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CONTACT: Matt Kemple, PR & Marketing Manager
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www.nextact.org
NEXT ACT SURPASSES FUNDING GOAL FOR NEW FACILITY
Capital Campaign Journey Makes It Home
MILWAUKEE, WIDespite challenging economic conditions Next Act Theatre has surpassed its fundraising goal of $950,000 to create a new performance and office facility in the up-and-coming Fifth Ward. The Journey Home capital campaign project received generous support from board and former board members, patrons, artists, local foundations and corporations. As of December 31, 2010, total gifts and pledges amounted to $994,020.
Fundraising professional Jean Gurney organized and helped to execute The Journey Home Campaign. The goal of nearly one million dollars took roughly a year to raise despite the stagnant economic climate. Fundraising efforts received a significant boost from David and Julia Uihlein, who challenged Next Act patrons to donate and pledge $850,000 by Dec. 31st. Upon meeting this challenge the Uihlein’s gave the final $100,000 to finish the campaign. A specialized patron appeal was organized, encouraging each household to donate an average of $250 to the cause. Over three-hundred gifts were received, averaging approximately $360 per gift and totaling more than $110,000. Other significant support was received from: The Greater Milwaukee Foundation, Bradley Foundation, Steigleder Foundation, Briggs & Stratton Corporation Foundation, Bucyrus Foundation, Inbusch Foundation, Peck Foundation, Whyte Hirschboeck Dudek Foundation, Four-Four Foundation, as well as many family foundations. Corporate matching also played a significant role, doubling many individual donations and totaling $23,050.
Producing Artistic Director David Cecsarini said of the campaign, “I am utterly overwhelmed by the generosity and passionate interest of our supporters. Hundreds of our patrons, including board members, former board, subscribers, volunteers and artistic colleagues gave gifts ranging from $10 to $50,000. We framed the campaign as a group effort from the beginning, and I think donors were inspired by that idea. Our many local foundations also deserve great recognition and thanks for their tremendous support with gifts ranging from $4,000 to $75,000. The new space is intended to serve the broader community, and foundations were very supportive of that mission. My heartfelt thanks goes out to all who helped The Journey Home Campaign make it to the finish line.”
Construction of the new theatre facility will begin in February 2011 in the former Transpak Crane Bay building at 255 S. Water St., one of six buildings in the South Water Works development owned and managed by Lighthouse Development. The building is located at the dividing line between the Third and Fifth Wards, just across the river from the Skylight Theatre complex.
Quorum Architects, Inc. has created the design and is coordinating engineering and construction. Next Act staff and volunteers will undertake much of the finishing work.
The new project will serve as Next Act’s permanent performance and administrative home with 150 seats, offices, rehearsal space, production support areas, along with ample street parking and area amenities. In addition to serving as Next Act’s home, the new theatre’s mission is broadly conceived to provide affordable performing space for other companies, emerging groups and independent artists. At least twenty-four production weeks will be available to support outside activity, much of it produced by younger artists, attracting diverse audiences. The new theatre is slated to host Next Act’s 22nd season, opening in late September, 2011.
Next Act Theatre’s mission is to engage the hearts and minds of our audience with
compelling and intimate theatre productions intended to stimulate thought, foster the
exchange of ideas and to promote the development of new perspectives and understanding.
Next Act Theatre is celebrating twenty-one years of professional theatre.
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