Plano Repertory Theatre

• Letter to Subscribers
• Area Theaters to Accept PRT Tickets (see below)
• Press Release (see below)

August 2005

Dear PRT Subscriber:

We regret to inform you that the financial problems of the Plano Repertory Theatre have resulted in a decision by the board of directors to close and liquidate the theater. The remaining three plays for the 2005 season will not be produced, and there will be no 2006 season.

The board has taken these actions with profound sadness, because the artistic quality of the theater in recent years has been among the area's best. However, after the PRT main stage moved to the Courtyard Theatre and the offices relocated to a much larger facility, the theater's operating costs grew faster than the corresponding revenues. Sources of revenue, other than ticket sales, remained low by financial comparison with other successful theaters, resulting in mounting debt over the past few years that hampered operations.

This year, the board took initiatives to reverse the financial difficulties: staff was reduced, offices and rehearsal space were consolidated, and every element of cost was carefully monitored. Efforts to increase non-ticket revenues were initiated. A matching grant from a major foundation was sought, but ultimately delayed. Grants totaling $35,000 from the Plano Arts and Culture Endowment and an anonymous donor were used to raise a matching $35,000 from patrons during June. For those of you who contributed to that fund-raising effort, we are deeply grateful, and for those of you who gave at other times during 2005, we are also appreciative. However, these actions were not adequate to generate sufficient continuing cash flow to complete the current season.

Additionally, throughout this year, board members and PRT staff took heroic actions and made personal sacrifices to continue the season. However, with half the season remaining to produce, it became apparent that such efforts would not be successful; therefore, the board recognized that it had no option but to cease operations.

There are no funds to refund ticket sales for upcoming plays or to pay creditors. However, a number of Dallas area theaters have generously offered to honor the unused PRT tickets on a space-available basis. A partial list is provided below. You may call these or other area theaters for details. Some restrictions may apply. Be sure to save your unused PRT tickets if you wish to use them at other theaters.

The board sincerely regrets this outcome. After 29 years of performances for audiences from Plano and surrounding cities, the loss of PRT will be felt by many people and businesses. But most of all, we thank you, our patrons, for your support and generosity.

Sincerely,

PRT Board of Directors

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Area Theaters to Accept PRT Tickets

A number of Dallas area theaters have generously offered to honor unused PRT tickets on a space-available basis. These include the Dallas Theater Center, Theatre Three, members of the Dallas Theatre League and others. Circumstances vary by theater, and you must present your unused PRT tickets. Visit the theaters' web sites or call their box offices for details. Current and upcoming plays are listed in the Dallas Morning News Guide and at www.guidelive.com as well as at www.dallastheatreleague.com.

In addition, the Plano Symphony Orchestra is offering $10 off a season subscription to PRT ticket holders. Call the Plano Symphony at 972-473-7262.

Dallas Theater Center (www.dallastheatercenter.org)

Dallas Theater Center is participating in a ticket exchange program for single shows or a three-show Play Pack for all three tickets. Call the DTC box office at 214-522-8499 for details.

Theatre Three in the Quadrangle, Dallas (www.theatre3dallas.com)

Theatre Three will exchange tickets on a space-available basis to any mainstage production through June 2006. Call the box office at 214-871-3300 for reservations and details. If you have questions, ask for Amy Mills Jackson, customer service manager.

Quad C Theatre at Collin County Community College (www.quadctheatre.org)

Quad C will redeem PRT tickets for Quad C performances and events. Call the box office at 972-881-5100.

Texas Star Theatre, Plano

Giving away two free tickets to first 50 PRT subscribers and $10 off tickets thereafter for Grease at the Courtyard Theater starting Sept. 22. The play runs through October 30. Call the box office at 1-866-572-0881 and mention the code "TSTPRT."

Dallas Theatre League (www.dallastheatreleague.com)

In an effort to retain your continuous support of live theater in our community, many Dallas Theatre League member theaters will honor your remaining 2005 PRT season subscriptions. A complete list of DTL member theaters is on their web site (above). Below is a limited list of participating theaters and details on some of their offers to PRT subscribers. Please call the individual theaters for more information and restrictions. All reservations are subject to availability, and you must present your PRT tickets when redeeming the exchanged tickets.

Act I Productions, Dallas (214-207-8467) - To production of "Toothpaste & Cigars."

