CTC Mission Statement
To enrich the lives of young people, ages 3-18, of all cultures,
through theatre and education experiences of the highest quality.

CTC Vision Statement
Transforming the way people experience children’s theatre.
At Children’s Theatre of Charlotte, individual theatre events become inspiring and all-encompassing interactions.

Charting the Course

Stewardship and financial viability are as essential to our organization as the programming on our stages, in our classrooms and throughout the community.

Since last fall, the Theatre has proactively addressed the impact of the shifting economic climate.  Our diverse sources of revenue have all declined, and we have made expense reductions to the greatest extent possible. Most importantly, we have remained passionately committed to fulfilling our mission of serving our region’s young people and families with exceptional theatre and education experiences.

The Leadership Team of the Theatre has been diligent in creating and implementing a vigorous expense savings plan for 2009-2010. Adjustments have been made throughout the organization’s programming, and some activities will be revised or discontinued.

These operational changes have not been enough, given that more than 70% of our budget is invested in human resource costs. Therefore we have implemented the following steps to create a balanced budget for 2009-2010:

• Children’s Theatre of Charlotte closed the week of June 29 – July 3 and all employees took this time off without pay.
• Compensation for all salaried employees was reduced. The Theatre’s Leadership Team took a 10% cut; other employees took a reduction of 5% - 7.5%.  These reductions were inclusive of the furlough week.
• The company’s 25% match for employee contributions to their retirement plan was discontinued.
• Two staff positions were eliminated.  This was emotional and difficult – personally and professionally – for the entire Theatre family.

Ticket sales, tuition for classes and camps, our touring fees, endowment earnings and other sources of earned income represent 55% of our overall budget.  Contributed support from a variety of sources is vital to ensure the Theatre is prepared to engage our community with programs that enrich the lives of the young people and families we serve.

To those who have invested in our mission by making a financial gift, participating in our programs and serving as ambassadors among your friends, please know this: we couldn’t do this work without you.  If you’ve not yet joined us – as an audience member or donor – your involvement is more important than ever.

• Will you consider making a personal gift?
• Do you belong to a Giving Circle that would like to support the Theatre?
• Does your employer support theatre and arts education initiatives for young people through their corporate philanthropy activities?
• Do they offer a matching gift program for employees?

For more information on how you can help support the Theatre, please contact Linda Reynolds, Director of Development at 704-973-2803 or lindar@ctcharlotte.org.

Sincerely,
Bruce LaRowe, Executive Director
Children’s Theatre of Charlotte