fy 2014: annual report

McPHERSON PLAYHOUSE
FY 2014: ANNUAL REPORT
ROYAL THEATRE
WELCOME TO THE ROYAL & McPHERSON THEATRES SOCIETY
As we enter our second century of service to the community, we are pleased to present
the Royal Theatre and McPherson Playhouse, which together form Victoria’s Performing Arts
Centre.
These two historic cultural assets are managed by the Royal and McPherson Theatres
Society (formerly McPherson Foundation est. 1977), a not-for-profit charity, established
in 1998. The RMTS preserves, maintains and operates the buildings on behalf of their
respective municipal partners for the enrichment of the cultural life of the region.
The RMTS has consistently provided excellent facility licensing, box office services and
professional advice to performing arts organizations in the CRD and throughout North
America as well as visiting artists from around the world.
ROYAL THEATRE
The Royal Theatre is owned by the Capital Regional District and receives funding from the
municipalities of Saanich, Victoria, and Oak Bay. The McPherson Playhouse is owned by
the City of Victoria and receives funding from the City of Victoria.
2015 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
• Byron Smith, President
• Pat Ferns, Treasurer
• Kathy Kay, Secretary
• Bruce Cameron
• Gregory Damant
• Tiffany Gartner-Bouffard
• Councillor Pam Madoff
• Councillor Tara Ney
• Councillor Vicki Sanders
• Richard Schick
• Raj Wirk
McPHERSON PLAYHOUSE
The RMTS Board of Directors is currently made up of one municipal Councillor from each
of Saanich, Victoria, and Oak Bay, plus three Directors appointed by the CRD Board of Directors and five elected Directors. The Board endeavours to provide support and strategic
advice, as well as governance and oversight, to the management team.
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FY 2014
MANAGEMENT TEAM
The RMTS is managed by an experienced professional management team:
• Lloyd Fitzsimonds, Executive Director
• Karen Ainey, Web & Software Application Manager
• Karyn Anderson, Communications Coordinator & Finance Assistant
• Nancy Downer, Accountant/Venue Settlements
• Sheelagh Drever, Finance Assistant/Account Payable & Payroll
• Roy Hanson, Finance Manager
• Debora Johns, Front of House Manager
• Blair Morris, Technical Director
• Mandy Niddrie, Manager of Client Services/Rental Information
• Melissa O’Shea, Box Office Manager
• Jennifer Phillips, Administrative Assistant/Marketing
The management team is supported by 200 full and part time theatre professionals, creating:
37 Full Time Equivalent (FTE) Jobs
$1,961,000 Total Employment Income
88% of the RMTS revenues are earned from theatre operations
ROYAL THEATRE
$3,243,000 Total Expenditures
$450,000 Municipal Operating Grant
2
FY 2014
OPERATING HIGHLIGHTS
A VARIETY OF BIG NAMES!
While some patrons felt the Centennial Festival was the highlight of 2014, many were thrilled, entertained, challenged and charmed by the parade of stars who
crossed our stages throughout the year.
Alvin Ailey, Steve Martin, Tegan & Sara, Danny Bhoy, Jann Arden, Mother Mother, Tim Hicks, and many more, continued to show us the best and most exciting performers the world has to offer.
The Royal and McPherson Theatres Society gratefully acknowledges our municipal funding partners, without whom these buildings would not be financially accessible to local presenters.
