Annual Report 2015-16 Dear Friends

ANNUAL REPORT 2015-16 DEAR FRIENDS,

As you will see in the following pages, Children’s Theatre of Charlotte successfully completed its 68th season. Not only did the Theatre increase attendance and donations but also it experienced record-breaking education program enrollment. From the dazzling production quality to the masterful classroom experiences, Children’s Theatre of Charlotte continues to exceed audience expectations. We are proud that the Theatre continues to inspire more generations in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg region to explore the wonder of their world every day.

Thousands of people come together to make this work possible: staff, board members, ENCORE! volunteers, community supporters, artists, audiences, students as well as families, Jami Farris foundation and corporate donors who take the important extra Chair, Board of Directors step of making a philanthropic investment in Children’s Theatre of Charlotte. We deeply appreciate everyone who takes pride in this community resource and who continues to ensure this valuable community asset thrives.

Inside this annual report, you will find a preview of what we have planned for the 2016-17 season.

Thank you for your continued support of Children’s Theatre of Charlotte.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Figures and Statistics...... 3 Finances...... 4 Board of Directors and Staff...... 5 Productions Mainstage...... 6 Drama for Healthy Living...... 6 Guest Artists...... 8

Education...... 10 Development Corporate Partners...... 14 Jester Society...... 15 Patrons...... 16 Ways to Support...... 18 Looking Ahead...... 19

Cover Photo: The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane, photo by Donna Bise

2 FACTS & FIGURES

Public Performances

This season, 29,262 individuals from 31 States and Washington, DC purchased tickets for our public performances.

Ticket sales by type Single tickets made up 58% of our total public ticket sales with 27% from our new subscription model.

In addition to performances, audiences enjoyed our many Education programs, Santa’s Bag, Celebrate!, and more.

Touring

Our two touring companies performed a total of 223 times — 168 performances by the Resident Touring Company and 55 by the preschool company — throughout 23 counties in North Carolina plus multiple stops in South Carolina and Georgia.

School Performances

Students from 17 counties — 13 in North Carolina and 4 in South Carolina — attended our school performances at ImaginOn. That’s a total of over 60,000 students served through school performances.

Volunteers

Our Board of Directors, ENCORE! volunteer group, and volunteer ushers provided over 3,800 hours of necessary and much-appreciated service to us in 2015-16.

33 FINANCIAL STATEMENT

Sources of Revenue and Support Revenue % of Total

Earned Income

Public & School Show Ticket Sales $ 861,200 Education Programs $ 935,200 Performance Fees - Resident Touring Company $ 187,100 Other $ 94,500 Total Earned Income $ 2,078,000 44%

Contributed Support

Contributions $ 916,000 Arts & Science Council Grants $ 440,700 Government Grants $ 92,500 In-Kind Facility Services $ 327,500 Total Contributed Support $ 1,776,700 38%

Endowment Distribution $ 681,800 14% Board Designated Operating Funds $ 197,000 4%

Total Revenue and Support $ 4,733,500 100%

Expenses Expenses % of Total

Production/Performance Programs $ 2,634,900 56% Education Programs $ 1,065,600 23% General/Administrative $ 345,700 7% Fundraising/Development $ 294,600 6% Marketing/Public Relations $ 387,600 8% Total Expenses $ 4,728,400 100%

Revenue / Support over Expenses $ 5,100

The Magic Kite 4Photo by Donna Bise OUR BOARD

Officers Jami Farris, Chair George R. Jurch III Members Emeritus John Nurkin, Vice Chair Mitchell Kelling Robin Branstrom Brian Murdock, Treasurer Gina P. Lawrence Carla DuPuy Florence Kim, Secretary Jennifer P. Miles Cynthia Lank Cynthia P. Bush, Past Chair Brian Moroz Linda Lockman-Brooks Kathleen Price Jessica Churchill Angela Scholl ENCORE! President Melissa Countryman Brian Schultz Sherese E. Smith Mike Desmond Lisa Sherrill Kim Ellison Scott Sutton Peter W. Flur Bradley E. Vineyard Maggie Greenlee Greg Wilcox David Head Quanteer Williams Ashley Gigandet Joseph OUR 2016-17 STAFF

