2010 - Erie Playhouse

EriE PlayhousE annual rEPort RepoRting in fiscal yeaR ending august 31, 2010
2010

Mission
thE EriE PlayhousE EnrichEs thE
grEatEr EriE rEgion by Providing
lifE-long oPPortunitiEs to
ParticiPatE in quality thEatrical
Productions as artists, audiEncE
mEmbErs and advocatEs.
Vision
thE EriE PlayhousE is thE PrEmiEr
thEatrE in northwEstErn
PEnnsylvania, known for
Producing quality Productions
and Educational Programming
for a growing artistic comPany
and audiEncE, within a financially
sustainablE businEss modEl.
EriE PlayhousE
13 WEst 10th strEEt
EriE, Pa 16501
(814) 454-2852 Ext. 0
www.erieplayhouse.org

LETTER FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
this annual report covers a year marked by a number
of critical achievements. we have opened our doors
to exciting new partnerships, pioneered outreach
initiatives, increased minority participation on stage and
in the audience, and completed our façade, marquee
and lobby renovation. we live in challenging times, yet i
am pleased to report that we ended the fiscal year in the
black. by working closely with our performers, patrons
and advocates, we are creating an Erie Playhouse that is
more connected to our community than ever before.
our 93rd mainstage season featured shows that have
won 22 tony awards (including three for best musical
and one for best revival of a musical), 18 drama desk
awards, and one Pulitzer Prize for drama. four special
events, including dramas performed by members of the
dramatic club of dungarvan, ireland (Erie’s sister city),
completed the season.
we place value on artistic quality in every detail of our
productions. our season is selected by show availability,
theatre trends, artistic vision, audience appeal,
production scope, and actor interest. by opening
night, we have completed the eight-week process of
rehearsing and creating the sets, costumes, lights, sound, wigs,
makeup, props, etc. we are being very careful to distinguish
between what we must continually change to serve you better
and what we must never change. more than anything else, what
sets us apart is our dedication to our mission and vision. i am
convinced that the values underpinning our reputation are a
direct reflection of the people we serve.
in the spirit of those shared values, we will always place our
partnership with our performers, patrons and advocates at the
center of everything we do.
see you at the theatre!
almitra clerkin, Executive director
CRITICaL
aCHIEVEMEnTs
Almitra Clerkin with Dafna and Jean-Marc Baier of
Dafmark Dance Theater.
3

OnE CURTaIn FaLLs,
anOTHER RIsEs:
a nEw LEasE On LIFE
Erie Playhouse receives NEa
Challenge america Grant
Over 5,000 attended the production of Rent and musical
highlights during Celebrate Erie.
receipt of a $10,000 national Endowment for the arts challenge
america grant provided a unique collaborative opportunity to
merge the visual and performing
arts for the Erie Playhouse,
city of Erie, neighborhood art
house and Evan Everhart.
the project, One Curtain Falls,
Another Rises: A New Lease
on Life, supported the creation
of a signature work by local
metal sculptor Evan Everhart.
Evan Everhart and Mayor Joseph Sinnott
the piece was the visual focal
point of the set for our production of Rent, available for public
exhibition during celebrate Erie, and then gifted to the city of Erie
for permanent installation at Perry square. the Erie Playhouse is
thrilled to participate in the revitalization and beautification of one
of Erie’s inner-city parks.
a special thank you to rick griffith Properties, inc., a major sponsor
of Rent. rick griffith, and his wife noreen, are shown below with
artist Evan Everhart and richard davis, Producing director.

