESK
OF THE
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Date
Friday, February 24
Tuesday, February 28
Monday, March 13
Wednesday, April 5 - SOLD OUT
Wednesday, April 26
Performance
Everybody’s Hero
Brown Bear, Brown Bear
Laura Ingalls Wilder
Dr. Seuss’ Cat in the Hat
The Mayhem Poets
The Grand would like to thank ASPIRUS for their continued support
of our Arts In Education Series and their investment in programs
that engage children! Their support helps sustain the high-quality
performing arts programs delivered through our matinee series, and
ensures the continued existence of our inclusive and comprehensive
program at affordable rates for our youngest patrons in public,
private, parochial, and home schools.
2
THE GRAND’S ENTIRE SEASON IS SUPPORTED BY:
The Grand would like to thank Janke Book
Store for commemorative copies of each book
featured in the series.
10
10
S E R I E S
x
THE GRAND’S
JUST ANNOUNCED
KRISTIN DIABLE 1/20
QUIET HOLLERS 2/24
TICKETS ON SALE
NOW FOR JUST
$10 IN ADVANCE
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE
10X10 SERIES ON PAGE 7