As we approach what is sure to be an unusual Thanksgiving holiday, I find myself more than ever focused on all of the things I have to be thankful for and am astounded that there are so many! I am blessed to have a family that is healthy and happy, and to be a part of an arts organization that continues to power through this pandemic in a mission-centric, yet efficient and responsible manner.
We are able to do so due to passionate and creative staff and due to extremely engaged donors, volunteers and patrons such as yourself. Therefore, this puts YOU at the top of my list of things for which I am thankful.
And, here are just a few things we have been able to do recently because of you:
On November 12th we opened our live production of The Velveteen Rabbit with limited-capacity, socially-distanced seating and many protocols in place to keep staff, volunteers and patrons safe.
On November 19th the streaming version of The Velveteen Rabbit became available on Broadway on Demand for people around the globe to watch from the comfort of their own homes.
We have a combination of limited-capacity, in-person and virtual classes going on right now so children may continue to engage in the arts and to build valuable life skills such as increased confidence, whether at our studios at Red Bank or in their homes.
We have multiple other productions currently available via Broadway on Demand, and for two of these productions we have created Pick-A-Path options where children interact with the performance and are able to make choices that change outcomes of the production along the way.
We are collaborating with venues around the country that are unable to open and do not have virtual offerings of their own who are marketing our digital products to their school contacts. These venues receive a percentage of the revenue resulting from their efforts. Our impact increases as a result, not just in terms of reach and revenue, but also in our contribution to helping to sustain struggling arts organizations throughout the country.
In addition to all of the above, we have been able to reduce our expenses by over $800,000 for the year so far, and yet have still kept a full and productive staff. They are grateful, and I am grateful, and we are all incredibly thankful.
Wishing you and your loved ones a happy and healthy Thanksgiving.
All My Best,
