With each spring comes a new beginning at the Palace Cultural Arts Association (PCAA), better known to the community as the Marion Palace Theatre. Along with the planning for the new season ahead, it is the start of the PCAA Annual Membership Campaign.
Theatre leaders say annual membership dollars are needed to help maintain the 1928 historic Marion Palace Theatre and support programming. Like all performing arts theatres, ticket sale revenues cover less than one-half of the operating costs. The remainder of the Marion Palace Theatre’s funding comes from the Ohio Arts Council, corporations and foundations, as well as individual donations.
“The Marion Palace Theatre is more than just a home for entertainment,” says Executive Director Bev Ford.
“We are a non-profit organization that is engaging our community in appreciation, education and participation in the arts, while contributing to the vitality of our downtown and our city as a whole. A PCAA membership is an important investment in our theatre and in our community.”
Donations to the PCAA are tax deductible and several levels of giving are available. All members receive benefits including early access to tickets, discounts at area restaurants and popcorn passes. New benefits include access to a dedicated ticket agent exclusively for member ticket purchases at the door on show nights and waived handling fees for members when purchasing tickets in person or by phone.
Higher levels of giving come with increased benefits. $100 Members will receive (1) 11×17 event poster of choice, $250 Members get a free “Balcony to Backstage” theatre tour for 8 guests, $500 Members receive a free commemorative Palace Theatre calendar, and Marquee Plus Members may choose a free piece of select Palace Logo Wear in addition to meet and greet receptions with performers, first choice seating, and one free use of the Scharer Patron Lounge.
The Marion Community Foundation’s Wopat Community Fund has stepped up with the Marion Palace Theatre to issue a challenge, and they will match all new PCAA memberships or increases by current PCAA members to a maximum combined match of $15,000.
Ford says she is thrilled by this matching gift opportunity which helps PCAA members’ dollars go further. “If someone has thought about making a contribution in the past but just not gotten around to writing that check, this would be a great year to do it; $25 becomes $50, $100 becomes $200 and $500 becomes a $1,000 contribution thanks to the matching fund challenge.”
The Palace Cultural Arts Association (PCAA) is a member supported volunteer-assisted organization with over 800 members and more than 200 volunteers. The theatre serves over 85,000 patrons and guests annually through its programs and directly benefits the local economy in Marion County by attracting visitors from other cities, counties and states. In addition, the activities at the Palace impact the quality of life for Marion residents and those it attracts, providing live performances by national touring artists and local talent alike.
Those wishing to become a member of the Palace for the 2014-2015 season may do so by contacting the Marion Palace Theatre by phone at 740/383-2101 or visiting the box office at 270 W. Center St. in downtown Marion. Box office hours are 9:00am-5:00pm Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, and closed Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday. Information may also be found online at www.marionpalace.org.
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