Administration Executive Director ��Hannah Grannemann Finance Director ��Tracy Chandler Staff Accountant ��Nancy Deel ImaginOn Partnership Coordinator ��Maryann O’Keeffe ImaginOn Administrative Support ��Casey Kaufmann

Production Artistic Director ��Adam Burke Associate Artistic Director ��Mark Sutton Core Artist & Touring Company Manager �� Steven Ivey Production Manager �� Fritz Bennett Costume Shop Manager �� Bina Bieker Assistant Costume Shop Manager �� Emily McCurdy and Cutter Draper Design Assistant/Crafts Specialist ��Magda Guichard Properties Master ��Joseph Watson Associate Production Manager ��Hazel Doherty Resident Stage Manager ��Katie Pohlheber Technical Director �� Andrew Gibbon Master Carpenter ��John Slechta Master Electrician �� David Carr Audio/Video Engineer ��Logan Canipe Scenic Artist ��Tim Parati House Carpenter/Deck Chief �� Christopher Hanson

Education Director of Education ��Michelle Long Education Programs Coordinator �� Tommy Prudenti Education Systems Coordinator ��Robin Tynes Education Curriculum Coordinator ��Adam Montague Resident Teaching Artists ��Sarah Diener, Karen Steele

Advancement Director of Advancement �� Linda Reynolds Associate Director of Advancement �� Cherise Clark Development & Volunteer Coordinator �� Vicki Beachum Grants Manager ��Scott A. Miller

Marketing and Communications Director of Marketing & Communications �� Thomas Karr Associate Director, Aud. Dev. and Partnerships �� Rob Odum Media Relations & Social Media Manger �� Jared Misner Systems & Analytics Manager �� Lee LaBorde Box Office Manager �� Dee Salts School Performance Manager �� Arlethia Hailstock Touring Performance Coordinator ��Margot Parrott IT Manager...... Claire Whitworth-Helm Audience Coordinator ��Louise Lawson Customer Sales Associates...... Allison Beck, Meg Elliott, and Zach McRae House Managers...... Jocelyn Ferber, Tanner LaLonde, Emily Libke, Fallon McKeon, Julie Murray and Titus Quinn 55 OUR PRODUCTIONS

In choosing the shows that we produce each season, we consider a number of factors. We look at each show’s artistic merit. We consider the audience appeal for both public and school attendees. We ensure that we are serving a variety of ages. We strive for diversity in our programming. And we commit that each production will have a strong tie to our mission. To achieve this we hire the best directors, actors, and designers from Charlotte and around the country. Thank you for your support of Children’s Theatre of Charlotte and the shows we create each year for our community. ― Adam Burke, Artistic Director Elephant and Piggie’s We are in a Play! Sept. 26 to Oct. 11, 2015 | McColl Family Theatre Based on the Elephant & Piggie books by Mo Willems, Published by Hyperion Books for Children, Script and Lyrics by Mo Willems, Music by Deborah Wicks La Puma

Best friends Gerald and Piggie are surprised to find themselves on a fun musical adventure in front of an audience ― you! ― in this adaptation of Mo Willems’s popular Elephant & Piggie books.

Coraline Oct. 16 to Oct. 31, 2015 | Wells Fargo Playhouse Book by David Greenspan, Music and Lyrics by Stephin Merritt, From the novel by Neil Gaiman Presented in partnership with the Department of Theatre at UNC Charlotte

Be wise. Be brave. Be tricky. Bored by her colorless surroundings, Coraline goes exploring through a magic door and gets trapped in a strange, unsettling parallel world. Get scared out of your wits for Halloween with this creepy musical version of the popular fantasy novel by Neil Gaiman.

