First Act Theatre Arts 2022-2023 Gratitude Report
Dear Friends of First Act, The 22/23 season was full of excitement as we finally returned to a new normal after navigating the many challenges the pandemic presented in the previous two years. Through many ups and downs, our wonderful students, families, and supporters were there to ensure that First Act could continue to provide the magic of live theatre to our community. This season, we presented some new titles, including Bright Star, Into the Woods, and Peter and the Star Catcher, as well as old favorites like Annie, The Music Man, The Little Mermaid, Tuck Everlasting, Cinderella, Big Fish, and Footloose. In addition, we provided several camps and classes so students could have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the performing arts. Whether you were onstage, backstage, in classes or camps, or just enjoying the show from the audience, we hope you experienced that First Act magic.
In April, we hosted the second annual Cocktails & Cabaret. Guests enjoyed a silent auction, raffles, games, and performances by our talented students. The event was a tremendous success, and we look forward to an even bigger and brighter Cocktails & Cabaret as we Dream More in 2024! Inside these pages, you will find our 2023 Annual Gratitude Report, and we have a lot to be grateful for. Theatre has the power to bring people from all walks of life together. This is, of course, true for our students, but First Act is also a family organization. Students, parents, volunteers, and staff come together to create something ethereal. A truly magical experience is shared from the moment the lights come up on the first scene of a show until the curtain closes on the bows. These experiences and memories will never be forgotten, and we can only do it together, each of us working in tandem to realize that beautiful fleeting moment that is theatre. As you look at our financials in this report, you will notice that we operated with a loss last year. Unfortunately, this is the same circumstance for many nonprofit theatres worldwide. Ticket sales, tuition, and production fees only cover a portion of what it costs to produce theatre, and like so much in our world, theatre has suffered from the recent extreme inflation. If the magic of First Act has touched you, I urge you to consider making an annual donation to our organization. Through fundraising, we can ensure that the magic of First Act continues for decades to come. God bless, Grant Golson Executive Director
Mission Statement First Act Theatre Arts inspires excellence, fosters character and builds community through quality theatrical arts training, performance, and fellowship in a Christian faith-based environment.
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6800 W. 153rd Street Overland Park, KS 66223 firstactkc.org
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2022-2023 FINANCIAL OVERVIEW As shown below, First Act Theatre Arts finished the fiscal year with a financial loss of over $22,000. Unfortunately, this has been the case for the last several years. The time has come to put the infrastructure in place to ensure the continued sustainability of the organization. We urge you to consider supporting us by visiting members.firstactkc.org/donate for more information and to make a gift today.
$765,066
For the last twenty years, First Act (Formerly CYT Kansas City) has operated at a facility that, for a time, served our needs. However, our programming has outgrown our current space, and when combined with costly needed building repairs, the time has come to find a future home for First Act. We hope you will support our dream as we continue to share information about this endeavor.
Revenue
2% 24%
Tuition Revenue - $309,090 Show Revenue - $257,563 Contributions - $184,850
40%
Rentals/Other - $13,563
34%
NET = ($22,080)
5% 1% 15%
$566,653 Total Program Revenue Classes - $163,649 Camps - $145,441 Tickets - $138,391 Production Revenue - $119,172
24%
26%
Payroll Related - $208,885
27%
Production Payroll - $170,934
Facility/Rent- $115,489
16%
29%
Expense
Office/Overhead - $121,877
15%
21%
$787,146
22%
Show Related - $114,568 Fundraising Related - $43,431 Advertising - $11,962
Our Year in Review
Served eight students in the HEART program, a full inclusion program providing students with developmental and physical disabilities the opportunity to participate in our programming.
Forty-seven groups attended a school day show. For many students, this is their first introduction to any live theatre.
Provided over 30 scholarships to families in need.
July 2022June 2023
Produced nine shows that included 353 performers.
Reached well over 500 students through our studios, troupes, shows, and classes. Nearly 12,000 audience members were in attendance for shows and overnight camp productions.
You
Graduated 15 seniors from our program who performed in over 100 shows cumulatively.
Hosted 20 summer camps that served 468 students.
Be Part of Something Great in 2023-2024! Use the QR Code or visit firstactkc.org/donate
“I was terrified when I started at First Act, as I was already 16 and hadn’t seen a single show they’d done. I felt like I was too old to start a new theater, that no one would really like me, and I wouldn’t make any friends. How wrong I was! First Act Theatre Arts provides an amazing and safe community, full of great kids who genuinely love Christ and theatre.” - Lydia, First Act Student