Connecting to our Community
Social service needs have become more pressing
than ever, and the Erie Playhouse is doing what it can
to support such groups. We are firm in our belief
that the values that are in the arts are important,
and that these activities are not in competition with
basic needs but complement them. It is with this
conviction that we seek ways to connect to our
community.
• We distributed over 500 free tickets through the
Tickets for Kids Foundation out of Pittsburgh to
local and regional agencies, including Safenet,
House of Healing, Mercy Center for Women, Boys
and Girls Club, Gannondale, MLK Center, JFK
Center, to name a few.
• We raised $16,465 for the Kanzius Regional Cancer
Foundation during the 2009-2010 run of White
Christmas.
• We offer to an area nonprofit all the proceeds
from one performance each season. This year our
nonprofit was The Refuge, an emergency shelter
for homeless families. Their selected performance
was Disney’s High School Musical 2.
• We donated to 350+ businesses and nonprofit
organizations to assist with their fundraising efforts.
• We partnered with the Erie School District’s after
school program CHAMPS; YMCA; One Book,
One Erie; Hooked on Books! Hooked on Families!;
Neighborhood Art House; and artist-in-residence at
the Barber National Institute.
iconic Façade
restored
80% Funded by Grants and
Grassroots Campaign
In March, Considine Biebel
& Company completed the
restoration of our historic theatre
marquee, facade, and outer lobby.
Donors who bought 1000 light
bulbs at $25 each, the City of
Erie and the Erie Redevelopment
Authority, the Erie Community
Foundation, Senator Jane Earll and
the PA Department of Community
and Economic Development, the
PA Historical Museum Commission,
the Erie Downtown Partnership,
and Joe Cirino funded $229,988 of
this $286,000 project.
extending our reach
5

a sample of 2009/2010 shows
From presenting
live performances
and educational
opportunities to
preserving our
historic theatre, the
Erie Playhouse has
become many things
to many people.
The music man
chRisTmas BeLLes
BaBes in ToyLand
whiTe chRisTmas
The wiz
Tuesdays wiTh moRRie
chicaGo
PRide & PReJudice

2010
169 Mainstage performances attracted
44,597 ticket sales.
23 corporations sponsored shows for
a total of $55,500.
350+ businesses and nonprofit
organizations received tickets to
assist with their fundraising efforts.
1,854 subscribers purchased season
tickets.
$31,471 was the average cost for a musical
production.
$13,309 was the average cost for a play
production.
100,000+ hours donated by volunteers
for Mainstage and Youtheatre
productions.
$29,650 in Educational Improvement Tax
Credit dollars supported 7 stateapproved
programs.
639 individuals, corporations and
foundations contributed to the
2010 annual fund campaign.
$18,848 from costume, scenic and facility
rentals helped diversify our
revenue stream.
by the numbers
secure the Future of the Erie Playhouse
Join the Elisha h. Mack Community Bequest society
gifts to our annual fund are used immediately for operating and
programming expenses; an endowment gift looks to our future
and lives on forever. Please consider joining the Elisha h. mack
society by including a deferred or estate gift in your will or estate
planning to support the Erie Playhouse. a bequest is simple to
include in a will and members do not need to disclose the amount
of the gift. contact
kevin moore at the Erie
community foundation at
814.454.0843 or kmoore@
eriecommunityfoundation.
org or almitra clerkin at
814.454.2852 ext. 8 or
almi@erieplayhouse.org to
support the Erie Playhouse
in perpetuity.
L-R: Michael Batchelor, Almitra Clerkin, Joe Grisanti,
Shirley Williams,BJ Lechner and Scott Mitchell.
7

dynamic arts and cultural scene
Erie Downtown Arts &Culture
Coalition
2009-2010 was a season of planning for the
future. The Erie Playhouse joined five arts and
two cultural organizations in the heart of Erie
to create the Erie Downtown Arts and Culture
Coalition (EDACC). Partners include Dafmark
Dance Theater, Erie Art Museum, Erie County
Historical Society, Erie Philharmonic, Erie
Playhouse, expERIEnce children’s museum,
Flagship Niagara League, and Lake Erie Ballet.
Three common threads link this working
group of professionally staffed local nonprofit
organizations:
• We all provide regular performances,
exhibits, programs and/or a full season
of events stimulating the economic
development within the parameters of
downtown Erie.
• We all have expressed and/or
demonstrated a long-term commitment
to remaining in downtown.
• We all are individually committed
to an active and vibrant city-center
that embraces a culturally engaged
community that appreciates and
understands its unique heritage, its
cultural and artistic richness and its need
for aesthetic growth.
2010-2011 will see the behind-the-scenes
efforts of the EDACC move into the spotlight
to grow and sustain the vibrant arts and cultural
organizations that showcase downtown as the
hub for civic enrichment.
thank you target
accessibility
Working with the local Pennsylvania Office for the Deaf and
Hard of Hearing and school districts, we are actively cultivating
deaf and hard of hearing patrons so they too can share the
uplifting, powerful experience that live theatre offers. A Target
grant enabled us to hire the services of two interpreters to
sign for one school matinee and one public performance of
each Youtheatre production. These professionals provided
continuous interpretation so that seamless visual and verbal
dialogue flowed and enhanced the theatrical experience for all
in attendance.