Commedia Princess and the Pea Nov. 14 to Nov. 22, 2015 | Wells Fargo Playhouse By Lane Riosley and Rebecca L. Byars Resident Touring Company

A tiny pea under twenty mattresses is the Queen’s final test to see if her beloved son’s chosen bride is worthy of his hand. Hans Christian Andersen’s classic fairy tale meets the comic storytelling of Italian Commedia dell’arte.

Ella’s Big Chance: A Jazz Age Cinderella WORLD PREMIERE | Dec. 4 to Dec. 20, 2015 | McColl Family Theatre By Shirley Hughes Adapted for the stage with Book, Music and Lyrics by Joan Cushing

A Cinderella happy ending – just not the one you would expect. In this world premiere musical infused with the dance and fashions of the Roaring ‘20s, Ella’s new stepmother and sisters snap up the dazzling dresses she designs, but don’t think she’s worthy of their glamorous life. When the Duke proves them wrong, Ella must look inside to choose the right path for herself.

‘Twas the Night Before... WORLD PREMIERE | Dec. 13 to Dec. 23, 2015 | Wells Fargo Playhouse Written by April Jones

Created just for Children’s Theatre of Charlotte, ‘Twas the Night Before… weaves together stories and music celebrating the spirit and traditions of Hanukkah, Christmas and Kwanzaa.

The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane Jan. 29 to Feb. 7, 2016 | Wells Fargo Playhouse By Dwayne Hartford, Based on the novel by Kate DiCamillo

Edward Tulane, a toy china rabbit with a devoted girl for an owner, loves himself. But when he is lost, he goes on a decades-long journey around the world and discovers his capacity for loving others.

Journey to Oz WORLD PREMIERE | Feb. 19 to Mar. 6, 2016 | McColl Family Theatre Written and Directed by Christopher Parks, Based on the works of L. Frank Baum and W. W. Denslow

The audience is in the middle of the action in this fun, experiential show as Dorothy and her friends battle the Wicked Witch to find the brains, the heart, and the courage they never knew they had. Inspired by L. Frank Baum’s original stories, you’ll rediscover an iconic story you only thought you knew. 6 Elephant and Piggie’s We Are In a Play! Photo by Donna Bise

Ella’s Big Chance: A Jazz Age Cinderella Photo by John Merrick

The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane Photo by Donna Bise 77 OUR PRODUCTIONS (continued)

Hare and Tortoise Feb. 27 to Feb. 28, 2016 | Wells Fargo Playhouse By Brendan Murray, Produced by special arrangement with Plays for Young Audiences A partnership of Seattle Children’s Theatre and Children’s Theatre Company-Minneapolis Preschool Touring Company

A fun, fast (and slow) show for the youngest in the family! The classic story of racing, opposites and taking your time to complete a task is retold in this fresh update.

Danny, King of the Basement March 11 to March 20, 2016 | Wells Fargo Playhouse By David S. Craig

10-year-old Danny and his mom can’t scrape together enough money to live in one place for very long. So, Danny gets really good at making friends quickly and keeping the real reasons for moving to himself. When his new friends discover his secret, he sees what true friendship really looks like.

Schoolhouse Rock Live! April 8 to April 24, 2016 | Wells Fargo Playhouse Originally Adapted and Produced for the Stage byTheatre BAM From the Series Created by George Newall and Tom Yohe. Based on an Idea by David McCall Book by Scott Ferguson, George Keating and Kyle Hall, Music and Lyrics by Lynn Ahrens, Bob Dorough, Dave Frishberg, Kathy Mandry, George Newall and Tom YoheBook by Scott Ferguson, George Keating and Kyle Hall, Music and Lyrics by Lynn Ahrens, Bob Dorough, Dave Frishberg, Kathy Mandry, George Newall and Tom Yohe

Learning never rocked this hard! This musical adaptation of the classic TV show uses clever songs to teach about history, grammar, politics, math and more. Sing along with “Just a Bill” and “Conjunction Junction.”

