tdf leTTer From The ChaIrman anD eXeCuTIve DIreCTor Dear Friends of TDF: As we complete our 44th year of service to the performing arts, our programs, both existing and new, continue to grow, reaching larger and more diverse audiences in New York City and beyond. We speak often about what we do but less often about why we do it. The why is contained in our mission statement. All of TDF’s programming is rooted in the “core belief that live theatrical arts afford a unique expression of the human condition that must be sustained and nurtured.” Through the years, we have done this by building bridges between potential audience members and theatre and dance productions. This was powerfully illustrated with the launch of the Autism Theatre Initiative, part of TDF Accessibility Programs (TAP). After a year of planning, we presented the first autismfriendly performance of a Broadway show. We worked with dozens of consultants in the autism field, and with the cooperation of Disney Theatrical Productions, we created a safe environment for a sensory-friendly performance of Disney’s The Lion King. We filled the 1,600 seat theatre with families with children on the 3
autism spectrum. These families had been virtually unable to enjoy a Broadway show in a stress-free environment. We were thrilled that this first attempt was such an incredible success. The response from families was extremely moving; for many, it was the first time they had gone out as a unit and enjoyed an event without judgment. We presented an autism-friendly performance of Mary Poppins in the spring and are committed to expanding this program on Broadway and working as a consultant and advocate for these performances across the United States. In 2011-12, TDF’s combined programs were responsible for over 2.62 million admissions to hundreds of theatre, dance and music productions. All of these tickets were sold at significant discounts, bought by performing arts lovers who couldn’t go to the theatre without us. Our TKTS Program, with discount booths in Times Square, Downtown Brooklyn and South Street Seaport, had a record-breaking year with 1,872,001 admissions—the largest number of admissions in the program’s 39-year history. TDF’s membership program now provides tickets and information to over 90,000
individuals, the vast majority of whom hail from New York City. To ensure that New Yorkers will always feel that they have a place in theatres throughout the city, we have continued our New Audiences for New York program. The program introduces Broadway to folks who are underrepresented in Broadway audiences. This year, 18 groups from church, senior, youth and other community organizations in all five boroughs participated. Our partnership with The City University of New York (CUNY) called BEAT—Bridging Education and Theatre— doubled its reach in its second year, expanding from four to eight campuses. BEAT introduces the CUNY community of students, faculty and staff to New York City’s performing arts through a range of programs designed by TDF and tailored to the needs of the CUNY community. In December, we hosted a gala in support of the program, honoring CUNY’s Chancellor Matthew Goldstein and Broadway, television and film star and Brooklyn College alum Jimmy Smits. Through TDF’s education programs, nearly 6,000 New York City middle and high school students attended the
theatre this year. All of these programs are provided at no cost to the schools or the students. We continued to deepen and strengthen our presence online at TDF.org, which hosts nearly 6 million visitors each month. The reputation of our online magazine, TDF Stages, continued to expand as a go-to spot among serious theatregoers in search of thoughtful and inventive interviews and video features. We’d like to take a moment to note some important transitions. We welcomed Hector Lozado to the Board. Hector’s expertise in marketing and education has already proven to be a great asset to TDF. We had several long-standing trustees retire from the Board, including one of our founders, Stephen Benedict, and long-time dance advocate Donald McDonagh. On a sadder note, two of our long-time trustees passed away this past year. We lost both Howard Kissel and Alan Senter, far too soon. We welcomed Daniel Renner as TDF’s Director of Education. Daniel, a national leader in the field of arts education, is a welcome addition to the TDF senior staff. Marianna Houston, who created TDF’s Education Department in 1994, retired
this year and we thank her for her many contributions. Without the support and trust of our funders, constituents, colleagues and friends, we wouldn’t be able to act on our core belief that the arts are a key part of the human condition. For that support and trust, we thank you.
Earl D. Weiner Chairman
Victoria Bailey Executive Director