A long-standing staple of Seattle’s (and Queen Anne’s) arts community, Intiman Theatre, is facing closure, according to a statement from the Board of Trustees released today.
Due to a number of managerial problems since the Intiman’s former Managing Director departed last fall, the theatre, which first opened in 1972, now must raise $1,000,000, well beyond its 2011 fundraising goal, by September or face the end of its 39-year presence within the local arts scene.
We’ve republished the full letter Intiman sent out to the community below:
February 11, 2011
An open letter to the Seattle arts community
Dear friends,
I want to share some unsettling news about our beloved Intiman Theatre. As many of you know, we’ve been struggling for several months. Since the departure of our former Managing Director last fall, the board of trustees has unearthed a series of missteps and management failings. Inflated budget projections, unpaid bills and a complete lack of financial and accounting oversight have left the theater dangerously low on cash. Sadly, I must report that unless we are able to raise $500,000 by the end of March, an additional $250,000 by June, and $250,000 by September, we cannot continue.
The $1 million dollar campaign is above and beyond the theatre’s 2011 annual fundraising goal.
Our staff and trustees have been tirelessly working to put our house in order – reconciling our books; establishing clear oversight; soliciting the support of independent leaders; paying down our debt; cutting operational costs; and reaching out to friends and family in the local community for help. The picture is now clearer and so is the harsh reality of the current situation.
I find this most difficult because the staff and creative leadership are incredibly strong right now and the quality of work being produced on our stage is of the highest quality and thematically touches on topics that need a public stage.
Seattle is a unique community; we are intellectually curious; progressively open minded; and willing to openly reflect and debate who we are as a community. I’m continually reminded by friends from the national theater community that only a city like Seattle could create a theater like Intiman. I also believe that only a city like Seattle can help preserve a gem like Intiman.
For 39 years Intiman has served as our community’s kitchen table for discussing relevant topics through art. We need your help to make sure that tradition continues. Please make a donation today by visiting http://www.intiman.org. At the website you will find more information on the current situation along with video testimonials from our artistic director, Kate Whoriskey, and acting managing director Melaine Bennett. You will also be able to show your direct support by making a donation.
Thank you for your time and continued support in helping Seattle maintain its reputation as progressive/trend-setting hotbed for the performing arts. Theaters like Intiman are critical to protecting that fragile ecosystem. Please help us protect this local treasure by making a donation to the theater today.
Sincerely,
Kim Anderson
President
Intiman Theatre, Board of Trustees
If you’d like to support Intiman, donations can be made on its website. Intiman also posted the following messages from Artistic Director Kate Whoriskey and Acting Managing Director Melaine Bennett in the hopes of encouraging community support to help the theatre live on.