2023 Annual Report
From the Director “Miraculous. That pretty much encapsulates my reaction to the staggering accomplishment of Des Moines Metro Opera...” Opera Today Des Moines Metro Opera is celebrating a “miraculous” 2023 summer season that not only built upon the achievements of our 50th anniversary season the year before but also created its own new success stories. I’m excited to report that attendance figures surpassed last year’s records and far exceeded our own expectations. 94% of available seats across our mainstage season were sold and occupied. Audiences flocked to Des Moines Metro Opera from 39 states and 4 countries to support the performing arts and a company they love. DMMO sold more tickets for the Festival this year than in our 50th anniversary in 2022. The box office success and audience enthusiasm are a welcome boost as we continue to contend with the protracted aftereffects of a global pandemic. On the subject of industry-wide challenges, DMMO continues to seek new ways to combat the dramatic inflationary pressure that has seen the costs to produce live theatrical productions climb 40% in a three-year period. Materials to create sets and costumes, transportation, housing as well as our continued commitment to maintain a positive working environment and fair wages for our artists and staff have meant rapid operating budget increases. In that three-year period our budget has increased from $4 million to $5.5 million in 2023. While we endeavor to establish a new equilibrium between costs that will maintain the quality of work audiences have come to expect and our steadily increasing inflationary pressure on the budget, we are grateful that the company enjoys a firm financial footing through the DMMO Foundation and the loyalty and generosity of long-time patrons and new friends. Together, we will find the way through this rapidly evolving landscape. One thing is certain—your participation has never been more vital. None of the 2023 season’s success would have been possible without your support. Producing a full season of sold-out performances at a high artistic level is cause for celebration. Please accept my sincere thanks for playing your part in making sure that the forward momentum and success we are currently experiencing continues. The future looks bright! MICHAEL EGEL The Linda Koehn General and Artistic Director
OUR MISSION Create distinctive theatrical experiences and inspirational learning opportunities for artists and audiences of the 21st century. INSPIRE diverse audiences through statewide educational programs and unique community collaborations. ENCOURAGE established and emerging artists and administrators to produce their best work through a creative, inclusive environment. CURATE innovative repertory from four centuries of composition presented at the highest levels of artistic and vocal achievement. IMPACT the economic vitality of the Greater Des Moines region through programming that generates national and international tourism.
BIZET
Carmen Carmen
“
Des Moines Metro Opera’s Carmen was a musical triumph... The stellar cast and orchestra performed Bizet’s cherished masterpiece with infectious energy and undeniable skill.
”
SCHMOPERA
BARTÓK
Bluebeard’s Castle
“
Miraculous. That pretty much encapsulates my reaction to the staggering accomplishment of Des Moines Metro Opera’s festival production of Bartók’s masterpiece, Bluebeard’s Castle. OPERA TODAY
”
“
The production with its kaleidoscope of primary-color visuals was completely insane and absolutely delightful. OPERA NEWS
PROKOFIEV
The Love for
Three Oranges
”
KANDER/GUMBEL
DWB
(driving (drivingwhile whileBlack) Black)
““
This stirring musical experience evoked complex emotions, proving once again that art and music have the power to transcend divisions and promote empathy within the community.
””
SCHMOPERA
“
The power of music to touch the soul is woven into the opera, a cathartic blend of love, sorrow, and resilience. If you’re looking for a contemporary opera that forces you to feel something, then look no further.
”
SCHMOPERA
REDLER/DYE
The TheFalling
and andthe theRising Rising
Summer Festival
DMMO’s Summer Opera Festival makes it one of the state’s largest professional, producing performing arts organizations. The festival runs each summer with 15-17 mainstage public performances occurring in July. The mainstage performances take place in the intimate 467seat Pote Theater at the Blank Performing Arts Center in Indianola, Iowa. This year’s mainstage season included performances of Bizet’s’ Carmen, Bartók’s Bluebeard’s Castle and Prokofiev’s The Love for Three Oranges. Here is a summary of this year’s mainstage summer festival:
6,556
TICKETS SOLD
13
OUT OF 15 SOLD-OUT PERFORMANCES
94%
OF SEATS SOLD
644
NEW HOUSEHOLDS ATTENDED MAINSTAGE OPERAS
39
STATES REPRESENTED, PLUS D.C.
