A Letter from the Chairman of the Board:

Happy New Year Lakeland.

2011 has been an eventful year for Lakeland. Our staff has been on sabbatical in the UK since September. We had to say goodbye to many of our long-time friends, family members and supporters including our Board Chair, E. B. Shearin. We have had multiple facility issues that have cost us thousands of dollars in repairs. We have seen many of our sister theatres around the country close due to the current economy. In spite of all that, 2011 was a pretty good year. We watched as some of our young performers grew into the shoes left behind by the large group of kids we sent off to college with bright futures. We watched as actors broke out into fine directors including our very own Danny Dunlow who at 17 will be directing yet another fantastic show “All Shook Up” before he heads off to make his mark on Broadway next fall. We watched as new performers stepped onstage beside Lakeland veterans, some of which have been here for 3 decades. We watched as 60+ Lakeland supporters came together to clean-up and repair the Lakeland facilities. We watched as Lakeland not only survived the recent economic downturn but has done so with style and grace. I am very proud of all of the community support for this wonderful place we call Lakeland Theatre. The time, money, love and patronage that all of you give to Lakeland is what has allowed Lakeland to be in our community for 34 years now. The ideas, energy, enthusiasm, volunteer efforts and willingness to help is what will keep Lakeland here for another 34 years.

In 2012, we have some basic goals laid out.

• Lakeland is above all focused on fiscal responsibility. The theatre is operating on about 1/3 of the revenue it was receiving 5 years ago. This is largely due to a deep fall off in Angel donations. The economy is effecting us all and we just do not get those $50k donations anymore. As a result, we have spent the last few years cutting unneeded expenses and through the use of technology and by the efforts of volunteers we have become much more efficient. I am happy to report that the 2012 Lakeland budget will be balanced and Lakeland is absolutely here for another year. We are now working on plans to insure as bright a future for 2013.

• Lakeland is also focused on the product. We have been fortunate to be blessed with a fantastic group of talent. These talented people are here to insure that Lakeland is producing the highest quality entertainment available. We also understand that our product is not just the performance. We have teams working on the “Patron Experience” from the ticket purchase through dinners and parties, through performances and beyond.

• A core group of us are focused on the process. We have identified specific areas and assigned responsible volunteers to manage those areas. These fine people are hard at work setting standards and documenting procedures that will make it much easier for the casual volunteer to pick up and assist with projects.

• Last but certainly not least, several of us are focused on the facility. Lakeland Theatre was established in 1978. The facility was already ½ a century old at that time. A large amount of Lakeland’s income is spent keeping the facility in working order. We are exploring grants, angels, partnerships and other avenues to effect some long overdue repairs. The roof on the old school building is the biggest concern and the current repair costs are a constant bleed on our resources. We will find a solution to this in 2012.

The letter may be long but the message is short. There is a renewed excitement at Lakeland and this area of the world has made it clear that community theatre is an important addition to our neighborhood. Thank you for all you do for Lakeland. Come play with us in 2012.

Gavin Guttersen
COB, Lakeland Theatre Company