Focused and accountable
a year ago our board of directors resolved to
be realistic about the economic situation and
take actions that would be proactive. we made
tough decisions. state cuts to the Educational
improvement tax credit program and Pa council
on the arts as well as corporate cutbacks cannot
be made up through attendance alone. we kept
a keen eye on expenses. our revenue continues
to grow from increased attendance, resource
development, vigorous grant seeking and
diversification. we remain committed to being an
extremely focused and accountable organization.
we are pleased
to present, for the
second year in a
row, a fiscal report
showing a surplus
of $7,231.
two charts
Expenses
Mainstage productions 61% $693,358
general & administrative 22% $248,094
Marketing 8% $94,988
youtheatre productions
& educational programs 6% $63,412
fundraising less than 1% $5,198
Revenue
other 3% $37,711
Mainstage ticket sales 44% $508,697
youtheatre ticket sales
& educational programs
(unaudited report)
grants 18% $203,308
fundraising 13% $153,929
11% $121,866
sponsorships 5% $53,159
diRTy RoTTen scoundReLs
total: $1,142,761.
playbill 2% $29,413
other 7% $79,620
total: $1,149,992.
Erie Playhouse Ends 2010 Fiscal Year in the Black
9

youtheatre linked to national stage
the young performers cultivated in the
youtheatre programs feed not only our
mainstage offerings with talent and audience
members, but also other community and
professional theatres across the country.
nick adams
(Chicago, The Pirate Queen, A Chorus Line, La Cage Aux Folles on
Broadway) lead in the pre-Broadway North American Company
of Priscilla Queen of the Desert the Musical
Julie Craig
Off-Broadway in The Fantasticks! and now Hollywood
sarah James
Professional stage manager in Colorado
Michael Kirsch
Off-Broadway
sarah Roussos
On national tour with Hairspray
Eric sciotto
On Broadway for 15 years and now in pre-Broadway North
American Company of Priscilla Queen of the Desert the Musical
sarah sesler
On national tour with Fiddler on the Roof
Matthew sherr
Company manager for the Broadway touring productions of
Phantom of the Opera, A Chorus Line, world tour for David
Copperfield and The Lion King.
Kristen smiley
Youth theatre director and traveling children’s theatre
performer in Oklahoma
we are very proud of the accomplishments of these
performers and others who have chosen theatre as a
career. as important, are the thousands of youtheatre
participants who have used what they have learned in theatre
productions, classes, camps and outreach programs as a
foundation to achieve success in school and other careers.