The Royal Theatre receives a total $100,000 operating grant from: Oak Bay, Saanich and Victoria
The McPherson Playhouse receives a $350,000 operating grant from: Victoria
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FY 2014
COMPARATIVE HISTORY OF EVENT LEVELS
RMTS: USE DAYS
2010
2011
2012
McPherson
Royal
RMTS: PERFORMANCES
2013
2014*
2010
Combined
2011
*the McPherson Playhouse was closed for construction 121 days in 2014
USE DAYS
4
FY 2014
2012
McPherson
5 YR Average
FY 2014
Royal Theatre
231
227
McPherson Playhouse
192
Combined
422
Royal
2013
2014**
Combined
*the McPherson Playhouse was closed for construction 121 days in 2014
PERFORMANCES
5 YR Average
FY 2014
Royal Theatre
143
131
99
McPherson Playhouse
130
75
326
Combined
273
206
COMPARATIVE HISTORY OF ATTENDANCE
RMTS: ATTENDANCE PER YEAR
2010
2011
McPherson
2012
Royal
2013
RMTS: AVERAGE ATTENDANCE PER PERFORMANCE
2014**
2010
Combined
2011
2012
McPherson
*the McPherson Playhouse was closed for construction 121 days in 2014
ATTENDANCE
5 YR Average
FY 2014
Royal Theatre
131,758
122,391
McPherson Playhouse
50,340
Combined
182,098
Royal
2013
*
2014*
Combined
*the McPherson Playhouse was closed for construction 121 days in 2014
AVERAGE ATTENDANCE
5 YR Average
FY 2014
Royal Theatre
921
934
34,024
McPherson Playhouse
394
454
156,415
Combined
1315
1388
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FY 2014
2014 SOURCES OF REVENUES & EXPENSES
OPERATING REVENUES: $3,173,726
Production Recoveries
Grants from Owners
Box Office Charges
Building Rental income
Concession Sales
Centennial Sales
Interest Income
Other
6
FY 2014
$ 998,635
$ 450,000
$ 709,968
$ 450,907
$ 288,322
$ 185,922
$ 42,594
$ 47,378
OPERATING EXPENSES: $3,242,844
Production Expense
Admin Salaries
Box Office Operations
Building Operations & Maintenance
Concession Operations
Centennial Celebration
Admin Operations
$ 825,694
$ 596,087
$ 511,118
$ 464,422
$ 237,501
$ 311,930
$ 296,092
INCOME STATEMENT
2014
CALENDAR YEAR ENDING
2013
2012
$ 2,723,726
$ 2,940,275
$ 3,141,103
Municipal Operating Grants
450,000
450,000
450,000
Building Improvement Fee
281,286
311,170
357,290
3,455,012
3,701,445
3,948,393
2,359,516
2,500,353
2,419,510
$ 1,095,496
$ 1,201,092
$ 1,528,883
883,328
873,856
906,084
Total Revenue
DIRECT OPERATING EXPENSE
GROSS PROFIT
INDIRECT COSTS
EARNINGS FROM OPERATIONS
$
Building Improvement Fee
transferred to Capital Funds
EXCESS (DEFICIENCY) OF
REVENUES OVER EXPENSES
212,168
$
281,286
$
(69,118)
327,236
$
311,170
$
16,066
622,799
357,290
$
265,509
McPHERSON PLAYHOUSE
Earned Revenue
ROYAL THEATRE
REVENUE
7
FY 2014
COMPARATIVE HISTORY OF FINANCIAL RESULTS
3,700,00
3,600,00
3,500,00
3,400,00
3,300,00
3,200,00
3,100,00
3,000,00
2,900,00
2,800,00
2,700,00
2010
2011
Operating Revenues
2012
FY 2014
2014
Operating Expenses
FY 2014 YEAR END - DEFICIENCY OF REVENUE OVER EXPENSE:
FY 2014 YEAR END - OPERATING RESERVE:
FY 2014 YEAR END - BUILDING IMPROVEMENT FUND RESERVE:
8
2013
($69,000)
$1,053,000
$1,426,000
CAPITAL PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS
The restoration and maintenance of historic and iconic theatres is an ongoing affair done with care and attention to detail. The theatres are a keystone element in
the cultural infrastructure of the CRD. The RMTS identifies and plans all maintenance and upgrades for the theatres. Theatrical equipment and audience service improvements are managed directly by the RMTS management team. Building infrastructure projects are managed by the CRD Environmental Engineering Department.
