With immense gratitude, we are excited to announce that we have raised a remarkable $550,000, a testament to the incredible community that stands behind The Public Theater! Your commitment to the arts and belief in our mission have propelled us beyond our initial target, allowing us to dream even bigger and plan for an even brighter future.
$550,000 out of
$500,000
Click here for a complete list of new donors and members.
Contribute today with a donation to the Save The Playhouse Fundraising Campaign and fill out the Education Survey.
Read below to learn more about the campaign.
FIRST 100 DAYS
Happy New Year! On my 100th workday at The Public Theater, I am thrilled to share the incredible progress and success we have achieved, thanks to the unwavering support and investment of our community in our Save and Sustain The Playhouse Campaign.
Let’s take a moment to celebrate what we’ve accomplished together:
MILESTONES WE’VE REACHED TOGETHER
Over $200,000 raised for our joint gala with The Classic Theatre — Curtain Up: Your generous contributions have played a crucial role in surpassing the gala’s fundraising goals, ensuring the continued vitality of San Pedro Playhouse.
Outstanding Bills — Paid Off: With your support, we have successfully settled over $150,000 in outstanding bills, allowing us to focus on creating exceptional theatre experiences for our community.
Holiday Show Success: Our Holiday Show successfully opened and achieved its sales goals and broke down barriers for the Hard of Hearing and Deaf community. We are committed to making our theater more inclusive and accessible to all.
Strategic Show Selection: We have carefully chosen shows that align with our mission and attract audiences back to the theater. Stay tuned for our exciting announcement of the next season in early 2024!
The Classic Theatre Partnership: Creating a strategic partnership with The Classic Theatre has allowed us to leverage shared resources to provide higher quality work in both theaters.
Operating Expenses: We have successfully managed our September to December operating expenses, averaging $45,000 per month, with careful financial stewardship.
Grant Applications: Since August, our dedicated team has applied for $1.2 million worth of grants, reinforcing our commitment to securing diverse funding sources for our future endeavors.
Corporate Sponsorship Success: Since September, we’ve secured close to $100,000 in corporate support, reigniting, and healing our relationships with the Corporate and Foundation community.
LOOKING AHEAD — TEAM GOALS FOR 2024/2025
Financial Sustainability: Raise $1.3 million through diversified funding sources.
Enhanced Accessibility: Increase accessibility to continue to welcome a more diverse audience.
Rebranding and Increased Visibility: Increase visibility through strategic rebranding.
Education Program Revitalization: Rebuild the education program, offering classes for all ages and a summer camp program.
Rental Program Development: Establish a rental program to utilize theater spaces during non-production periods and create more revenue.
Staff Development Workshops: Implement monthly staff development workshops to enhance skills and foster a collaborative environment.
Customer Experience and Front of House Improvement: Enhance the experience for patrons, donors, vendors, artists, technicians, and contractors through designing a new culture of customer service.
Develop Standard Operating Procedures: Create standard operating procedures for each area to ensure efficiency and excellence.
Maintaining Artistic Excellence: Create a positive work environment where artists can work at the highest level and produce quality art.
Thank you for being a vital part of The Public Theater family. Here’s to a year filled with creativity, inspiration, and unparalleled performances! See you at the theater!
Best Always,
Asia Ciaravino, President & CEO
The Public Theater of San Antonio
FRAMING THE FUTURE
Our CEO’s Day One Perspective& Uniting for Fundraising Success
I am honored and excited to begin my first day today! — As your new President & CEO of The Public Theater of San Antonio. It is with a deep sense of responsibility and enthusiasm that I step into this role, leading an organization that has been a cornerstone of our community’s cultural tapestry for years. As we embark on this journey together, I am filled with a profound commitment to upholding our legacy of artistic excellence while also charting a course for an even more vibrant and inclusive future. Your unwavering support and passion for the arts will be integral to the success of our collective endeavors, and I am eager to collaborate with each of you as we continue to enrich the lives of those we serve through the power of theater.
As you may have seen, the theater is well underway in an emergency fundraising campaign effort we have aptly titled, Save the Playhouse. Within just two short weeks since this campaign’s launch, our team has secured over $80,000 towards our $500,000 goal. But this is just the beginning. We have a long way to go, and during this multi-month effort, we are dedicated to updating you every step of the way as we work towards sustainability and responsibly producing high quality theatre for generations to come.
When our leadership team came on board in early August and got full access to our finances, we discovered just over $150,000 in unpaid bills and less than two weeks of operating funds in our bank. In the midst of opening Merrily We Roll Along, our team relied heavily on ticket and bar sales as well as current and new donors to stretch us to today. Each production’s total expenses are budgeted at about $165,000 making Twelfth Night an unfortunate impossibility. In addition, our monthly operating expenses average around $45,000.
