FACT SHEET: Treasure the Future Projects
Treasure the Future
Campaign for The Music Hall
Portsmouth’s historic 1878 theater, The Music Hall, is at a critical turning point in its history. Saved from demolition by the community in 1987 and blossoming today with nationally recognized programs, the not-for-profit art center is delicately balancing successful growth. Sell-out performances, in music, theater, dance and cinema, and popular community and educational programs are challenging the historic structure, and are greatly limited by the building’s physical age and space constraints. Since its 2003 designation as an “American Treasure,” The Music Hall has emerged as a cultural anchor in the region, engaging 100,000 patrons each year, including 20,000 school children. It has also grown as an attraction, drawing visitors from outside the region as well as residents to its awardwinning programs. The Music Hall’s contribution to the local economy has swelled to $5.5 million annually. Today the arts center is a key engine for growth, and it is imperative action be taken to secure its future. The critical issues:
• Cramped and Inadequate Space - The Music Hall’s valued educational series are at risk because of the theater’s physical limitations. Through unique programming paired to its dynamic on-stage events – including the Masters in Learning series’ in-depth master classes and discussion groups – The Music Hall strives to educate “students” of all ages, from elementary school students to lifelong learners. These programs, which are more typically available in major urban centers, are currently being held in make-shift or borrowed spaces lacking full accessibility and convenience for our youngest and oldest patrons. Centralization of scattered offices currently located in separate buildings in the heart newly purchased space to foster a more integrated, coherent organization. Release funds now tied up in off-site rental space commitments costing $40,000 annually. (N.B.: The renovation of the theater’s entrance lobby, opened in 2008, is also included in the campaign.)
• Limited Systems Backstage - The challenges faced by our patrons are matched backstage. The Music Hall’s production staff continues to work with 19th and 20th century systems in the mounting and presenting of shows. The theater’s stage is short the 13 feet required to present the greatest variety performances. The hand-operated wood and hemp staging system is more than 100 years old, and critical sound, electrical, and HVAC systems are badly in need of replacement. Because of our antique systems, shows at The Music Hall are mounted at four times the effort and physical strain extended by production staffs at more modernized theaters. Throughout The Music Hall, space, preservation and technology needs must be met or the physical limitations will become increasingly a risk to the business.
• Historic Structure Threatened – The Music Hall’s grand history and central role in the community has gained it status as an American “Treasure.” The building is well-loved and highly trafficked. With the theater’s intense use, going back to 1878, comes the constant need for repair and ongoing rehabilitation. Critical repairs must be made to maintain this historic structure, important to the legacy of American theaters and the region’s unique history.
• Lack of Endowment - The lack of an endowment jeopardizes the long-term stability of The Music Hall and its role as a central resource for the community. Endowment funds are critical to supporting the maintenance of the historic building now beginning to be beautifully restored in many areas. Funds are also critical to build community capacity, continuing and extending The Music Hall’s many high impact programs and partnerships with other not-for-profits. With no endowment the future of the Music Hall’s celebrated Masters in Learning Program and the Community Partners Program is at stake: their accessibility and future capacity will be limited. An endowment must be established soon to support the historic building and set a course for appropriate growth of its highly valued programs. The Music Hall’s has been undergoing a phased restoration and renovation since 2003, when the historic theater was nationally recognized as a treasure. In September 2006, the theater’s gloriously restored proscenium arch was unveiled. In September 2007, the ceiling dome and interior historic finishes were revealed – work applauded in the press and among patrons and preservationists. The arch and dome projects were awarded a 2008 Preservation Achievement Award by the NH Preservation Alliance in May 2008 and an “Excellence in Architecture Award” from the American Institute of Architects (AIA) New Hampshire. In September 2009, the new Beaux Arts Lobby (the first of the Treasure the Future projects) opened to the public replacing a cramped and dingy space with a delightful and celebrated public gathering areas with an historically inspired design. In this last phase of restoration the historic finishes of the auditorium will be extended to the upper lobby, and the concession stand will be renovated. As a final step, a reproduction chandelier and olio curtain will be hung. (continued)
FACT SHEET: Treasure the Future Projects, contd.
Treasure the Future
Campaign for The Music Hall
Cultural and Economic Impact The Music Hall has been a key driver in the cultural re-emergence of the Seacoast with celebrated programs recognized nationally for their innovation and reach bringing the community unprecedented access to today’s leading authors and artists, drawing patrons from near and far. The past six years have been a period of enormous growth. Overall revenues jumped from $1.9 million to $2.8 million as ticket sales for live performances have grown 90%. Memberships have risen from 900 to 3000 households and a record 300 corporate partners have pledged $500,000 in operational support (both in cash and in kind). Three hundred volunteers from all walks of life donate countless hours to the day-to-day operation of The Music Hall. As a cultural anchor for the community, The Music Hall has been a mainstay of attracting activity to downtown Portsmouth and buoyed the town during difficult times of economic and artistic scarcity. The Music Hall is open almost every day with either live stage shows or fine films. Our patrons bolster other downtown businesses, restaurants, specialty shops and other historic attractions before and after attending a Music Hall event. In the 2009-2010 season, The Hall and its patrons will contribute $5.5 million to the local economy through visitor and show-related spending, up from $3.8 million just five years ago. With the restored theater and new 6,000 sq.-ft. Center for Performing Arts & Education drawing greater audiences, The Music Hall projects its annual economic impact will swell to $6.6 million and 180 jobs by 2012. Downtown merchants and restaurant owners are actively engaged in the campaign, both as donors and volunteers, because they recognize that the success of this project directly impacts their own.