In 2014, our featured project was the installation of modern air handling and air conditioning equipment at the McPherson Playhouse. The McPherson Playhouse
will provide the quality of air handling that modern audiences have come to expect. The McPherson Playhouse also benefited from renovated dressing rooms and
new in-house communication systems.
Energy efficiency is a goal of the RMTS. To that end, the RMTS has converted 1/3 of the high energy stage lighting fixtures to more efficient LED fixtures. Screens
have been added to the lobby windows as part of the ongoing efforts to manage the temperature in a passive manner.
The Royal and McPherson Theatres Society gratefully acknowledges our municipal funding partners, without whom the ongoing maintenance of these buildings
would not be possible.
The Royal Theatre receives a total $480,000 Capital grant from: Oak Bay, Saanich and Victoria
The McPherson Playhouse receives a $400,000 Capital grant from: Victoria
9
FY 2014
ROYAL THEATRE HIGHLIGHTS
ECONOMIC IMPACT ON COMMUNITY
• $1,830,000 Operating Revenue
• $100,000 Municipal Operating Grant
• $1,930,000 Total Revenue
• $1,928,000 Total Operating Expense
• $5,000,000 Indirect Economic Effect
• $315,000 Discounts to Local Non-Profit Presenters
• $4,500,000 Total Box Office Activity
• 124,668 Total Attendance
ACTIVITY LEVEL
• 227 Total Use Days
• 131 Total Performances
• 138 Total Dark Days
10
FY 2014
ROYAL THEATRE EVENTS
The Royal Theatre is often thought of as the “Big Theatre” in Victoria. It is the home of Victoria’s larger non-profit companies and is often the launching point for
national tours.
LOCAL NON-PROFITS: 202 DAYS / 106 PERFORMANCES
Victoria Symphony, Pacific Opera Victoria, Dance Victoria, Victoria Jazz Festival, Ballet Victoria, Pearson College, Boston Dance Collective, Crystal Pite, Chris Botti with
the Victoria Symphony, Rock The Royal, Allegro Performing Arts Centre, St. Michaels University Junior School, Raino Dance, Dansko Studios, Royal Roads University,
Alma de Espana, The Huron Carole, Salvation Army, Naden Band.
COMMERCIAL EVENTS: 25 DAYS / 26 PERFORMANCES
The Backyardigans, Tegan and Sara, Goo Goo Dolls, Bill Burr, Collective Soul, Glenn Miller Orchestra, Danny Bhoy, Bachman & Turner, Steve Martin & Edie Brickell,
Cheech and Chong, Pat Benatar, Melissa Etheridge, Jann Arden, Real Taste of India, Investors Group Comedy Tour, Disney Imagination Movers, Gordon Lightfoot,
Stuart McLean, Current Swell, Ken Lavigne, Mother Mother.
11
FY 2014
ROYAL THEATRE USE DAYS BY USER
Commercial
Non-Profit
Dance Victoria: 8%
Victoria Symphony: 30%
Other: 20%
Pacific Opera Victoria: 29%
Concerts: 6%
Other: 4%
CHART BASED ON 5 YEAR AVERAGE (2010-2014)
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FY 2014
Comedy: 2%
ROYAL THEATRE NON-PROFIT / COMMERCIAL
Use Days
Performances
Attendance
Revenues
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
Commercial
50%
60%
70%
80%
90%
100%
Non-Profit
CHART BASED ON 5 YEAR AVERAGE (2010-2014)
The Royal & McPherson Theatres Society supported local non-profit users by providing discounts amounting to $315,000
13
FY 2014
McPHERSON PLAYHOUSE HIGHLIGHTS
ECONOMIC IMPACT ON COMMUNITY
• $893,000 Operating Revenue
• $350,000 Municipal Operating Grant
• $1,243,000 Total Revenue
• $1,315,000 Total Operating Expense
• $3,327,000 Indirect Economic Effect
• $64,000 Discounts to Local Non-Profit Presenters
• $955,000 Total Box Office Ticket Sales
• 34,694 Total Attendance
ACTIVITY LEVEL
• 99 Total Use Days
• 75 Total Performances
• 145 Total Dark Days
• 121 Closed for Construction
14
FY 2014
McPHERSON PLAYHOUSE EVENTS
The much loved McPherson Playhouse has been the home of intimate theatre in Victoria since 1914. In the Centennial Season, the McPherson was a busy theatre
in spite of being closed for 1/3 of the year to accommodate renovations.