The Magic Kite WORLD PREMIERE | April 22 to May 1, 2016 | Wells Fargo Playhouse By José Cruz González, Adapted from the illustrations by Rosalia Torres-Weiner

Tito’s family reels when Papa is unexpectedly sent back to Mexico… then Tito remembers that he knows how to build a magic flying kite. This world premiere play with music and puppets is an inspirational story of how a family leans on love and hope during a difficult time. OUR DRAMA FOR HEALTHY LIVING TOUR

LIARS Toured to all middle schools in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg School system By Dennis Foon

Addressing alcohol and substance abuse. LIARS deals with the effects that a parent’s addiction to alcohol can have on a family and the strength and support that Lenny and Jace find in their discovery that they’re not alone in their problems. The goal of the play, which supports North Carolina Essential Standards in Health Education for eighth-graders, is to give students information concerning alcohol and substance abuse to make healthy, informed, positive choices and choose effective ways to deal with peer and societal pressure. OUR GUEST ARTISTS

Shabutaso presents Munekera Jan. 9 and Jan. 10, 2016 McColl Family Theatre

OMIMEO Black Light Magic April 15 to April 17, 2016 Wells Fargo Playhouse

PlayPlay! Theatre: Theatre for the Very Young

Pocket: Aug.20 to Aug. 29, 2015 wee: Dec. 26, 2015 to Jan. 2, 2015

Psshh: March 17 to March 26, 2016 Mi Casa: June 1 to June 11, 2016

8 Danny, King of the Basement Photo by Donna Bise

Schoolhouse Rock Live! Photo by Donna Bise

Shabutaso presents Munekera Photo courtesy of Shabutaso 99 EDUCATION PROGRAMS

Our unique education programs, consisting of classes, camps, residencies and workshops, share a common goal of developing theatre skills while inspiring creativity and self-confidence. Our staff of administrators and professional teaching artists implement programming for toddlers to teenagers that ignites curiosity and allows for students to grow socially and emotionally. The exploration of theatre and creative drama challenges students to succeed in a safe, fun environment. Ultimately, we build life skills through theatre skills and train students to step into the professional world of theatre. Your support makes the transformational experience possible. Thank you! ― Michelle Long, Director of Education

CREATIVE DRAMA Creative Drama classes offer our youngest students an exciting Creative Drama introduction to performing where they learn to express themselves, build enrollment confidence, explore their imagination and develop basic social skills while learning theatre concepts and vocabulary. 200+ students

SCHOOL OF THEATRE TRAINING School of Theatre Training classes are geared toward 3rd through 12th School of Theatre grade students who are dedicated to studying the skills and techniques Training enrollment of theatre. 450+ students ONSTAGE OnStage is the School of Theatre Training Performance Project, providing an opportunity for application in a stage production. The process inspires creativity, builds confidence and enhances theatrical talents while teaching students the importance of teamwork, professionalism, and dedication.

OnStage 2016 ran from May 20 to May 22, 2016 and featured 150 students in four shows.

East of the Sun and West of the Moon The Hunchback of Notre Dame Written by Tina Howe Adapted by Tim Kelly Music by Mel Marvin from the novel by Victor Hugo

The Music Man, Jr. Thoroughly Modern Millie, Jr. Book by Meredith Willson Book by Richard Henry Morris & Dick Scanlan Music and Lyrics by Meredith Willson New Music by Jeanine Tesori Based on a story by Meredith Willson New Lyrics by Dick Scanlan and Franklin Lacey Original Story and Screenplay by Richard Morris for Universal Picture Films

MASTER CLASSES AND WORKSHOPS School of Theatre Training students have multiple opportunities throughout the year to register for two-day intensives taught by guest instructors. These are a perfect option for students looking for specialized training, while providing flexibility for busy schedules. Students who are not enrolled in an SOTT class may request entrance to a Master Class either through a teacher recommendation or with commensurate experience.

THEATRE 360 Theatre 360 provides an exciting and free way for families to interact with productions. From workshops to post-show talkbacks, hands-on activities to author visits, there’s so much more to do. This program provides opportunities for our families and community to more deeply engage with our mainstage productions. Connecting the themes and artistry that shape each production is our goal in starting a conversation about the larger need of arts in our community. With each visit to our theatre, begin a new exploration with your family.

