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MICHIGAN OPERA THEATRE TAKES STEPS TO ENSURE FISCAL STABILITY
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Plan includes cancellation of I Pagliacci, Overhead Reduction
DETROIT, Michigan, October 22, 2008...In response to the weakened national and local economy, officials at Michigan Opera Theatre today announced a series of actions aimed at reducing operating expenses and providing fiscal stability for the future. The plan announced today includes staff position eliminations, reduction of general operating costs and cancellation of a Spring, 2009, production.
Michigan Opera Theatre, now nearing the end of the first quarter of Fiscal Year 2009 has been adversely affected by the compromised local economy, which has resulted in soft ticket sales and a decline in corporate and individual contributions. "We have assessed our season and our overall operations and developed a realistic plan that we think will keep our expenses in line with our anticipated ticket sales revenues and contributions until the economy gets back on track," said David DiChiera, Michigan Opera Theatre Founder and General Director. "We had to make some tough calls but we felt it was important to take these actions now to forestall any more serious steps in the future."
The most visible outcome of the actions announced today is the company’s first ever cancellation of an entire opera production. The Spring, 2009, production of Leoncavallo’s I Pagliacci originally scheduled for April 18-26, has been cancelled. The company has also eliminated one of the five scheduled performances (Saturday, April 4) of Donizetti's The Elixir of Love. Ticket holders will be notified by December 1. The Opera Company’s fall season, which includes a return of Margaret Garner (October 18-25) and Madame Butterfly (November 15-23) will remain intact. “Although we have made schedule changes to our season, patrons can be assured that the world-class quality of our productions, for which we have garnered international acclaim, will not be compromised.”
In addition to programming changes, Michigan Opera Theatre’s plan includes the elimination of several administrative positions, and a reduction in hours and full time status for others. Overall operating expenses in marketing, community outreach, development and production are also being reduced.
"Our most difficult and painful decisions, of course, are those that have a direct impact on our people," said DiChiera. "To this point, we have managed to avoid the fate of so many corporations and organizations that have experienced layoffs and cutbacks. Now, however, we have to look at everything to get our costs in line to ensure our ultimate fiscal stability and that's what we've done."
Michigan Opera Theatre, now celebrating its 38th season, offers an essential, vibrant contribution to the quality of life for Detroit area residents and to communities throughout the region. Under the leadership of Founder and General Director, Dr. David DiChiera, Michigan Opera Theatre is committed to producing and presenting the very best professional productions from the grand opera, opera, operetta and musical theater repertoire. Michigan Opera owns and operates the Detroit Opera House and the Detroit Opera House Parking Center.
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