Engaging Our COmmunity - Hennepin Theatre District

nOtE FrOm tHE prEsiDEnt/CEO
From presenting live
performances and educational
opportunities to preserving
historic theatres and leading
Minneapolis’ thriving downtown
arts scene, Hennepin Theatre
Trust has become many things to
many people.
Our programs in 2007–08
attracted nearly 500,000
audience members! Our high
quality education initiatives
served thousands of Twin Citians, enabling Hennepin Theatre Trust
to engage patrons of all ages and myriad interests.
As proprietor of three stunningly restored theatres in downtown
Minneapolis, the Trust also invested resources to ensure that these
historic, architectural gems remain active, vital resources for
our community. Our work continues to preserve these amazing
facilities, each part of the foundation of our region’s own Theatre
Row or “Great White Way.” The State, Orpheum and Pantages
remain vital to today's thriving Twin Cities’ cultural scene.
In 2007–08, we proudly brought to the Twin Cities an
extensive range of programs—from touring Broadway theatre
Hennepin Theatre Trust, to
borrow the proverbial story
about the elephant explored by
a group of blind men, has many
different aspects depending on
where you touch. This year, to
enable us to further engage
our community and increase
understanding of the Trust, we
developed a single message to
succinctly and accurately convey
who we are and what we do. The
result: “Hennepin Theatre Trust, owner of the historic State,
Orpheum and Pantages Theatres, is a non-profit organization
devoted to enriching the vibrant cultural atmosphere of the
Twin Cities.”
Hennepin Theatre Trust is a multi-faceted organization and
we realize that in-depth understanding of the entirety of the
Trust’s activities can be diluted by the numerous roles we fulfill in
our community.
productions to music, dance, comedy and premiere speakers in
literature, photography and adventure. Our education initiatives
inspired the next generation of artists and audiences, especially
through our flagship SpotLight Musical Theatre Program for high
schools. Additional students and families were served through
programs including Critical View for student reviewers, Teen Ushers
and free Ticket Access, as well as student matinees featuring
National Geographic Live! adventurers.
As a leader of the Hennepin Theatre District, the Trust initiated
efforts to beautify and enhance Hennepin Avenue. Through our
involvement in the launch of Hennepin Avenue’s own Minnesota
Proud Walk of Fame, the Utility Art Box Program and partnerships with
neighboring restaurants, hotels and sponsors, the Trust has created
a more welcoming environment for theatregoers while generating
business activity that positively impacts the economic vitality
of the area. We are proud to serve our community in numerous
ways and appreciate our patrons’ support which made these
accomplishments possible.
Thomas L. Hoch, President/CEO
mEssagE FrOm tHE BOarD CHair
3
For example, the students in our SpotLight Musical Theatre
Program may be most familiar with the Trust as a supporter of
their high school musical program. Broadway patrons might
know the Trust primarily for first-rate touring productions
such as Disney’s The Lion King or Avenue Q. Patrons attending
our Literary Legends or National Geographic Live! Speakers’ Series
may believe these presentations are our specialty, while fans of
today’s music and comedy scenes look to the Trust for the best in
live entertainment.
At Hennepin Theatre Trust, we believe that it is these diverse
components of our work that enable us to touch, engage and
enrich our community. In this report, we invite you to learn more
about the full range of the Trust’s activites and to embrace our
refined message by spreading the word about Hennepin Theatre
Trust’s many contributions to the cultural vitality of our region.
J. Patrick Plunkett, Board Chair