learning Experiences for
students of all ages
tomorrow’s passionate performers, audience members
and arts advocates are today’s inquisitive children. that’s
why the youtheatre is dedicated to making the magic of
live theatre available to every child, no matter his or her
socio-economic background.
in addition to our production schedule, we offer
education programs in acting, movement and technical
aspects of theater. classes and camps are designed
to support national arts standards, the Pennsylvania
standards for reading, writing, speaking, & listening
and the Pennsylvania standards for arts & humanities.
adaptations are provided for the deaf and hard of
hearing students. study guides, which are sent to all
teachers who bring students to school matinees, include
activities on theatre terms, character analysis, historical
background, and theatre etiquette that engage
students’ imagination and broaden their perspective
while enhancing reading, writing, speaking and critical
thinking skills. outreach initiatives bolster student
motivation to learn by emphasizing active engagement,
disciplined and sustained attention, persistence, and
risk taking, among other competencies, that lead to 21st century skills of collaboration and problem-solving.
over 13,000 patrons attended youtheatre productions,
including 75 school groups (6,800 students) who
attended school matinees. this season 199 students,
ages 5-18, volunteered on stage and behind the
scenes putting in 26,400 volunteer hours to present 26
public performances and 15 school-day matinees; 211
students participated in acting classes and attended
summer camp.
thank you
highmark Blue Cross Blue shield
partnership Benefits thousands of Kids
youtheatre - securing our future
in addition to highmark’s sponsorship that subsidized
theatre tickets for thousands of students to attend live
theatre for our 2009-2010 season, they also supported
the Erie Playhouse collaboration with big brothers and
big sisters of Erie county to offer a behind the scenes
theatrical experience called all the world’s a stage.
one hundred and seven
individuals participated in
pre/post-show activities and
attended performances of
How I Became a Pirate,
Disney’s High School Musical 2,
and The Wiz. all participants
engaged wholeheartedly in the
activities and truly enjoyed their
theatrical experiences.
how i Became a PiRaTe
11

2010 annual fund report
Campaign exceeds
$133,500 Goal
taking the extra step to support your community
theatre through a personal gift is a huge vote of
confidence that we promise to live up to. our 2010
circle of friends donated $134,833 to the annual fund
campaign. thank you!
your generosity enabled us to meet our operating and
programming expenses beyond those covered by ticket
sales. a special
thank you to
kathy and doug
grisier, the 2009-
2010 annual
fund chairs, for
their excellent
leadership.
we are pleased
to introduce
the 2010-2011
Marco and Betsy Monsalve and
Kathy and Doug Grisier
annual fund chairs, marco and betsy monsalve. after
35 years of living and theater going on both u.s. coasts
and in-between, marco and betsy returned to her
hometown of Erie in 2005 to spend more time with her
mother marie roeback, herself an Erie Playhouse usher
in the early 1940’s. marco, a native of miami, is the
owner and cEo of mcmanis & monsalve associates,
a management consulting group based in Erie and
the washington, d.c. area. betsy is a retired nurse
practitioner /environmental health and safety specialist
and now serves as a mma corporate officer and
director. they are honored to serve as the 2010-2011
annual fund chairs because they want everyone to join
them in rediscovering the thrill of world-class theater at
hometown prices at their fingertips.
“your e-newsletter is awesome – easy to read with
short newsy articles and great photos. your recent
presentation at the erie Rotary club was terrific.
good things happening at the erie playhouse both in
the theatre and throughout the community.“
Ed Lesser & Mary Ellen Dahlkemper

the successes of the past year were made possible by
the following businesses, foundations and individuals
who generously contributed to the Erie Playhouse. if
you contributed and your name is not listed, please
contact the box office at 814.454.2852 ext. 0.
Producer Circle ($2500 +)
Michael & Paula Barrett
Don & Susan Baxter
Richard & Victoria Brogdon
GE Matching Grant Foundation
Marquette Savings Bank +
Dr. & Mrs. R. T. Guelcher
Kern Family Foundation
Rent patrons
Mrs. Russell B. Roth
Willspring Foundation, Inc.
Director Circle ($1,000-$2,499)
Rebecca & Evan Adair
David & Shelly Benjamin
Dr. Michael Butler & Family
Carla W. Clark +
Gary & Emy Dougan +
Dr. Doug & Kathy Grisier +
Susan & Tom Hagen
Bill & Martha Hilbert +
Mel & Cheryl Hirst
Christy & Bob Koontz +
Dr. John & Nedra Lehrian
Mary & Howard Lincoln
Lord Corporation
Sara J. Mapstone +
The Mary Nelson Fund of the Erie Community Foundation
Paul & Jackie Ostergaard +
Barbara R. Pollock +
Reverends Uncork’d Patrons
Steven J. Ropski & Melanie Gustafson Ropsiki +
Judith Selling +
Dr. & Mrs. Barry D. Stamm
Donna & Carl Steiner +
The Gerard T. Uht, Sr. Fund of the Erie Community
Foundation
Thomas Unger &
Marisa Moks-Unger +
Verizon Foundation for Brenda Sanford & Jennie Serafini +
2010 annual Fund Contributors
13