To summarize, we are currently looking at:
- $150,000 — Outstanding Bills
- $165,000 — Our Holiday Show
- $185,000 — Our September – December operating expenses at roughly $45,000/month
- TOTAL — $500,000
My first and immediate priority is to launch our team into strategic and business planning to solidify our path to sustainability as we move forward into 2024. Diversifying and maximizing our revenue is a major focus of this planning and will include:
- Strategic show selections that achieve our mission as well as bring audiences back to the theater
- Relaunching a robust Education Program (help us get started by giving feedback here!)
- Revamping our Venue Rental program
- Hosting ongoing fundraising events
- Reigniting and healing our relationships with the Corporate and Foundation community
As we venture into this exciting, yet challenging new chapter of The Public Theater of San Antonio, I am acutely aware of the importance of leading with transparency, establishing trust, and promoting healing in our community. Change and growth can sometimes stir uncertainty, and I believe that through open communication, collaboration, and a shared dedication to our mission, we can forge a path that honors our past while embracing a future filled with possibilities. Your continued support, engagement, and belief in the transformative power of the arts will be the foundation upon which we build this next phase. Together, we will not only create exceptional theater experiences but also foster an environment where our theater community flourishes. After all, #TheatreBuildsCommunity.
Asia Ciaravino
President & CEO
The Public Theater of San Antonio
Save The Playhouse Campaign Announced
The Public Theater of San Antonio Launches Fundraising Campaign
(SAN ANTONIO, TX) — The Public Theater of San Antonio announces the launch of Save the Playhouse, a fundraiser with a campaign goal of $500,000 to secure and sustain the organization by the start of 2024. Like other theaters nationwide, The Public Theater has been navigating financial instability since reopening from COVID-19 pandemic closures. This hardship and fundraising shortcomings from the 2022–23 Season have left the theater with a financial void of crucial funding necessary for the theater to succeed. To prevent closure and layoffs, The Public Theater presiding in the San Pedro Playhouse has several efforts set in motion to save the theater. To most theatergoers in San Antonio, the organization is affectionately known as “The Playhouse.” “This beloved theatre organization has endured and survived for over a century in San Antonio, including multiple leadership transitions from the past ten years,” says Director of Marketing and Audience Experience Rick Sanchez. “The Playhouse has been the home to many artists throughout its legacy. A treasured theater for the San Antonio theatre community and beyond. This campaign is an important call to action for the community and San Antonio to show their love and dedication for the theater, to come together and save it for future generations of storytellers and theatergoers.” As well as the Save the Playhouse fundraising campaign, new leadership is working on renewing and rebuilding relationships with foundations to lock in large gifts to help secure and sustain the theater’s future. “The Playhouse is a treasure to San Antonio, and the Board has full faith that the new team will cultivate new and past supporters to supply the much-needed funds so we can produce top-class art for all audiences,” says Board Chair Dawn Cole. “The theater has faced an uphill battle in these post-pandemic years. We are doing everything we can to save the theater. We hope the theater’s long history of theatre-making will draw on the many generations affected by the organization’s theatre magic. Now is the time for all to answer the call to support the theater during this time of need.” Measures to secure financial stability from this past season have already begun:
- The theater will pause productions until the start of the new year to allow the staff to recover and focus on rebuilding and reorganizing the organization.
- A gala and celebration concert will be held in the fall of 2023 to secure significant funds.
- New pledges to the top donor level, the Ovation Society, have been secured, including a $40,000 gift from Board Members.
- New strategic planning includes developing a business plan and diversifying the revenue streams by launching a new education program for all ages.
“The next few months of this campaign are crucial. We are calling on ALL supporters, big and small, from the past, present, and future, to dig deep and give as much as they can to the theater and secure its longevity for the future.” says incoming President and CEO Asia Ciaravino.
CONTRIBUTE
Show your commitment to the theater and its future security by donating to the Save The Playhouse Fundraising Campaign or becoming an Ovation Member. You can also take the Education Survey if you like.
SPONSOR
A show sponsorship is an excellent opportunity to have recognition of your business’s name to be represented.
SUPPORT
Show your support and commitment to the theater with a season subscription or flex pass.
