20222023
ANNUAL REPORT grct.org Grand Rapids Civic Theatre • 30 Division Avenue North • Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Dear Friends and Supporters, We are thrilled to extend a warm welcome on behalf of Grand Rapids Civic Theatre and School of Theatre Arts as we present our Annual Report for our 2022-23 season. This report stands as a testament to the incredible impact of your support and dedication, showcasing the remarkable achievements and milestones we’ve reached together. As we reflect on the past year, we are filled with gratitude for the role each of you has played in making our shared mission to Inspire creativity and personal growth, Illuminate our common humanity, and Ignite connection across our community… through the power of Theatre Arts, a reality. Your commitment to the arts and to our community has propelled us to new heights, allowing us to bring outstanding theatrical experiences and transformative opportunities to individuals of all ages and backgrounds. Throughout these pages, you will witness the tangible outcomes of your generosity. Your contributions have enabled us to enrich the lives of students, create unforgettable productions, expand accessibility, empower lifelong learning, and more. As we celebrate these achievements, we also look toward the future with optimism. Your dedication continues to inspire us to reach for even greater heights, to innovate, and to explore new ways to enrich lives through theatre. In closing, we extend our heartfelt gratitude for your steadfast commitment to Grand Rapids Civic Theatre and School of Theatre Arts. Your belief in our mission fuels our passion and propels us forward. We invite you to explore this report and take pride in the extraordinary impact you have helped us achieve.
Bruce Tinker Executive Director
Holly Sullivan Chairperson, Board of Directors
GRAND RAPIDS CIVIC THEATRE
EST. 1926
ANNUAL REPORT 2022-2023
"Our lives become the stories that we weave." - Once On This Island
CIVIC BY THE 2022-2023 INCREASE IN SCHOOL ENROLLMENT (363 New Students)
Front of House Volunteers Civic Onstage Acting Debuts by Community Volunteers
40,042
Total Volunteer Hours
Performances The Revolutionists, September-October 2022
CLASSES OFFERED
6,111
NEW PATRONS
Once again, we’re proud to have been voted the WINNER of the Live Theatre Arts category for Revue Magazine’s Best of the West Readers Poll. Elephant & Piggie’s We Are In A Play, 2022-23
Mary Poppins, November-December 2022
“Our daughters are able to grow their confidence through theatre programming and even as attendees, are able to see themselves on stage.” -Civic Patron and School of Theatre Arts Parent
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G r a n d R a p id s C i v i c T h e a t r e
@ g r c iv ic t h e a t r e
THEATRE FOR ALL PAY WHAT YOU WANT PREVIEW: The amount you pay is based on what you are able and willing to give the production, whether that is the cost of a small coffee or the bill for a large dinner. The important thing to us is that we are able to share live art with you, without the burden of a price point. People served: 947 LOW SENSORY PERFORMANCES: Reduced sound volume, adjusted lights, limited seating, and an opportunity to learn about the show ahead of time make the experience of live theatre more accessible for individuals with diverse sensory needs and their families/caretakers. People served: 94 Community Partners/Sponsors: Arts for Autism, Autism Support of Kent County, Down Syndrome Association of West Michigan AUDIO DESCRIBED PERFORMANCES: Live commentary is interspersed with the actors’ dialogue, relayed via headset that can be checked out free of charge. There is a short program notes session, before the production, which explains the atmosphere, costumes, characters and action. This special program is often accompanied by a pre-show touch tour where participants can feel costumes, props, and set pieces. Performances: 4
“Finances are very tight for our theater-loving family of five. We are so grateful to be able to pay what we can and still be able to introduce our kids to a variety of shows. It is an amazing gift you're offering to the community!” -Civic Patron
AMERICAN SIGN LANGUAGE INTERPRETED PERFORMANCES: A skilled ASL interpreter will be present to sign the entire performance as an additional resource for those with hearing impairments. Performances: 7 NEW ACCESSIBILITY OFFERINGS: Six new program initiatives that include audio description, touch tours, sensory backpacks, Pay What You Want performances, relaxed environment performances, and familiarization tours. Learn more about the accessibility efforts of Grand Rapids Civic Theatre by visiting grct.org/accessibility. 2022-23 Annual Report Photography Credits: Studio3Twenty, Sincerely Ashley, Sensitography, Jess Burke, Tony Ochoa, Noddea Skidmore
Q&A WITH MOLLY LABEFF: 2023 KOPKA VOLUNTEER AWARD RECIPIENT
Actor, Scene Shop Carpenter and Painter, Usher, Assistant Stage Manager CIVIC: How long have you been involved with Civic Theatre?
CIVIC: What has being a part of the Civic Theatre community meant to you?
MOLLY: My first Civic audition was during the 2020-2021 season, and I have been addicted ever since. I immediately felt a sense of connection and belonging here at Civic, and I knew it would be a place that would quickly become home.
MOLLY: I have been searching for a community that feels like home my entire life, and I found it here. Being a part of the Civic community means getting the chance to make artwork alongside my incredibly talented friends each day. The ability to become a different person, even for a few hours each night is a powerful thing. No matter what kind of day I am having, I can step into this sacred space and enter a bubble where nothing else exists. We celebrate one another's wins and encourage one another through challenges, both onstage and off. The bonds you make by creating something together are unlike anything else. Watching someone commit head-first to a scene, and feeling supported enough to make vulnerable choices in return is a really special feeling.