Benefactor Circle ($600 -$999)
Jacqueline A. Baker
Jim & Mary Ann Baldauf
Samuel P. Black III
In Honor of Shelly Benjamin +
Broadway on the Bay
Rev. Shawn & Almitra Clerkin +
Erie Press Systems
Anonymous +
Richard Davis & Jerry Gill +
greg & Janis filbeck
Jim & Nancy Griffey
William M. Hilbert, Jr. Fund of the Erie Community Foundation
Richard & Joanne James
Dr. & Mrs. Leonard J. Kuzma +
Atty. & Mrs. Richard Lanzillo & Family
Carl Larese +
Dr. & Mrs. Robert Lasher
Dr. & Mrs. William Makarowski +
Seth & Teri Marshall +
printing concepts
David & Margaret Matthews +
Elizabeth R. McLaren
Anonymous
Jim O’Leary +
Barbara Osborn
pajama pancake party
Joan F. Rutkowski
Janet C. Sesler
Scott Sesler +
Atty. and Mrs. James Toohey
Bruce & Phyllis Vollbrecht
disney’s hiGh schooL musicaL 2
“the erie playhouse is truly one of the best community
theatres, and now that the Roadhouse and director’s circle
are gone, it’s more important than ever that your work goes
on. sherry and i saw Rent a few weeks ago and thought it
was terrific.”
Doug Rieder, Erie Times Showcase Editor, Retired

sustainer Circle ($300-$599)
Donald M. Alstadt Fund of the Erie Community Foundation
Bonnie, Ron & Tim Barthelmes +
Katherine Beaver +
Richard D. & Judith L. Bliley +
The Britton Family Foundation +
Bob & Carole Brotherson
Ken & Julie Brundage
Caring Chiropractic Services, PC +
Chevron Humankind Matching Gift Program +
Jean R. Clemente +
Mr. & Mrs. Kevin M. Cooney & Family +
Charles Corritore +
Kathy & Dan Dahlkemper +
Dale DeMarco +
Ken & Dianna Dias +
Dr. & Mrs. David Dulabon
Dr. Brad & Becky Fox
Grise Audio Visual Center
The John P. & Billie R. Grunden Fund of the Erie Community Foundation
Michael & Patricia Hall
Don & Becky Hart
Dr. & Mrs. Mitchell S. Humphrey
Phil & Peg Iobst +
Maureen Jeffreys +
Mary Alice Kern
Raymond K & Adelle T. Klappa +
Juanita Kleckner
Rick & Marjie Klein
Mark & Sharon Kresse
don & linda Krigbaum
The Dave Kruszewski Family
Kathy & Dave Latkowski
Michael & Jean Malthaner
Elizabeth M. Miller
Dr. & Mrs. Forrest C. Mischler +
Timothy D. Pelkowski &
Cassie J. Harrington +
Christine & David Pennsy +
Marge & Chuck Phillips
Dean & Monica Piccirillo
Al & Peggy Richardson
Riehl van Cleve Fund of the Erie Community Foundation
Robert & olivia Rutkowski
Martha Schaaf
Dr. & Mrs. Jack Schaaf
Scibetta Family Fund of the Erie Community Foundation
Jeffrey & Barbara Shivers
MiniAuto.com / David Sinclair +
Dr. Doris Snell +
Dr. & Mrs. R. Anthony Snow +
Kathleen Spafford
Mr. & Mrs. James Stolley +
Richard & Diane Valahovic
Anonymous +
Jim Wilhelm & Jeff Potter +
Bruce, Janice, Josh and Brett Wittmershaus
Teri Zalewski +
Joanna & Roger Zurn +
15

