The immense 2009-2010 success of the Victoria Theatre Association has had a great economic benefit to the city of Dayton.

Dayton, OH -- (SBWire) -- 08/13/2010 -- Victoria Theatre Association (VTA) (http//www.victoriatheatre.com) and the Arts Center Foundation (ACF) (http://www.schustercenter.org/) presented its 2009-2010 Community Report at today’s annual meeting, held in the Mathile Theatre at the Benjamin and Marian Schuster Performing Arts Center. "The 2009-2010 season was phenomenal by all accounts with two Broadway blockbusters rounding out an awesome year of performances,” says VTA/ACF Board of Trustees Chair, Pat McDonald. “Our new President and CEO, Ken Neufeld has energized the organization and the result is increased audiences, remarkable fundraising results, and a strong financial bottom line. I also want to thank my fellow Trustees, the 65 full and 66 part time employees and, of course, our 1000+ volunteers for their dedicated efforts. The Board of Trustees eagerly looks forward to the 2010-2011 season and it is our hope that our numerous programs impact as many people in the Miami Valley as possible.”

Community Report Findings:

The Net Operating Income, before depreciation, for the combined operations of Victoria Theatre Association and Arts Center Foundation fiscal year ending June, 30 2010 is projected to be a surplus of 2.6% of total revenues as compared to prior year of 2.9%. Total Revenues increased 31% due to extended runs of two Broadway shows – WICKED and PHANTOM OF THE OPERA – http://www.victoriatheatre.com/10-11-broadway-series/. Based on a formula developed by the Americans for the Arts, the overall expenses for the 09/10 fiscal year of $15.6 million created an estimated $27,865,000 in ancillary revenues for Dayton and its surrounding communities.

The impressive $27,865,000 sum represents the total dollars spent by VTA/ACF and its audiences, including event-related spending by arts audiences including but not limited to ticket sales, restaurants, parking, merchandise sales and other expenses that revolve around attending and producing an arts event.

“I look back at the 2009-10 season with a sense of accomplishment and pride in the Miami Valley. Due to the hard work of our supporters, sponsors, Board of Trustees and exemplary staff, Victoria Theatre Association and the Arts Center Foundation have been able to succeed strongly in what continues to be challenging economic times,” remarks Ken Neufeld, who has just completed his first year as VTA/ACF President and CEO. “I am continually encouraged by what is ahead for 2010-2011: we have an excellent program of productions and attractions this season, a work force that is focused on budget realities and possess the creativity to find better and more efficient ways to operate, and Board of Trustees that is committed to excellence in governance,” remarks Neufeld. “I think it’s a winning combination for the Miami Valley community.”

Highlights from the 2009-2010 season included:

- Hosting over 53,000 people from all over the region (and country) during the premiere production of WICKED – with an economic impact of approximately $5,285,770.00
- Ticket Center Stage sold in excess of 305,000 tickets annually, totaling $9.5 million in sales.
- Reaching 34,911 young people and adults through Education and Outreach programs including Physicians for Kids Discovery Series, Young at Heart Family Series and Chase Broadway Education programs – Background on Broadway, Varsity Broadway, Backstage Broadway and Music of the Night Camp
- The “Fueling Education” program offered free RTA bussing to over 1,200 students and teachers, making it possible for students and teachers to attend Physician’s for Kids Discovery Series programs.
- VTA/ACF collaborated with over 20 local non-profit charitable, education, social service and arts organizations in a variety of ways from sharing employees to highlighting groups at performances.
- VTA/ACF served 447,653 people in its facilities, including the Victoria Theatre, the Benjamin and Marian Schuster Performing Arts Center, Metropolitan Arts Center/Loft Theatre and Citilites Restaurant & Bar at the Schuster Center.

Additional information about these and other season highlights can be found in the Community Report, available for download at http://www.victoriatheatre.com/communityreport or by calling 937/228-7591.

The 2009-2010 Board of Trustees included: Chair, Pat McDonald; Vice Chair, Stephen Miller; Treasurer, Steven Beinlich; and, Secretary, Frank Perez. Other members are: Brian Anderson, Marsha Bonhart, Karen T. Dunlevy, Neil Freund, Jeanette Harris, Ron Katsuyama, Robert Kegerreis, Ph.D., Albert Leland, William T. Lincoln, Lou Mason, Dale Medford, Shirley Nixon, Richard Perales, Ed Purvis, Benjamin Schuster M.D., Martha Shaker, Ginny Strausburg and Chris Wyse. Ad-hoc member is Richard Schwartz.

Victoria Theatre Association is one of Dayton’s premier arts organizations, presenting the Miami Valley & Good Samaritan Hospitals Broadway Series, the PNC Family Series, the Michelob Ultra Cool Films series, Star Attractions, the Universal 1 Variety Series, and the Physicians for Kids Discovery Series, which features curriculum-enhanced live theatre productions for school children. Victoria Theatre Association is proud of its alliance with the Dayton Opera. In addition to the performances it presents, Victoria Theatre Association also manages the historic Victoria Theatre, the Benjamin and Marian Schuster Performing Arts Center, and the Metropolitan Arts Center, which houses The Loft Theatre. Victoria Theatre Association receives funding from a variety of diverse public, corporate, individual and private sources, including the Montgomery County Arts and Cultural District and the Ohio Arts Council. The Ohio Arts Council helped fund this program or organization with state tax dollars to encourage economic growth, educational excellence and cultural enrichment for all Ohioans