80.2%
ATTENDEES FROM IOWA HOUSEHOLDS
19.8%
ATTENDEES FROM OUT-OF-STATE HOUSEHOLDS
5
COUNTRIES REPRESENTED: USA, CANADA, CHILE, ENGLAND, NEW ZEALAND
230+
ARTISTS INVOLVED
BLUEBEARD’S CASTLE
2nd Stages SEries
Conceived as an expansion of the company’s successful Summer Festival, the 2nd Stages Series allows audiences to experience this remarkable art form through operatic presentations in unorthodox spaces. We take the opera “out of the opera house” and into community spaces. Such performances allow Des Moines Metro Opera to engage in meaningful partnerships with community and arts organizations throughout Central Iowa that demonstrate the power of the human voice to tell the stories of our own time. This year’s 2nd Stages Series included performances of Kander/Gumbel’s dwb (driving while black) at multiple venues in Iowa and Redler/Dye’s The Falling and the Rising at Camp Dodge.
948
TICKETS SOLD
95
NEW HOUSEHOLDS ATTENDED 2ND STAGES
OPera Iowa
For more than 35 years, OPERA Iowa has presented half-day residencies in rural schools, city classrooms, “cafetoriums,” community centers, concert halls and gymnasiums, offering more than 1 million young people and their families professional arts experiences while building new and enthusiastic audiences for the future. The OPERA Iowa curriculum features comprehensive study guides, curriculum-based workshops and professional musical performances designed specifically for young people and families. The OPERA Iowa troupe travels across the state of Iowa offering in-person experiences, and in 2020 the company developed the Virtual Opera Curriculum to increase the program’s impact geographically at a time when in-person programming was not possible.
24,000+
TOTAL STUDENTS AND FAMILIES BENEFITTED FROM OPERA IOWA IN 2023
93
PERFORMANCES OF SID THE SERPENT WHO WANTED TO SING AND BEAUTY AND THE BEAST
70+
WORKSHOPS
6
MASTERCLASSES
5
ARIAS CONCERTS
106
SCHOOLS VISITED
450
MUSIC TEACHERS BENEFITTED
6,038
MILES TRAVELED
57%
OF DISTRICTS VISITED HAD AT LEAST 1/3 OF STUDENTS QUALIFY FOR FREE/REDUCED LUNCH 33% WHERE AT LEAST 1/2 QUALIFY
30%
OF SCHOOLS WERE IN RURAL AREAS
SID THE SERPENT WHO WANTED TO SING
Apprentice Artist Program Begun in 1975 (two years after the company was founded), DMMO’s Frank R. Brownell III Apprentice Artist Program is a comprehensive career training program that bridges the gap between academic studies and a professional career in opera for some of the brightest and best talents in America. It is one of the oldest, largest and most respected programs of its kind in the US. During their time in Iowa, apprentice artists participate in a seven-week training program including performance opportunities and coaching in standard and contemporary operatic scenes, career training seminars, opportunities to perform in mainstage productions, opportunities to be heard by artist representatives and other companies and special concerts with the Festival Orchestra. Here’s a summary of this year’s Apprentice Artist Program.
40
APPRENTICE ARTISTS
21
STATES REPRESENTED PLUS CANADA, CHINA, HAITI AND SPAIN
29
SCENES PERFORMED WITH PIANO
15
ENSEMBLES PERFORMED AT THE STARS OF TOMORROW CONCERT WITH ORCHESTRA
21
INDUSTRY PROFESSIONALS HEARD AUDITIONS FROM MEMBERS OF THE AAP
STARS OF TOMORROW
Community Engagement
DMMO is committed to serving as a social, cultural, educational, and economic resource to our community. Arts and culture experiences become increasingly vital in a world that is more prone to division, isolation and even violence. Our programming, whether on the mainstage or in an elementary school gymnasium, builds understanding about who we are, where we have been and where we might go together.
6
COMMUNITY DISCUSSIONS As part of the 2nd Stages Series, DMMO coordinated discussions with community and religious leaders, members of the Iowa National Guard and creators and artists from dwb (driving while black) and The Falling and the Rising. These impactful conversations contextualized each production through sharing of personal experiences and providing action steps audience members can take in their own lives.