Dennis Borczon & MaryAnne Albaugh
Dan & Christina Alfieri
Charles & Shirley Allen-In Memory of
Lolly Mifkovic
In Memory of John Alleruzzo
Cherie & David Andersen +
Catherine Anderson +
Mrs. William Anderson
Jane & Gil Asher
Joan M. August +
Paul & Jan Baker +
Harvey & Mary Jean Barber +
Anonymous
Paul Bates
Mrs. Eugene Battersby +
Emily Baxter, In Honor of Susan &
Don Baxter +
In Honor of Dr. Donald Baxter
Dr. & Mrs. Warren J. Beaver+
John & Anne Bender +
Anonymous
Sheryl Bennett +
The Honorable and Mrs. Warren
Bentz +
Janet Blatt +
John & Colleen Bloomstine & Family
Dan & Karen Brennan +
Joseph & Julie Breski
Rev. & Mrs. Charles Brock
Dick & Norann Brugger
Connie Bucci +
Linda & Ed Buetikofer +
Don & Fran Buseck +
Diane Verdecchia Byrne +
Les Caldwell +
Dr. & Mrs. Gerald Campbell
Robert Cashin
Kenneth & Lisa Chinsky
Bob & Carol Chitester
Doris Cipolla +
John & Judy Cipriani
James R. Clark +
Eilene Clemente +
Violet M. Clerkin
James cornell
Dr. Ron & Kelly Craig +
Joseph & Nancy Dahlkemper +
Mr. & Mrs. James Dammeyer
Dancewear Center
Sharon L. Davenport
supporter Circle ($125-$299)
Ronald & Virginia DeCoursey +
Richard & Priscilla DiBacco
Ernest & Elizabeth Disantis +
Doleski/Wolford Orthodontics
Dr. & Mrs. R. Dreyfus +
Eades Insurance Agency
Julia & Bob eagles
Martin & Kathryn Eisert +
Connie & Scott Ellrich
Contine Corporation
Mr. & Mrs. George Engesser, Jr. +
George & Cynda Espy +
John B. & Arlene J. Evans
Jeff & Emily Evans +
Claire & John Fair +
Kimberly Faulkener
Pat & Linda Federici +
Robert & Christie Ferrier
laura & andrew figura
Richard F. Flynn
Ray & Becky Flynt
Kenneth A. Fosco
Doug & Kate Fugate +
Marion Gallivan
David & Janice Giltinan +
Jim & Sandy Globa
The Graef Family +
Mary Ellen Grisier+
Prof. David J. Gustafson +
Mr. and Mrs. Walter Harf +
Patrick & Kristin Headley
Nan Held
Daniel & Denise Hesch
Garth & Peggy Hetz
High Pressure Equipment Company +
John K. Hodges
Mrs. Donald W. Hoffman +
Derek & Rebekah Holmes +
Mr. & Mrs. Timothy Hunter +
Fred & Bernie Infield +
Claire Jacquel
Cheryl Jong +
Jean Joyce +
Susan E. Kaliszewski
Ms. Victoria Kaliszewski +
Ray & Carol Kalivoda +
Mary Ann Kanzius
Jerry & Barb Karle
Ann Kennedy +
Bruce & nancy Kern
“(We) are blessed to have great talent right here in erie.
Who needs Broadway? i cannot wait to see their next
productions. i sincerely hope people continue to support
these wonderful erie events so that we can all look forward
to enjoying them for many years to come.”
Debbie Richardson, Letter-to-the-Editor October 19, 2009