CIVIC: How were you first introduced to Civic? MOLLY: I had taken a ten-year hiatus from theatre when I decided it was time to get back on the stage. I signed up for auditions, and a sweet friend of mine had so much faith that I'd get in that she bought two front-row tickets to opening night. I was not cast in that production (that's showbiz baby!), so the two of us went together to see the show. It was so magical—the production brought tears to my eyes not only because of the subject matter of the show, but because I remembered what it felt like to create artwork with people who become chosen family. Needless to say, I was eager to sign up for the next audition cycle right away, thus beginning my involvement at Civic. CIVIC: What’s your favorite production you’ve seen (or been a part of) on Civic’s stage? MOLLY: Once on This Island from the 2022-2023 season. The music and storytelling were so captivating that I came back to see the show five times. That cast was so talented. I started to feel embarrassed to be seen in the lobby night after night, but I couldn't help it. Every time I had a free night, I went back to see that show.
CIVIC: How has Civic impacted your life? MOLLY: Civic has impacted my life in a really profound way. This is a place where I can fully be myself, and it’s not only tolerated but it’s celebrated. In this space, I have danced, learned, cried, expanded my comfort zone (see: public speaking as myself, climbing the fly rail, operating a table saw), shed happy tears as I watched my friends shine, and felt their unlimited support for me in return. Here I have been a 16th-century courtesan, a punk venue house manager, a quirky middle-aged school teacher, a 1950s baseball player whose queer history was nearly erased, and much more. As a performer, I can come to this place to be someone else. But really, I come here to be me.
CIVIC: What do you wish other people knew about Civic Theatre? MOLLY: It's so welcoming. Since it's such a professional and nationallyesteemed institution, it might feel intimidating from the outside; but people here are incredibly passionate about what we do, and eager to share it with everyone who wants to get involved. One of my favorite things about Civic is their commitment to including newcomers on all productions. CIVIC: What’s your favorite Civic Theatre memory? MOLLY: One thing I'm proud to have been a part of was the first woman-towoman kiss on Civic's stage, in The Game written by Eirann Betka-Pope during the Ten For All Playwriting Festival 2022. Community theatres are important queer spaces, and being a part of that history with my castmate, Meaghan Gietzen, was a powerful moment.
GRAND RAPIDS CIVIC THEATRE
EST. 1926
ANNUAL REPORT 2022-2023
MEET ANTHONY PUENTE AGUILERA: ACTOR, STUDENT, STUDIO MEMBER “Civic reminded me that my dreams aren’t as far-fetched as I think.” CIVIC: When did you first get involved with Civic Theatre, and how did you hear about us? ANTHONY: I got involved during the summer between my sophomore and junior year. I had been bugging my teachers for years about getting involved in a theatre program, and after a while, they finally heard me! GRPS partnered with Civic to give me a scholarship and I couldn't be happier. CIVIC: What made you want to enroll in Young Artist Studio? ANTHONY: When it came to performing and other theatre skills, I was bummed because I felt behind. Then, Jenna [Director of Education and Outreach] told me about YAS and that scholarships were available. I knew this would be a great way to catch up and prepare for a career in theatre. CIVIC: How has Civic impacted your life? ANTHONY: Sometimes I feel stressed, but it’s a good kind of stress! Being at the theatre makes me want to work. It’s impacted me and my family quite a bit - my parents say that I’m less-anxious and happier when I’m at Civic. CIVIC: How do you think your experience at Civic will influence your future? ANTHONY: I used to think acting and working in theatre was a pipe dream, and that I didn't have the resources to get anywhere in the industry. But Civic reminded me that my dreams aren’t as far-fetched as I think; I love theatre and Civic has given me a much more positive outlook towards the future. CIVIC: What would you tell a potential student who is contemplating enrolling in classes? ANTHONY: To any potential newbies, I tell you this: enrolling in the School of Theatre Arts will be the BEST decision you’ll ever make! The staff is so kind and the students are funny and personable. I know that money can be an issue for some, but Civic offers scholarships, and if they gave one to me - a random student they’ve never met - then they have a chance, too! CIVIC: What is your favorite thing about Civic? ANTHONY: Hands down: the people. They’re all so kind and funny and I instantly clicked with them. It felt like, whatever show or class I was in, I had friends in every corner ready to back me up and support me. Civic feels like a tight-knit family and I love that I’m a part of it. CIVIC: Aside from theatre, what other hobbies do you enjoy? ANTHONY: What hobbies don’t I enjoy? I like to call myself a jack-of-all-trades: I sew, crochet, and craft, and I like playing video and card games. I like to explore many things!
GRAND RAPIDS CIVIC THEATRE
EST. 1926
ANNUAL REPORT 2022-2023
OPERATING INCOME BY ACTIVITY 4% 7%
14%
SCHOOL OF THEATRE ARTS: 14% BOX OFFICE: 43% INDIVIDUAL & INSTITUTIONAL DONATIONS: 32% ENDOWMENT EARNINGS: 7% OTHER: 4%
32%
43%
OPERATING EXPENSE BY ACTIVITY 3%
16%
PRODUCTIONS: 43% SCHOOL OF THEATRE ARTS: 17% GENERAL & ADMINISTRATION: 21% FACILITY: 16% FUNDRAISING: 3%
43%
21%
School of Rock, August 2022
All reported stats are unaudited financials.
Ten For All Playwriting Festival Finals, March 2023
17%
Civic Celebration, May 2023
Clockwise, from top: Closing Night huddle with the cast of School of Rock, August 2022; Something Rotten! April-May 2023; Puffs, March 2023; Inaugural Young Artist Studio Cohort, 2022-23
ANNUAL REPORT 2022-2023