MINI-CAMPS Mini-Camp Mini-Camps offer exciting full-day theatre experiences based on enrollment children’s literature that features storytelling, drama, art and music activities as a ‘stay-cation’ option over holiday breaks and Charlotte- Mecklenburg School teacher workdays. 500+ students

10 Creative Drama students Photo by Donna Bise

Sarah Deiner, Resident Teaching Artist, with her School of Theatre Training class Photo by Donna Bise

Students engage in a stage combat School of Theatre Training class Photo by Donna Bise 1111 EDUCATION PROGRAMS (continued)

SUMMER CAMPS Summer Camp Children’s Theatre of Charlotte’s award-winning Summer Camp program offers performance experiences for students ages three to 18 in fun, enrollment interactive environments. Camps are grouped by age and led by professional teaching artists. Teen participants produced two fully-staged 2,000+ students productions over the course of the summer.

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT PROGRAM The purpose of our Community Involvement Program (CIP) is to nurture the creative and theatrical talents of children and families of diverse backgrounds by providing affordable educational drama experiences and outreach opportunities.

Classes in the Community 608 students served Through the Community Involvement Program, Children’s Theatre of across 15 community sites! Charlotte offers free classes to organizations and groups that work with students who otherwise couldn’t afford it. Classes are tailored to best suit the needs of each site. The classes are designed to help children become more self-confident and develop better life skills, as well as help nurture their artistic and theatrical talents.

Education Program Scholarships Scholarships Children’s Theatre offers full and partial scholarships for students to 266 students received full attend our School of Theatre Training, Creative Drama, and Summer or partial scholarships Camp classes at ImaginOn and satellite locations.

Ticket Scholarships Scholarship Tickets The Community Involvement Program also offers scholarship tickets to 988 families received our productions at ImaginOn to low income families and organizations scholarship tickets that couldn’t otherwise attend. Scholarship tickets are distributed on a first come, first served basis.

RESIDENCIES Children’s Theatre of Charlotte is dedicated to the idea that drama is an integral part of the human experience. The Learning Through Drama program (LTD) is designed to offer young people the opportunity to learn in a dynamic, fun and challenging way. LTD residencies, which last three days, are designed to place a drama specialist in the classroom to address curriculum-based units of study. Residencies are created to specifically support the goals and objectives put forth in the North Carolina Standard Course of Study (NCSCOS).

YOUNG PLAYWRIGHTS FOR CHANGE Children’s Theatre of Charlotte served as regional host for the 2016 Children’s Theatre of Theatre for Young Audiences Young Playwrights for Change Contest. Charlotte national entry, Theatre for Young Audiences/USA and the American Alliance for Theatre Same Difference by Aru & Education launched this nationwide playwriting contest for middle Hopper, a 7th-grader at school students to give a voice to our nation’s young writers. The project Jay M. Robinson Middle looks to harness the creativity of young playwrights and bring focus School (Stacey Boone, to real world issues. The program’s goal is to spark conversation and Theatre Director), was discussion that will ripple across our nation throughout classrooms, schools chosen as an honorable and communities about the chosen topic. mention play, and will be published in the 3rd Annual Young Playwrights for Change NORTH CAROLINA THEATRE CONFERENCE Anthology. HIGH SCHOOL PLAY FESTIVAL Children’s Theatre of Charlotte was a regional host for the 2015 NCTC High School Play Festival on Oct. 30 and 31. Two plays from each of the Regional Festivals advance to the NCTC State High School Play Festival at Greensboro College, which is affectionately known as the “State Football Championships of Theatre.” Winners go on to a national competition.

