Sheldon Theatre of Performing Arts

2018 ANNUAL REPORT

www.sheldontheatre.org    651.388.8700

2018 was a remarkable year of transformation for the historic Sheldon Theatre. Renewed, refreshed, and revitalized due to city, state, and private stakeholders choosing to make a bold long-term reinvestment in a treasured asset; the organization is making good on its century old promise as a cornerstone of Red Wing’s cultural life.

Programming, communications, fundraising, and operations are also revitalized and have hit their stride in 2018. The result is a Sheldon that is busier than ever, serving more people, building new relationships, maintaining fiscal responsibility, and moving confidently into bolder, still more impactful programming that sets it and Red Wing apart as a leader in small-town, Midwest performance presenting.

 - Bonnie Schock, Executive Director

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The #30more campaign created visibility, community pride, and a sense of ownership and purpose during a 4 month construction closure. 

ENTERTAIN. EDUCATE. ENLIGHTEN.

Best Large Music Venue.  - SE MN Scene 

Arts, Entertainment, & Tourism Business of the Year - Red Wing Chamber

What People

Are Saying...

"My favorite memory just became tonight. It doesn't get any better than this.”

"We can't believe the quality of programming you are bringing to Red Wing, all within a 10 minute walk of where we live."

"I don't think I breathed the entire time! Great show."    

"“Outstanding! The space is gorgeous! You can tell from the moment you walk in the door that there is something truly special going on here.”

"[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

Once-in-a-Generation $3.4 Million Renovation Completed culminating in week long Grand Reopening celebration with 1,800+ participating in a range of events.

Record-Setting Audiences are showing up each and every week. 18/19 season is on track to break previous records set in 2017, 2016 and 2015.  

Downtown Economic Driver The Sheldon continues to serve as a year-round Red Wing economic driver in the downtown core, with growing attendance, increased out-of-town patrons, and an estimated economic impact in excess of $1.6 million annually. 

Sustained Financial Growth 2018 was the fourth consecutive year of operating surpluses, and growth in all earned and contributed revenue categories. As a result, the Sheldon proudly reached an aggressive multi-year goal of building a $250,000 cash operating fund.  

Expanding Outreach Program  brought dozens of artists into relationship with area residents through free workshops, classes, and talks. Events took place in schools, with nonprofit partners, and out and about all over town, bringing people of all ages and backgrounds closer to the craft, stories, and wonder of the works on stage.

2018 MAJOR ACCOMPLISHMENTS

MAINSTAGE PRESENTING

The mainstage season connects our community to one another and to world-class artists through shared experience. The Grand Reopening season focused on great Minnesota artists in our great Minnesota theatre, including appearances by Prince's band, The Revolution (pictured right in lobby), and Louie Anderson (above VIP reception). 

38 Mainstage Touring Events

15 Sold Out Shows

Award winning talent, from familiar stars to next generation trendsetters, in a lineup worthy of a one-of-a-kind venue.

"I've never seen anything like that before in my whole life!"

HOMEGROWN PROGRAM

3,650 Audience

     10 Local Productions

    315 Local Artists

Phoenix Theatre

Sheldon Brass Band

RWHS Musical

Area Dance Schools

Arts Alive

MN State College SE

and more...

Local artists and audiences shape unforgettable experiences that resonate right at home, including Phoenix Theatre's 2018 productions of Appropriate (right) and Inspecting Carol (above). 

EDUCATION AND OUTREACH

4,326 Participants

     46 Workshops & Performance Opportunities

     27 Locations throughout Red Wing

     20 Social Hours & Talk Backs

Participatory opportunities abound as residents grow skills and shape new memories through in-depth residency and education programs like Sod House Theatre performing with locals  (right) and Manhu's WorldFest residency visit to MN SE Tech's instrument repair program (above)

154%

Increase in participants over 2017

2018 BY THE NUMBERS

   22,200* 

Attendees

513

Donor Households 

63

Business Partners

12,000

Staff Hours Worked

 2,600

Volunteer Hours Logged

31% local 

69% out of town

78 

Ticketed Events

38

Mainstage 

Touring Events

7 

Multi-day Residencies

$1.6 million** 

Economic Impact

$22.18 

Average Ticket Price 

*All events including outdoor offsite programming during 4 month construction closure.

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

Patrons connect with one another

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

2018 FINANCIAL SUMMARY

NET PROFIT $32,183

Major 2018 Supporters

2018 Project Supporters

Phillip S. Duff, Jr. Endowment Fund

2018 Series Sponsors

Annual Report photos by Chap Achen, A.D. Drumm, Jessica Sievers, Stacy Bengs, and Sheldon Staff.

THANK YOU

Grand Reopening festivities in September and October set a tone of forward thinking, and established renewed community pride in our jewel-box theatre and its programs. At right, Executive Director Schock invites the sold-out opening crowd to toast the next 30 years.

2018 was a year of transformation and revitalization. With a once-in-a-generation capital project complete, and enthusiasm for reinvigorated programming, the Sheldon is moving boldly into the next 30 years and beyond, maximizing impact in both the economic and cultural life of the entire region.

www.sheldontheatre.org