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| 2013 Season FAQs |  |
- Your 2013 Season is different from past years. Why?
Coming out of our successful "Save Georgia Shakespeare" campaign, we
acknowledged that our operating model had been strained for some time,
and we committed to taking actions that would help us move to a truly
sustainable model over multiple years. The 2013 programming is a major
step in that process. back to top
- Why is it smaller?
To re-establish a truly strong financial base, we felt it was important to focus
our resources on programs that would (a) provide us with a real opportunity to
establish financial strength, (b) establish a strong base of programming with
strong future growth potential, and (c) deliver maximum artistic impact on
Atlanta, given our current resources. back to top
- Will it stay smaller permanently?
Ultimately, we intend to grow larger than we have been. But it is important
that we first establish a strong financial base by concentrating on a focused
set of high-potential productions. back to top
- Has your mission changed?
No. In fact, we're more committed to our mission than ever. The changes
we are making are designed to help us fulfill that mission in a more
sustainable way. back to top
- Are you in trouble again?
No. But as we said, our existing operating model has been strained for
some time, and it's critical for us to make changes to ensure our long-term
sustainability. back to top
- Are you saying the rotating repertory format doesn't work?
No. But it has been increasingly difficult to effectively market and produce
four shows in an extremely short time period in the summer. back to top
- Will you ever return to the rotating repertory format?
It's a possibility, but only from a position of strength and in a sustainable
format. back to top
- Why do you believe Shakespeare in the Park will be a bigger part of your future?
Four reasons:
1. We've always experienced strong demand for "Shake at the Lake,"
even though we never pursued it as a priority.
2. Our experiment last year with selling tickets for the first time revealed
that Atlantans are indeed ready and willing to pay for access to a
great outdoor theater experience. Consequently, we believe that
Shakespeare in the Park not only gives us a major opportunity to
expand our cultural impact, but also to strengthen our operating
model.
3. Other cities comparable to Atlanta have experienced success with a
wide variety of models.
4. We believe there is substantial potential in "taking Shakespeare
to where people are," and we see Shakespeare in the Park as the
cornerstone of our efforts to build the capability to do that. back to top
- What about your educational programming?
We will focus on our core educational programs this year while paring
down some other programs to allow us time for extensive evaluation of
our entire educational offerings. We will continue a strong presence in the
schools with workshops and residencies, and we will continue our classes
and summer camps. Just as with our mainstage programming, we expect to
grow our educational programming beyond what it currently is, but will do
so in a careful and deliberate manner. back to top
- Are you making staff changes?
We are adjusting some positions to seasonal contracts and refocusing some
others on increasing our revenue generation. back to top
- How will the changes affect your budget?
We're still finalizing the details, but it will be approximately 30% smaller
than our 2012 budget. Importantly, our cash flow demands will be more
evenly spread across the year. back to top
- Will the changes affect your status in the League of Resident Theatres (LORT)?
No. back to top
- What does this mean for your Associate Artists?
While there will be fewer productions in 2013, we believe we are taking the
steps that are essential to our ability to provide a reliable long-term home
for our artistic associates. In the meantime, we plan to demonstrate great
loyalty to our artistic associates with 2013 productions. back to top
- What about your patrons who have loyally attended all of your festival shows for years?
We are grateful for their loyalty, and we are asking for their continued
support as we work through this important transition. back to top
- How will you package subscriptions?
We're still working on the details, but we will likely have multiple packages,
including one that comprises all four shows. back to top
- How is your 2012 Annual Fund Campaign going?
We are currently on track toward our overall goal of raising $1 million by
January 31, 2013. Most recently, we achieved our immediate goal of raising
$450,000 by the end of our summer season. Our next immediate goal is to
hit $650,000 by October 31, when our fall production of Macbeth concludes. back to top
- Is the demand for Shakespeare and other classical theater dying?
No. In fact, around the world, Shakespeare has been experiencing a
resurgence over the past five years. We believe there is tremendous
potential for our artistic work, which is focused on presenting timeless stories in ways that are compelling today. back to top
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Current Box Office Hours:
Monday through Friday
10 AM to 6 PM
404.504.1473
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