CAMPAIGN TO SECURE THE FUTURE

“The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams,” said Eleanor Roosevelt. For more than 27 years, Imagination Stage has given children the tool of theatre to help them imagine, express, empathize, cooperate, experiment, grow, achieve and dream. For a generation, Imagination Stage has helped secure the future of Washington children. Now it is time to secure the future of Imagination Stage itself.

Imagination Stage recently launched The Campaign to Secure the Future – a $6 million fundraising campaign that will allow the organization to retire its $4 million construction bond debt and to create a working capital fund that will provide the organization with artistic and institutional freedom in the future.

“We have enjoyed excellent growth in all areas of our operation since opening this arts center in May 2003. We have proven to those who put their trust in us that it was a good investment,” explained Executive Director Bonnie Fogel. “After three years, it is now time to take the next step toward a secure future.”

Building upon its 27 years of achievement as the Bethesda Academy of Performing Arts, in less than four years as Imagination Stage the organization increased earned income by 90% (box office receipts by 150%, arts education programs by 65%, retail operations by 55%) and contributed income by 45%. Our staff has grown in its knowledge of our audience and in its ability to undertake more advanced artistic and business challenges. As Imagination Stage we have grown to become a $5 million organization that reaches 110,000 children and their families annually. We are extraordinarily proud of all that we have achieved.

Although Imagination Stage has operated in the black for the last three years, its accomplishments have been challenged by the annual debt service requirements on a $4 million tax exempt revenue bond which was needed to complete the $13 million construction financing package. This debt was necessitated by county garage construction delays that threatened finalizing the two-theatre, eight studio, fully accessible theatre arts complex. Carrying cost payments on the bond drain about 7% of Imagination Stage’s operating budget each year – money the organization would like to see invested in new productions and education programs. Imagination Stage also needs to build a working capital fund – a “rapid response fund” – that will provide financial flexibility for evolving artistic, educational and operational needs.

Key leadership gifts have been pledged, but the success of the Campaign to Secure the Future requires the commitment of the many people who believe in the mission of Imagination Stage. For more information about how you can secure the future of Imagination Stage, please contact Bonnie Fogel at (301) 961-6060.

Imagination Stage is an organization with a big vision – and a big heart to match. The Campaign to Secure the Future will create a stable, mature and effective organization that can focus on its unique strengths: substantive arts education opportunities, valuable inclusion programs for children with disabilities or who are deaf, innovative and meaningful stage productions…and teach children to believe in the beauty of their dreams.