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Get in the Act
Written By: Wiley Sloan | Issue: 2016/09 - September | Photograph By: Ginger Moseley
The summer of 2016 has been a record-breaking season at the Highlands Playhouse.
The crowd-pleasing show “Chicago” set records as being the first production to break $80,000 in sales.
And even as the summer season draws to a close with “Piano Man,” the folks at the Highlands Playhouse are working diligently to keep Highlanders entertained.
Managing Director Ginger Moseley, says, “The cost to put on top-notch productions is much greater than people often realize.”
Ticket sales cover only a small portion of the costs of operating the playhouse. In addition to normal overhead like utilities, advertising, and payroll, there are fees for licensing, royalties, audition space rental in New York, travel, equipment, and even housing out-of-town talent.
It takes ticket sales plus a combination of fund-raising efforts to ensure that the playhouse has the needed funds for first quality entertainment.
“We appreciate the generous donors, both individuals and corporate – who make our operations possible,” says Moseley.
Scott Allbee, President of the Board of Directors echoes Moseley’s thanks to the community.
“Without these generous donors, we would not be able to operate”, he says.
To that point, this year’s magnificent lineup of stage productions would not have been possible without such support.
For the past two years, playhouse patrons have gathered at the Bubbles Gala. This year it was held at The Bascom and guests enjoyed good food, toe-tapping music, and a lively auction as they raised approximately $45,000.
During 2016 the playhouse was able to add additional microphones needed to support a cast as large as that of “Chicago.”
In 2017 they hope to replace aging spotlights and upgrade the costume shop and dressing room areas.
And while the final show is set to dim its lights on September 4, don’t forget that first-run movies are shown daily throughout the year. Check out the Playhouse’s website at highlandsplayhouse.org to see which movies are playing at any given time.
Whether you want to donate $50 or $50,000, every dollar is appreciated by the Playhouse. To donate online, go to highlandsplayhouse.org. For more information about donor opportunities, call the Playhouse at (828) 526-2695. If you prefer, you may send your checks to P.O. Box 896, Highlands, NC 28741.