Anonymous +
Deanna J. Klein +
Anonymous
Howard & Janet Krack
Dr. & Mrs. Peter O. Kroemer +
Dr & Mrs. Kevin Kuric
Christopher & Krista Lamb +
M. & F. Lapinski
Dr. & Mrs. J. Donald Lasher
Mr. & Mrs. Daniel J. Laughlin
James & Darlene Lay +
Jim & Susan Leri
John & Deanna Leuenberger
Jeanne G. Lewis
Rabbi Leonard & Faith Lifshen +
Renie & Brady Louis
Mark & Diane Lugin +
Joan & frank Mainzer
terry & susan Maloney
Mr. & Mrs. Richard Mancuso +
Brian & Meghan Marshall
Mantsch Insurance Agency +
Robert Martin
David & Judy Matthews
Anonymous +
Frank & Mary McCann
David & Carol McDougall +
Barbara McLaughlin
H. Jean McMillin +
Chris & Don McRae +
Jim & Sue Moore
Mrs. Norma Morrow
Betty L. Motsch +
Woods/Nathanson Family
Anonymous
Dr. & Mrs. Roland E. Nord
Patricia & Allen Ogden
Oracle Corp. Matching Gifts Program +
Mr. Gordon Osborn +
in Honor of Judge
susan paradise Baxter
Jill & Lawrence Over +
Diane & Joseph Pain
Ed & Rosemary Pastewka +
Florence Crittenton Services +
Anonymous
Pat Pennsy
PNC Bank Foundation +
dr. & Mrs. frank g. pogue
Bianchi Motors, Inc.
Dr. & Mrs. Stephen T. Radack III
Mr. & Mrs. Stephen T. Radack, Jr. +
Dick & Willie Rahner
Meredyth Rawa
Ms. Marilyn Agresti Renkes
Kurt & Megan Richter +
Gene & Marcia Rougeux
Joseph Sadler, CPA
Joyce Savocchio
Mary Sceiford +
Peter & Peggy Schaaf
In Memory of Jaci Schmidt
Ty & Jean Schuerman +
Mary Lou Scottino
Dr. & Mrs. Joseph M. Semple +
Gary & Barbara Shapira
Marilyn Sharp +
The Sherr Company +
Jack & pat sims
Ms. Marilyn Smith
Roberta J. Stoughton +
Mr. & Mrs. J. Allan Strange
Bill Strike +
Ron & Mary Kay Sturga +
Carole A. Suesser
Mr. & Mrs. Donald C. Swager +
Charles & Carol Swantek/Head Ushers
Dawn Tavana
Mary Tellers
Marianne & Royce Tonjes
Gerry & Peggy Trichel +
Dr. Randall & Amy Valentine +
Michael T. Victor +
Bob & JoAnn Wagner
David & Barbara Wagner
Al & Beverly Walz
Anonymous
In memory of Julia T. Wesmiller
Elizabeth J. Wilcko +
Joan Ward Williams +
Emma & Jack Williams
Julie Wilson
Dr. & Mrs. Tom Wittmann
caroline Wolff
Matt & Marian Wolford –
Doleski/Wolford Orthodontics
J. Howard & Carol K. Wright
norm Zymm
+ indicates increase giving
bold indicates new donors
“congratulations on putting together an excellent
annual report!”
Paul Carpenedo, Executive Director, Erie Homes for
Children & Adults
17