Sustaining Star of The Playhouse — $100,000 Donor
Playhouse Pillars — $15,000+ Donors
A Dear Friend of the Theatre (Anonymous)
Dr. Peter J. Photos & Blake Hamman
Dennis B. Karbach & Robert K. Brown
Melvin Cohen
Ken Kist & Mike Phllip
Stage Sustainers — $10,000 – $14,999 Donors
Baumann Family Charitable Fund
Norbert Gonzales Jr., CPA/JD In Memory of Mimi Gonzales
Rob Kendall & Tony Holmes
The Honorable Bonnie Reed & Stu Schlossberg
San Pedro Supporters — $5,000 – $9,999 Donors
Michelle & Josh Andersen
Sam Guerrero & Christina Casella
The DeBard Family
Phil & Linda Hardberger Foundation
Alvin A. Loewenberg
Nuria & Dr. Steven Mitchell
Kay & Steven Robbins
Cellar Circle — $3,000 – $4,999 Donors
Craig Browning
Diane Malone in Memory of Rick Malone
Dmitry & Beth Tuder
Proscenium Patrons — $1,000 – $2,999 Donors
A Dear Friend of the Theatre (Anonymous Donor)
John Seidenfeld & Mary Barad
Lawrence Barocas
Col(Ret) J.L. Berkheiser
Chris & Joyce P. Berry
Jim & Tama Blend
Byrd & Patty Riggle Bonner
Judy Bryant
Steven & Mary Bull
Tony & Nicole Campbell
The Ciaravino Family
Jeanette Clark
Gillian Cook
Joe & Kathy DeMott
Beth A. Erwin
Dr. Gary & Ms. Barbara Francis
E. A. Gordy & Melissa González
Linda Hardberger
Jay & Dacota Haselwood
Andersen & Haselwood Families
Michael Howard & Linda Ford
Renee Garvens & Stefanie Gaines, Beth & Dimitry Tuder, & Deborah & Joseph Jarmon
Rick Wilson & Rod Keith
James & Celia Kellogg
Martin & Frederica Kushner
Nancy LaGreca
Bruce Liesman & Anna Gangai Liesman
Diane Malone & Friends in Memory of Rick Malone
Blakely Fernandez & Kevin Matula
Lynn Riddick
Bexar County Judge Peter Sakai
Paula Shaver
Kathy & Lionel Sosa
Randy & Catherine Stier
Levi Stoneking
Michael & Pat Storlie
Straus Family Charitable Trust
The Tucker Family
US Metals
Dean Weirtz
William & Emilia Westney
Corina Zars
Backstage Benefactors — $500 – $999 Donors
Dear Friends of the Theatre (Anonymous Donor)
Lorraine & Curt Anastasio
Kim Biffle
Howard Black
Emily Boehm
Susan Breidenbach
Heather Ford Caussade & Luke Caussade
Trevor & Andrew Chauvin-DeCaro
Elanore & Daniel Decker
Stefanie Gaines
Renee Garvens
James C. Garza
Sherry Gibbs
Jason & Kathryn Glast
Juan J. Castillo & Raul Guerra
Barry Hubbard
Joan Kearl
Paige & Terry Kyle
Felipe Martin
Hilda & Frank Mayberry
Andrew & Amy Moreland
Barbara Moschner
Jean Pal-Freeman
Laura Parker & Fred Rhame
Kathleen Sakai
Cherie Hales Smith
Levi Stoneking
Dr. Marian Suarez
Cheryl L Tanner
Peter Hugill & Judy Warren
Dan Yoxall
Performance Philanthropists — $200 – $499 Donors
Dear Friends of the Theatre (Anonymous Donors)
Alta Vista Neighborhood Association
William Bedwell
Kim & Joe Bianco
Michele Brinkley
Alisha Burkman
Florence Bunten & William Champlin
Dr Adam & Sara Cobb
Kerry & Dawn Cole
Peter Coussoulis
Boriana Damm
Del Prado Dietz PLLC
Blakely Fernandez
Julie Hales-Smith
Janice & Jim Hans
Vanessa & Cliff Hurd
Deborah Omowale Jarmon
Gerald Lee
Terry & Karen Miller
Sandy & Art Nicholson
Joseph Rosas
The Salvador Family
Sally Reitzel Seeker
Jill Fleuriet & Bill Spedding
Beth Smith
Jimmy Toubin
Sherry Kafka Wagner
Shannon Wurster
Century Celebrants — $100 – $199 Donors
Dear Friends of the Theatre (Anonymous Donors)
Carol Allen
Janet Alyn
Nicholas & Linda Barron
Megan Boneta in Memory of Larry Boudreau
Nadeem Bridi
Grant Bryan
Robert C. Cardoza Jr.
