July 11, 2011

Dear Friends:

As we conclude our 34th Season, the Board of Regina Lyric Musical Theatre feels it is time for renewal.  We are considering making some changes, and we want to give you a chance to share your ideas with us.

We are proud of the shows we have produced, and are indebted to the many individuals who have donated their time and resources to make Lyric a success over the past three and a half decades.  As we move forward, we hope that you will help us generate ideas that will address the following challenges:

  1. Our audience numbers for our major spring production have been declining;
  2. We have seen fewer people at auditions; and
  3. Our donations have been decreasing.  While our emergency fund is intact, our cash flow is at an all-time low.

Here are a few ideas and questions we have been considering:

  • Moving our spring show earlier by a few weeks to avoid competing with the Cathedral Village Festival.
  • Rather than staging a theatrical production in the spring of 2012, we may produce a more cost-effective musical revue featuring a variety of familiar songs based on a theme.  In the fall of 2010, for example, we produced a revue of folk music.  What themes interest you?
  • How can we attract more performers to auditions?
  • We have been pleased to give artists a chance to perform in lesser known shows, and audiences a chance to see gems like Sweeney Todd and Gypsy; however, we know that many people want to see more familiar shows.  When selecting shows, we have to consider factors such as the availability of copyright and whether we have the right people to fill all the roles.  What shows do you suggest?
  • Our annual budget for 3 shows and general operating is about $90,000.  In recent years, the City of Regina has provided Lyric with a $1,000 annual grant.  We do not qualify for funding from the Saskatchewan Arts Board.  Do you know of any Regina businesses or individuals who could become a major sponsor?

The first rule of brainstorming is that “no idea is a bad idea.”  So please share your ideas with us.  If there is one thing we have learned, it is that Regina is full of amazingly talented people, including some of Canada’s most gifted artists.  We are proud of Lyric’s past and we are optimistic about our future.  We look forward to hearing from you.

You may reply by mail to me at 2808 Borden Street, S4N 2L3 or by e-mail to nandc@sasktel.net.  Or feel free to call me at 525-5342.  Alternatively, if you know one of our board members, please feel free to share your ideas with them.  We would be pleased to hear from you by the end of August.

Yours truly,

Carolyn Speirs, President

On behalf of the Board of Regina Lyric Musical Theatre

Ron Blechinger, Vice-President

Jeff Sawatsky, Treasurer

Susan Graham, Secretary

Joan Ziffle, Business Manager

Diane Stephenson, Fundraising/Membership

Owen Ricker, Member-at-large

Janet Wilson, Member-at-large

Jessica Scheuer, Member-at-large

David Hopkinson, Member-at-large