Classical Acting Co., Dallas (Richland College) (214-505-1655) - Or a discount on their 2006 season subscription.

Contemporary Theatre of Dallas (214-828-0094) - Or half off 2005-06 season subscriptions.

Dallas Children's Theatre (214-740-0051) - 15 tickets per production, Friday evenings at 7:30 only, for all shows in 2005-06 season, or a 25% discount to 2005-06 season.

Echo Theatre, Dallas (214-904-0500) - To their production of "Sailing to Byzantium," opening Sept. 29.

Flower Mound Performing Arts Theatre (972-724-2147) - To honor PRT tickets, FMPAT has added a special performance of "Grease" on Sunday, Sept. 11, at 8 p.m. For information and reservations, call the box office. Tickets available on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Garland Civic Theatre (972-205-2790)

ICT Mainstage, Irving (972-252-2787)

Kitchen Dog Theatre, Dallas (214-953-1055) - 50 tickets to each production except "Debbie Does Dallas."

Labyrinth Theatre (972-231-1012)

Lyric Stage, Irving (972-252-2787) - Must call or go to their box office the day of the performance.

Pegasus Theatre, Richardson (214-821-6005) - 50 tickets per show on a standby basis for "Mind over Murder" at the Eisemann (except New Year's Eve).

Pocket Sandwich Theatre, Dallas (214-821-1860) - 100 tickets to "Shades of Gray," 100 tickets to "Blood of the Werewolf."

Repertory Company Theatre of Richardson (972-690-5029) - Will honor PRT season tickets for their productions of "To Kill a Mockingbird," opening Sept. 16, and "Into the Woods," opening Oct. 20.

Richardson Theatre Centre (972-699-1130) - 20 tickets per show, Thursday evening performances only, good for the entire 2006 season. Or a 25% discount toward a 2006 season subscription.

Risk Theatre Initiative, Dallas (972-943-8915)

Rover Dramawerks, Various Locations (972-849-0358)

Second Thought Theatre, Various Locations (469-396-4345)

Shakespeare Dallas (214-559-2778) - Will accept PRT tickets for admission to October performances of "12th Night" in Addison.

Shane Arts (Dallas HUB Theatre) (214-749-7010)

Uptown Players, Dallas (214-219-2718) - Tickets available on day of performance only.

WaterTower Theatre, Addison (972-450-6232)

WingSpan Theatre Co., Dallas (972-504-6218) - Can be applied to Oct. 26 preview of "Danny & the Deep Blue Sea" only.

Word of Mouth Productions, Frisco (214-734-7326) - Will honor the first 50 PRT tickets one-for-one and half off regular price thereafter for "A Sanders Family Christmas," Dec. 4-18, 2005, at the Courtyard Theater, Plano.

* * * * *

PRESS RELEASE-For immediate distribution

Contact: Roger Starnes, 972-424-7285

August 15, 2005

The board of directors of the Plano Repertory Theatre (PRT) regretfully announces that it has voted unanimously to close and liquidate the theater, effective immediately. The remaining plays for the 2005 season will not be produced, and there will be no 2006 season.

The board has taken these actions with profound sadness, because the artistic quality of the theater in recent years has been among the best in the Metroplex. However, after the main stage of PRT moved to the Courtyard Theatre and the offices relocated to a much larger facility, the theater's operating costs grew faster than the corresponding revenues. Sources of revenue, other than ticket sales, remained low by financial comparison with other successful theaters, resulting in mounting debt over the past few years that hampered operations.

This year, the board took initiatives to reverse the financial difficulties: staff was reduced, offices and rehearsal space were consolidated, and every element of cost was carefully monitored. Efforts to increase non-ticket revenues were initiated. A matching grant from a major foundation was sought, but ultimately delayed. Grants totaling $35,000 from the Plano Arts and Culture Endowment and an anonymous donor were used to raise a matching $35,000 from the audience during June. However, these actions were not adequate to generate sufficient continuing cash flow to complete the current season.

Additionally, throughout this year, Board members and PRT staff took heroic actions and made personal sacrifices to continue the season. However, with half the season remaining to produce, it became apparent that such efforts would not be successful; therefore, the Board recognized that it had no option but to cease operations.

There are no funds to refund ticket sales for upcoming plays or to pay creditors. The board sincerely regrets this outcome. After 29 years of performances for audiences from Plano and surrounding cities, the loss of PRT will be felt by many people and businesses.