Laddie & Camille Denton
Liliana Dodge
Mary Belan Doggett
Irene Elgart
River Fenner
Rose Mary Fry
Armando & Yolanda Garza
Kathy & Jacque Glascock
Charles Gonzalez
Joe Gonzalez
Sally Gooze
Dr. & Mrs. Gerry Green
Debra Greenblatt
Thomas Grothues
Vincent Hardy
Lynzee Villafranca & Justin Hill
Mary Beth Karbach
The Kittrell Family Trust
David Kolodrubetz & Ellen Kraig
G.L.
Chad Nall & Brian Lopez-Rosa
Ronald Lorton
Michael Cooling & Steve Luce
Hilda Mancillas
Tom & Rita Minkley
Toni & Joe Murgo
Bonita Owens
Paula Phipps
Gail & Marc Raney
Richard Reams
Joan & Michael Richard
Sheila Rinear
Mark Robles
Kacey Roye
Mark Smith & Doug Salyers
Herschel & Joyce Sheiness
BJ Mamuzic & Robert Sheldon
Barbara Simpson
Carolyn Skloss
Ken Slavin
Lori Smith
Kathleen Stein
Susan Strawn
Tracy Tylman
Donna Vera
Joanna & Gordon Weidman
Walter L. Wilson, III
Wayne Woodard
Mel Zarb-Cousin
Marquee Maestros — $5 – $99 Donors
Dear Friends of the Theatre (Anonymous Donors)
Eric Agosto
Stephanie Agosto
Allison Boerger
Evangeline Cantu
Stage Hands LLC
Thomas Carter & Laurel Simpson
Thomas Criado
Debra Doolittle
Debra Elana
Roy Ellis
Michelle Everidge
Sofia Follman
William C. Friedrich Jr.
Dorothy Graschel
Ron & Gayle Kipp
Zach Lewis
Alejandro Martinez
Murfizoid
George & Marie Nisson
Arlis Olson
Donna J. Pereira
Cyle Perez
Alexis Prieto
Eric Quon-Lee
Maria D. Solis
Jessica Stoll
Sam Terry
Cathy Voit
Darcy Walker
Sarah Wilson
Ovation Society Members
as of December 8, 2023
Executive
Robert K. Brown & Dennis B. Karbach
Producer
Becky & Jason Doyle
Kay & Steven Robbins
Director
Josh & Michelle Andersen
Chris & Paige Berry
Asia & Tony Ciaravino NEW MEMBERS!
Lee Cusenbary & Dr. Teri Hospers NEW MEMBERS!
Michelle & Murray Easton
theKFORDgroup
Dr. Peter J. Photos & Blake Hamman
Tony Holmes & Robert Kendall
Diane Malone in memory of Rick Malone NEW MEMBER!
Judge Bonnie Reed & Stuart Schlossberg
Mr. Fredrick & Mrs. Melanie Tawil
Corina Zars NEW MEMBER!
Historian
Baird Law, PLLC
Blume Pediatric Dentistry
Col (Ret) J.L. Berkheiser NEW MEMBER!
Byrd & Patty Riggle Bonner NEW MEMBERS!
Susan Breidenbach
Louise Cantwell
Christina Casella & Sam Guerrero NEW MEMBERS!
Trevor & Andrew Chauvin-DeCaro NEW MEMBERS!
Dawn & Kerry Cole
Jeanette Clark NEW MEMBER!
Boriana Damm
Drs. Andrew & Christine de la Garza
Beth A. Erwin NEW MEMBER!
Terri Fischman
Dr. Gary and Ms. Barbara Francis NEW MEMBERS!
Sherry Gibbs NEW MEMBER!
Norbert Gonzales, in Memory of Mimi Gonzales
Dr. E.A. (Gordy) & Melissa Gonzalez III
Tony Hamilton
Janice & Jim Hans
Dacota & Jay Haselwood
Justin & Lynzee Hill
Terry Hookstra & Laura Redwine
Melody Hull
Bill & Margaret Kanyusik
Colonel James W. Kellogg
Martin and Frederica Kushner NEW MEMBERS!
Paige & Terry Kyle NEW MEMBERS!
Ken Kist & Mike Phillips
Kittrell Family Trust
Bruce Liesman and Anna Gangai Liesman NEW MEMBERS!
Jessica & Tinotenda Madyara
Drs. Reid Hartson & Melinda McFarland
Karen & Terry Miller
Billie Whittaker & Robert Nauman
Aris & Laura Nikas
Joseph Rosas
Michael & Pat Storlie NEW MEMBERS!
Dr. Marian Suarez NEW MEMBER!
John, Kari, and Grayson Warren NEW MEMBERS!
Dr. Jane Watson
Rick Wilson & Rod Keith
Dean Weirtz NEW MEMBER!
Louis C. Bixenman & G. Sterling Zinsmeyer