12 Shipwrecked!, Summer Camp Primary Photo by Donna Bise

Beauty and the Beast, Summer Camp Musical Performance Photo by Donna Bise

Evita, Summer Camp Teen Musical Photo by John Merrick 1313 DEVELOPMENT

We believe that providing professional theatre experiences – on our stages and in our classrooms – is a collaborative partnership of artists, educators and our entire community. While Children’s Theatre of Charlotte is sustained in part with earned revenue, it is through the generous financial investment of families, foundation and corporate donors that we are able to create vibrant and engaging theatre for the young people and families we are dedicated to serving. We are gratified for this support during our 2015-16 fiscal year. ― Linda Reynolds, Director of Advancement

CORPORATE & FOUNDATION PARTNERS

EXECUTIVE PRODUCING PARTNER CENTER STAGE PARTNER $50,000 and higher $3,000 to $4,999

Arts & Science Council Deloitte & Touche LLP BlackArch Partners Grant Thornton LLP Knight Foundation Levine Cancer Institute Mecklenburg County Parker Poe Mecklenburg County ABC Board Robinson Bradshaw North Carolina Arts Council SQL Sentry, Inc The THRIVE Fund SteelFab, Inc

PRODUCING PARTNER LEADING ROLE PARTNER $25,000 to $49,999 $1,000 to $2,999

Bank of America The Charlotte Observer Gambrell Family Foundation Diamond Springs The Leon Levine Foundation ECM Solutions - Sandra and Leon Levine Ernst & Young LLP Reemprise Fund KPMG The Shubert Foundation McGuireWoods LLP Moore & Van Allen PLLC DIRECTING PARTNER UTC Aerospace Systems $10,000 to $24,999 Wells Fargo Securities

Charlotte Hornets/Lowe’s UNDER $1,000 Charlotte Works Clariant Corporation Edifice, Inc. Continental Tire the Americas, LLC Electric System Specialists, Inc. Daniel, Ratliff & Company Nothing But Noodles Duke Energy The Dunspaugh-Dalton Foundation 2015 CELEBRATE! SPONSORS National Endowment for the Arts PNC Bank of America CD Spangler Foundation HorackTally SPX Gymboree Play & Music, Ballantyne Wells Fargo Foundation PNC

STANDING OVATION PARTNER $5,000 to $9,999

Brixx Wood Fired Pizza Coca-Cola Bottling Co. Consolidated The Dickson Foundation The Doctor Foundation Farris Fabrication JE Dunn Construction Metrographics Neiman Marcus Publix Super Market Charities Target

14 JESTER SOCIETY

DIRECTING SPONSOR LEADING ROLE ($10,000 to $24,999) ($1,000 to $2,999)

Anonymous Sara Abadi Rob and Kate Buckfelder Mr. and Mrs. Richard R. Babcock The Hensley Family Crandall Bowles The Watts Family Stoke and Julie Caldwell John and Tracy Chandler STANDING OVATION Melissa and Taylor Countryman ($5,000 to $9,999) Diane and Bill Denton Jack and Jennifer DeRochi Mr. and Mrs. Ray Bush Mike and Jody Desmond Bryan and Jami Farris Jim Doyle and Susan Anfin Dorlisa and Peter Flur Tom and Julie Eiselt Travis and Lise Hain Christi and Will Farr Ed and Florence Kim Hannah Grannemann Bruce and Anita LaRowe and Joseph Florence Tom and Gina Lawrence Patty and Alex Funderburg Howard and Julie Levine Matthew and Maggie Greenlee Doug and Mary McCurry Watts and Carol Hamrick In Memory of Jesse Millis Brad and Karen Harris by her family David and Marti Head Arrington and Burch Mixon Scott and Claire Helm John and Ann Porter Thomas and Kristina Hoops Jennifer and Jack Ross Stephen and Mary Hunting Angela and Josh Scholl The Hutcheson Family Tammy Stringer and Richard Viola Hytham and Beth Imseis Quanteer Williams Matthew and Ashley Joseph Chris and Susan Kearney CENTER STAGE Mitchell Kelling ($3,000 to $4,999) Cynthia and Dave Lank Tara Garrity Lebda Robin and Bill Branstrom Bruce and Michelle Long Jessica an