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The Business of Theater
Written By: Donna Rhodes | Issue: 2018/11 - November
If you’ve had the pleasure of enjoying a film, a play, or a rousing musical at Highlands Playhouse, it was well worth the price of admission…and then some. Here’s why.
The playhouse takes pride in presenting high-quality, live performances on stage and award-winning cinematic productions on screen. Its mission is to enlighten, educate, and inspire the Western North Carolina community. Every production, whether live or on film, is carefully planned, crafted, and presented with the viewer’s enjoyment and enrichment in mind. But the playhouse staff must spend a lot of time behind the scenes making sure attendees get all those perks.
In an ideal world, performers could just, well, perform. At rehearsals the stage would be pre-set, finished costumes waiting on the rack, the lights automatically cued. Opening night, guests would arrive at a perfectly air-conditioned, rent-free hall. Power bills would magically be paid. Programs would appear, printed and, like everything else, free, free, free. Refreshments would be delivered and paid for, wine pouring from a never-ending fountain.
Alas, the playhouse productions, while moving and magical, are costly. To continue the high-quality performances, performers and staff work hard raising money to keep the coffers full and the curtains rising.
In the spirit of the season, the staff, crew, and actors would like to express their appreciation for what the community gives to them in exchange for the hard work they warmly offer in return.
Next month’s playhouse article will feature the numbers HP must crunch for its 2019 season. Now is the time to take advantage of end-of-year contributions/deductions so the playhouse can continue their top-notch presentations. Don’t forget. A big move is on the horizon.
Thanks to Ken Proctor for his contributions to this article. Stay tuned for all the latest on one of the most exciting seasons in the history of HP’s long and revered existence.
For more information about the theater, contributions, and volunteering, contact Lance Matzke at (828) 526-2695.
