Dear Friend,

When I was a little girl, we used to sing: Make new friends, but keep the old. One is silver and the other gold. Now that I’m 42, and Performance Network is turning 30, that song has more meaning than ever, which is why I’m writing to you.

As a former member/contributor to Performance Network, you are a treasured part of the theatre family. Your support has helped us grow from a fledgling company in a warehouse to a regional artistic anchor, leading the state in awards and nominations.

But we still need you, old friend.

As we celebrate 30 years, the future is bright and our national reputation is growing, but precipitous declines in arts funding and an uncertain economy make it continuously harder to maintain excellence. To reach our full potential, we must call on ALL of our friends, old and new.

I’m writing to ask you to rejoin Performance Network’s membership this year, by renewing your past contribution of $65 or more.

For our 30th anniversary, we’ve revamped our membership program, adding benefits at many levels, and a new membership for families that includes access to our children’s matinee series. For full details, check out our website: http://performancenetwork.org/ We’ve also made it more affordable, with our Sustainer’s Club, where you can break your payment up into smaller monthly amounts.

Your support will help us continue to grow artistically and make the bold choices that keep your theatre experience exhilarating. It will enable us to hire top Equity actors, directors and designers, and provide them with excellent sets and costumes.

We use every dollar carefully, with 70% of our budget going into program related expenses, so you can be sure that your donation has a direct and significant impact. For example:
• $65 covers the electricity to run the theatre for one day
• $150 covers the fabric for one costume for “Ain’t Misbehavin’”
• $250 purchases wigs and makeup for “In the Next Room”
• $500 covers one Equity Actor’s salary and benefits for a week

Your tax-deductible gift will be gratefully acknowledged in numerous ways, including recognition in our playbill. What’s more, every former member who donates between now and December 20th will be invited to our holiday member open house, to celebrate with the staff, board and artists and enjoy complimentary wine and hors d'ouevres.

Thank you for your generous support. Your golden friendship gives deep meaning to our 30th anniversary – as we reach for the silver lining of a new, exciting future.

Sincerely,

Carla Milarch
Executive Director