Board of Directors
2010 Fiscal year
alyson amendola cummings, Secretary
bruce arkwright
don baxter, Exec. Vice-President
doris becker
diana bool
ken brundage
ken dias
karen Etter, Wing Co-President
greg filbeck
Zach flock
wendy grafius, Wing Co-President
kathy grisier
cheryl a. Jong
mark kresse, Treasurer
Jo-ann lanzillo
carl larese
leonard lifshen
christine Pennsy
steve ropski, President
scott sesler, Immediate Past President
John thiem
tom unger, Vice-President
tom wager
Julie wilson
Janice wittmershaus
rebecca wolford
norm Zymm
Board of Directors
2011 Fiscal year
alyson amendola cummings, Secretary
bruce arkwright
don baxter, President
doris becker
ken brundage
tony bruno
ken dias
karen Etter, Wing Co-President
greg filbeck
Zach flock
wendy grafius, Wing Co-President
kathy grisier
cheryl a. Jong
mark kresse, Treasurer
Jo-ann lanzillo
carl larese, Vice President
leonard lifshen
christine Pennsy
steve ropski, Immediate Past President
scott sesler
heather steiner
rob taylor
tom unger, Executive Vice President
renee uht
tom wager
bill williams
Julie wilson
Janice wittmershaus
rebecca wolford
norm Zymm
Erie Playhouse staff
carole brotherson, Program Ad Manager
Emily cassano, Youtheatre and Education Director
almitra clerkin, Executive Director
charles corritore, Business and Box Office Manager
melissa danielson, Costume Assistant
richard davis, Producing Director
karen Etter, Box Office Assistant
michael Evans, House Manager
mary rose ferrara, Costume Designer
Joe hassler, Scenic and Lighting Designer
matthew hornyak, Scenic and Lighting Assistant
susan lechner, Marketing Director
carolin lynn, Assistant Business and Box Office Manager
teri marshall, Development Director
dave mifkovic, House Maintenance
Eric smrcka, Music Director
“your generosity in allowing the poet laureate finals to
be held at the playhouse made all the difference. the
entire event went beautifully thanks to Michael evans,
your house manager, as well as volunteers who operated
the concessions. the erie playhouse, like no other venue
in the city could, brought joie de vivre and majesty to the
evening’s proceedings.”
Joseph F. Giles, Erie County Councilman

disney’s hiGh schooL musicaL 2
Animal Ark Pet Hospital
Anonymous
Arrowhead Wine Cellars
Baxter Family
Bob FM 94.7
Classy 100
Dr. David A. Femovich
Dusckas Funeral Home
Erie Bank
Erie Insurance
Erie Playhouse WING
Erie Times News
First Niagara Bank
Gannon University
GoErie.com
Hamot Medical Center
Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield
John Hornaman
The Housing Authority of the City of Erie
Iadeluca Chiropractic Center
Alan Koch
Medical Associates of Erie
Mercyhurst College
National Fuel
Nautilus Fitness & Racquet Club
Newline Creations
Penn Shore Vineyard
PNC
2010 sponsors
The Erie Playhouse would
like to thank our Educational
Improvement Tax Credit
Partners.
Erie Insurance
Eriez Manufacturing Company
Organ Supply Industries
PNC Financial Services Group
Scott Enterprises
Urban Engineers of Erie
Your contribution enables us to
inspire, challenge, amaze and
educate children who might
otherwise never experience the
joy of live theatre.
Presbyterian Homes
Printing Concepts, Inc.
Reading Now
Rick Griffith Properties, Inc.
Sheraton Erie Bayfront Hotel
Star 104
Sunset Inn
YMCA
2010 Grants
ArtsErie: Programming and Project
City of Erie
Erie County Regional Assets
Funding
Erie Downtown Partnership
Erie Community Foundation
Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield
Kresge Re-grant Initiative
National Endowment for the Arts
The Nonprofit Partnership
PA Council on the Arts
PA Historical & Museum
Commission
Schuster Re-grant Initiative
Senator Jane Earll - PA Department
of Community and Economic
Development
Target
Walmart of Edinboro
19

strongly connected to the Erie Playhouse
is the wing, an organization of volunteers
dedicated to supporting the Erie Playhouse
with their time and talents. they conduct many
events and fundraisers throughout the year as
well as operate the concession stand, make
and sell candy-grams, sell presentation gifts for
performers and host raffles. in addition to their
regular support of the mainstage, youtheatre
and summer Play series, this fiscal year they
funded renovations to the concession area and
purchased an electric drum set and computer for
the box office.
the wing is always looking for new members!
involvement can be as little or as much time as
you can give. wing meetings are held the first
tuesday of each month at 7 Pm at the station
dinner theatre on Peach street. to join the wing
or for more information contact wendy grafius,
co-President (wgrafius@yahoo.com) or
karen Etter, co-President (ketter622@aol.com).
www.erieplayhouse.org
stay connected!