10
COMMUNITY PARTNERS African American Museum of Iowa Iowa National Guard Des Moines Public Library Mainframe Studios Hope+Elim Grand View University Cedar Rapids Public Library Iowa Gold Star Military Museum Broadlawns PATH Program Walnut Creek YMCA
Artist Circle DMMO is proud to introduce this inclusive opportunity for friends of the company to make a financial gift in any amount to support the singers, musicians, designers, directors and production staff who make our mission possible. The Artist Circle creates access to the artists at DMMO for supporters at all levels. A highlight for members of the Circle is mingling with artists at preshow receptions throughout the season.
Out-of-State Receptions Over 40% of DMMO ticket buyers are from outside the Des Moines metro, and half of those guests come from outside of Iowa. This season we created an opportunity for these patrons to meet others like them who travel to Indianola as opera tourists, as well as a chance to get to know some of the DMMO year-round staff and Board of Directors. The receptions were a huge success and will continue to grow in the seasons to come.
Annual Fund and Financials
Des Moines Metro Opera continues to thrive in fulfilling its mission to create distinctive theatrical experiences and inspirational learning opportunities for artists and audiences of the 21st century. During this time of inflationary increases in the cost of labor and materials, our commitment to mission requires a balanced and responsible fiscal policy. DMMO has earned a record of fiscal responsibility (Four star rating from Charity Navigator) and enjoys a strong base of support from loyal patrons and individual donors. In addition, robust support from area businesses, foundations and government entities are vital to funding the work at Des Moines Metro Opera. Beyond DMMO’s annual fund contributions, the company receives an annual gift from the Des Moines Metro Opera Foundation to support mainstage and educational programming. DMMO is grateful to have such a dedicated base of donors and community partners in Central Iowa and beyond.
2023 Expenses In FY23, 75% of expenses directly supported programming at DMMO. Mainstage, 2nd Stages Series and Education spending, including OPERA Iowa and the Apprentice Artist Program, represent significant investments in the mission at DMMO.
GENERAL & ADMINISTRATIVE 7% RETAIL & RENTAL 2%
MARKETING & ADVERTISING 7% 2ND STAGES 2%
DEVELOPMENT 7%
FACILITIES 1%
EDUCATION 10%
MAINSTAGE 63%
For greater detail and access to the company’s 990 filings and audited financials, please refer to our website.
2023 REVENUE As a non-profit organization, Des Moines Metro Opera relies on contributed revenue from individuals, corporations, foundations and public sources to carry out is mission. In FY23 only 19.35% of the company’s $5.48 million operating budget came from earned revenue sources such as ticket sales, lobby retail sales and fundraising events.
CONTRIBUTED REVENUE
60%
FY21
FY23
FY22
50%
After pandemic shutdowns and an outsized anniversary season, FY23 finally represents a 40% return to something of a “new normal” regarding contributed revenue for DMMO. The previous 30% fiscal year was an outlier due to the 50th anniversary celebration, its special 50 Next 20% Campaign and associated special artistic initiatives. Overall, though, individual donors 10% consistently represent the largest source of contributed revenue at Des Moines Metro Opera. 0% INDIVIDUAL CORPORATE/ PUBLIC BRAVO GREATER DMMO The return to pre-COVID relief levels of public DONORS FOUNDATIONS FUNDING DES MOINES FOUNDATION funding in 2023 also has significant impact on contributed revenue. DMMO is grateful to the nearly 900 donors who supported the annual fund this season. Please see the 2023 Summer Festival Program for a full listing of supporters.
2021
2022
2023
INDIVIDUAL DONORS
$1,241,486 (39.54%)
$1,450,848 (22.72%)
$1,483,210 (33.38%)
CORPORATE/FOUNDATIONS
$343,390 (10.94%)
$349,360 (5.47%)
$344,202 (7.75%)
PUBLIC GRANTS
$814,053 (25.93%)
$438,204 (6.86%)
$60,974 (1.37%)
BRAVO OF GREATER DES MOINES
$172,000 (5.48%)
$317,400 (4.97%)
$295,000 (6.64%)
DMMO FOUNDATION
$569,000 (18.12%)
$3,828,843 (59.97%)
$2,259,000 (50.85%)
$3,139,928
$6,384,655
$4,442,386
EARNED REVENUE
ADVERTISING 1.53%
Earned revenue consists of the following categories (see chart, right) with the largest portion of earned revenue coming from box office ticket sales (62.26%). The charts below illustrate mainstage ticket income and percentage of theatre sold over the past nine seasons.
