An anonymous donor has given Arizona Theatre Company $100,000 to keep the doors open through July 15, giving it more time to raise the $2 million needed to present the 2015-16 season.
The donation came after ATC board member and long-time supporter Michael Kasser committed to raising $1 million for the embattled company, provided Phoenix donors match that amount.
ATC, which had sent out pleas for donations since February, announced Monday that the 2016-17 season may be suspended if $2 million isnβt raised by July 1. The last-minute plea came after traditional fundraising through curtain speeches and mailings did not bring in the funds necessary to continue.
Kasser, who has given about $2.5 million to ATC over the last two years, says the flurry of fundraising over the week has made him much more optimistic that ATC will be able to open its season as scheduled Sept. 10.
But much of it depends on whether or not Phoenix steps up and meets the $1 million challenge, he says.
βIβm deeply committed to the state of Arizona,β says Kasser. βThe state needs first-class arts organizations to be successful, and ATC is one of those. To lose it means Arizona will take a step backwards.β
Earlier this week, ATC sent an alert to subscribers, and said that if the season is suspended it is likely that season tickets would not be reimbursed. In reality, what action ATC takes if it has to cancel has not been determined, says Artistic Director David Ira Goldstein.
βWe would have to take a step back, look at the situation and decide.β
But he, like Kasser, has been encouraged at the response to the plea for funds.
βIβm hopeful weβll have a 50th season and everyone will be delighted.β
