Sheldon Theatre of Performing Arts

ANNUAL REPORT

FY 2017

2017 has been a memory-making, record-setting, all-around-inspiring year at the Sheldon. An ambitious, eclectic program has led to record attendance, overwhelmingly positive feedback on events of all types, awards and recognition from peers, a strong mix of returning and first time patrons, increasing investment from donors of all types, and a third consecutive year of operating surplus.

From a place of programmatic and financial stability, the Sheldon is creating new memories for thousands of people with joyful, thought-provoking performances and the gift of quality time spent together. We're building on a powerful 114 year legacy.  

In 2018, the Sheldon takes a next bold step into the future of live performance in Southeast Minnesota, as we embark on the final phase of a once-in-a-generation, multi-phase renovation, and a Grand Reopening Season fitting of Red Wing's beloved "jewel-box." 

 - Bonnie Schock, Executive Director

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Young friends enjoy the many festivities  at Koo Koo Kangaroo during the  sold-out season opening weekend. 

ENTERTAIN. EDUCATE. ENLIGHTEN.

Best Theater.

Best Place for Live Music.  - SE MN Scene

What People

Are Saying...

"Thank you for a beautiful lifelong memory for me, my husband and my friends. Bravo!” - OK Go patron

"OMG, the kids had the time of their lives!" - HOPE Coalition case worker

"We have seen an amazing increase in traffic the night of performances in restaurants and hotel business."    - RW Chamber Business of Year Nominator

"In such a beautiful, valued hall, performance has the chance to rise to transcendence. The Sheldon and its community are precious resources.”  - ETHEL Ensemble

"[The Sheldon is] doing some of the most impressive work anywhere in the state right now... So, trust these people and go…”  - SE MN Scene

Awards and Recognition voted “Best Theatre” and “Best Place for Live Music;” named Outstanding Greater Rochester Arts Organization; and voted Red Wing’s Tourism business of the year, two years running.

Expanded Outreach Program touched the lives of area residents with free workshops, classes, and talks, connecting people of all ages and backgrounds to the craft, stories, and wonder of the works on stage.

New Website Launch & Digital Marketing Efforts led to 50% increase in web traffic, 52% of tickets sold online, and patrons traveling 25 miles or more making up 35 - 65% of an event's total audience.

Record-Setting Audiences filled Downtown Red Wing with the largest annual attendance on record, as sell-out crowds cheered, tapped their toes, cried and laughed to powerhouse performances!

Renovation Funding Secured after more than a decade of lobbying efforts, $1.36 million of State Bonding dollars were secured for use towards improvements at the Sheldon. 

Financial Health with 2017 representing the third consecutive year of operating surpluses between $30,000 and $90,000, cash reserves have rebounded from zero to a healthier position. From a place of greater financial stability, the Sheldon is able to innovate, take artistic risks, and grow impact.

MAJOR ACCOMPLISHMENTS

More sold-out shows and smiling faces than ever before in 2017. 

EDUCATION AND OUTREACH

1,701 Participants

     34 Workshops & Performance Opportunities

     22 Locations throughout Red Wing

     14 Social Hours & Talk Backs

Increase in activity 

New connections, friends, skills, and great memories are all made with in-depth residency and education programs like MN Opera Voices of Opera Red Wing Senior Choir (right) and Sofi and the Baladis WorldFest residency visit to Red Cottage Montessorri (above)

"I would give it 12 out of 10!"    - age 12, residency participant

2017 BY THE NUMBERS

23,950 Attendees

1,610 

K - 12

Matinee Attendees

2,380 

Volunteer Hours

142 

Public Events

44

Mainstage 

Touring Events

5 

Multi-day Residencies

$1.56 million* Economic Impact

$15.29 

Average Ticket Price Paid 

*Data drawn from Americans for the Arts, Arts & Economic Prosperity Calculator

21% 

3 year rolling sales average since 2014

Patrons connect with one another

in real-time at Sheldon events, making memories that last a lifetime.

HOMEGROWN PROGRAM

5,600 Audience

     13 Local Productions

    290 Artists

Phoenix Theatre

Sheldon Brass Band

RWHS Musical

Area Dance Schools

Royal Ambassadors

Arts Alive

MN State College SE

and more...

Local artists and audiences shape unfogettable experiences that resonate right at home, including Phoenix Theatre's 2017 Urinetown (right) and Vanya, Sonia, Masha & Spike (above). 

"I grew beyond a doubt... [and] my expectations were blown away! The value of community theatre cannot be denied!" - Urinetown performer

2017 FINANCIAL SUMMARY

NET PROFIT $31,423

Major 2017 Supporters

2017 Project Supporters

Phillip S. Duff, Jr. Endowment Fund

2017 Series Sponsors

Annual Report photos by Chap Achen, A.D. Drumm, Samantha Bengs, and Sheldon Staff.

THANK YOU

Patrons get up close and personal with artists at parties and special events. At right, a fan takes a selfie with Damian Kulash of Ok Go.

2017 was a year of  expanded reach and organizational confidence building. With major  capital investment work right around the corner, the Sheldon is well positioned to maximize impact in both the economic and cultural life of the entire region.