Giving Categories
Private gifts are a vital part of the day-to-day operation of the company. These contributions are part of our yearly operating budget, and we depend on these continued donations to keep the company operating. In no small way do these gifts play an important role in every aspect of the artistic values of each season: talented singers and musicians, beautiful costumes, elegant stage scenery, up-to-date lighting, and original performance versions of operetta created exclusively for The Ohio Light Opera. Some of these expenses are "one-time" needs that concern maintenance or the refurbishing of old equipment. Many expenses are yearly costs that continue to rise due to demand and availability. Listed below are some expenses that are a small part of our yearly operation that may not be apparent to the every day audience member.
Costumes
The cost of fabric and maintenance of equipment is a rising expense from year to year. This summer's season we are planning to build over 200 new costumes. A single costume can cost anywhere from $200 - $500 depending on the historical period.
Artist, Technical, and Administrative Salaries
This continues to be one of our biggest costs during the summer season. To achieve the high level of artistic values being offered we must compete with other companies for the best possible singers, instrumentalists and technicians. An average summer contract offers a first year company member about $150 a week. Although the experience they may gain by their work with the company is invaluable, our level of monetary compensation is less than most companies. We hope to become more competitive in the years to come.
Production Costs
Costs of scenery supplies (wood, paint, tools, and technical equipment) continue to rise. With several different shows being presented each season, we can expect to see over 20 different scenic looks. The cost of lumber increased by more than 50% last year, and the cost of one set can be as much as $4,000.
You will note that we have raised the levels for membership in several gift categories.
We hope that you will increase your personal support, as together we seek to sustain and enhance the quality of Ohio Light Opera productions for another successful season. In addition to unrestricted gifts, we are also seeking support to underwrite production costs for each show.
Categories:
- Lord Chancellor - $10,000 or more
- Grand Duke - $5,000 - $9,999
- Mikado - $3,000 - $4,999
- Sorcerer - $1,500 - $2,999
- Pirate King - $750 - $1,499
- Englishman - $500 - $749
- Peer or Peri - $200 - $499
- Yeoman - $100 - $199
- Flower of Progress - $50 - $99
Donations can be made to The Ohio Light Opera, The College Of Wooster, Wooster OH 44691. If you would prefer, please contact us by phone and we can arrange for credit card donations. Donations made before April 18th are guaranteed to be listed in the program. Please direct any questions to 330-263-2345