EDUCATION PROGRAMS 4.92% SET RENTALS 4.94% FUNDRAISING EVENTS 7.54% CONCESSIONS/RETAIL 8.85% OTHER INCOME 9.97%
FISCAL YEAR
MAINSTAGE TICKET INCOME
% OF THEATRE SOLD
2013
$391,826.25
84%
2014
$391,535.27
83%
2015
$369,442.30
77%
2016
$385,722.78
76%
500,000
2017
$465,865.79
90%
2018
$412,270.64
82%
400,000
2019
$473,418.87
90%
2022
$538,385.59
91%
2023
$582,860.20
94%
TICKET SALES 62.26%
0
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
600,000
300,000 200,000 100,000 0 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2022 2023
2022-23 BOARD of DIRECTORS OFFICERS President EMILY PONTIUS President-elect DARREN JIRSA Vice President CARRIE CLOGG Treasurer JOHN WILD Secretary ANN J. MICHELSON At-large TIMOTHY J. KRUMM, PAXTON WILLIAMS Immediate Past President VIRGINIA CROSKERY LAURIDSEN * Counsel to the Board ELIZABETH COONAN
DIRECTORS MOLLIE BAKER TONY BRAIDA ELIZABETH CARTER ELIZABETH FREESE BRYAN HALL SCOTT HARRINGTON JOSHUA KIMELMAN DYLAN LAMPE ADRIENNE MCFARLAND *
ERIC NEMMERS CRAIG PORTER NICK RENKOSKI CRAIG SHADUR * KAREN SHINN STEPHEN STEPHENSON JACQUELINE THOMPSON SHEILA TIPTON * SUSAN E. VOSS * JULIA HAGEN (EX OFFICIO)
FOUNDATION BOARD of TRUSTEES OFFICERS President VIRGINIA CROSKERY LAURIDSEN * President-elect EMILY PONTIUS Treasurer DENISE WIELAND Secretary BARBARA CAPPAERT
TRUSTEES HARRY BOOKEY AUSTIN FISHER DARREN JIRSA NANCY MAIN
DIANE MORAIN COLIN PENNYCOOKE JOHN SCHMIDT CRAIG SHADUR * SUSAN E. VOSS *
HONORARY DIRECTORS PAMELA BASS-BOOKEY MARY BEH SUE RUTLEDGE BRENTON PAT BROWN FRANK R. BROWNELL III JAMES M. COLLIER PATTY COWNIE * ARDENE DOWNING SIMON ESTES MARSHALL FLAPAN BARBARA GARTNER * BRYAN HALL CHARLOTTE HUBBELL *
SHIRLIE KATZENBERGER MARY KELLY * LINDA KOEHN * JERILEE MACE NANCY MAIN * ELVIN MCDONALD JAMES O’HALLORAN * SUNNIE RICHER KAY RILEY JANIS RUAN MARY SEIDLER * CHÉRIE SHRECK * JUDY WATSON
* PAST PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD
ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF The Linda Koehn General and Artistic Director MICHAEL EGEL The Marshall and Judy Flapan Music Director and Principal Conductor DAVID NEELY Director of Advancement TIM MCMILLIN Director of Business and Finance ELAINE RALEIGH Creative Director KIM DRAGELEVICH Director of Artistic Administration ALLEN PERRIELLO Director of Production J. BEARCLAW HART
Director of Marketing and Public Relations SCOTT ARENS Guest Services and Education Director KAYLAH RUDE Annual Fund Director and Board Liaison ELYSE MORRIS Communication and Engagement Director BLAKE CARLSON Assistant Production Manager BRIDGET ANDERSON Office and Company Manager SUE HOSS Orchestra Personnel and Operations Manager MARK DORR The Irene Graether Chorus Director and Director of the Apprentice Artist Program LISA HASSON
106 West Boston Avenue Indianola, IA 50125-1836 P: (515) 961-6221 E: dmmo@dmmo.org W: desmoinesmetroopera.org
facebook.com/DesMoinesMetroOpera youtube.com/user/DesMoinesMetroOpera instagram.com/DesMoinesMetroOpera