LOCAL NON-PROFITS: 75 DAYS / 48 PERFORMANCES
Chor Leoni Men’s Choir, Spamalot, Orphee, BC Cadet Honour Band, HMS Pinafore, Shriners Variety Show, Young Frankenstein, Thoroughly Modern Millie, Victoria
Academy of Ballet, RMTS Centennial, Folk/Roots/World Music Show, VOS Broadway Review, Raffi, Dance Unlimited, Centrepointe Ballet School, The Addams Family,
Community Living Victoria, Dracula, A Christmas Story.
COMMERCIAL EVENTS: 24 DAYS / 27 PERFORMANCES
Snowed in Comedy Tour, Debra DiGiovanni, Randy Elvis Friskie, Buckcherry, Brent Butt, Liona Boyd, Elvis Elvis Elvis, Snowbird: Anne Murray Tribute, Zucchero, Ron
James, Tommy Emmanuel, Coast Capital Savings, Ryan Stiles and Greg Proops on the Couch, Law Society of BC, Coronation Street, Steve Earle, Ian Tyson, Theory of
a Deadman, Just for Laughs, TEDx, Tim Hicks, Rock n Roll Christmas, Canada’s Best Karate, Frank Mills Christmas, Toopy & Binoo, Max and Ruby Nutcracker Suite.
15
FY 2014
McPHERSON PLAYHOUSE USE DAYS BY USER
Commercial
Non-Profit
Non-Profit: 87%
Concerts: 6%
Other: 3%
CHART BASED ON 5 YEAR AVERAGE (2010-2014)
16
FY 2014
Comedy: 4%
McPHERSON PLAYHOUSE NON-PROFIT / COMMERCIAL
Use Days
Performances
Attendance
Revenues
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
Commercial
50%
60%
70%
80%
90%
100%
Non-Profit
CHART BASED ON 5 YEAR AVERAGE (2010-2014)
The Royal & McPherson Theatres Society supported local non-profit users by providing discounts amounting to $65,000
17
FY 2014
RMTS PRESENTS: THE CENTENNIAL FESTIVAL
The Royal Theatre opened on December 30, 1913, and the McPherson Playhouse (then called the Pantages Theatre) opened May 18, 1914. The two theatres have
been Victoria’s window on the world of performing arts for the past century. Gracing its stages have been exciting global superstars, such as Sarah Bernhardt, Carlos
Montoya, Mikhail Baryshnikov, Luciano Pavarotti, Karen Kain, Leonard Cohen, Crosby Stills and Nash, Tony Bennett, Nelly Furtado, David Foster, plus many more big
names and incredible talents.
In May of 2014, the RMTS, in partnership with our resident companies, presented a Centennial Festival in celebration of 100 years of presenting the best in classical and popular entertainment. Funders included the RMTS, Canadian Heritage, the Province of BC and the CRD.
The seven indoor events thrilled over 4600 patrons while the outdoor birthday party charmed family groups with over 3000 people attending. Concerts included
Crystal Pite’s Kidd Pivot, the Victoria Conservatory of Music & Vox Humana presenting Then and Now, a West Coast Roots Celebration and Rock The Royal!
Victoria Operatic Society celebrated VOS the American Musical and Chris Botti performed with the Victoria Symphony. Raffi provided a sell-out concert for children
of all ages.
18
FY 2014
RMTS & THE NADEN BAND: A STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP
Two Canadian cities enjoy the privilege of being home to the fleets of the Royal Canadian Navy. Victoria plays host to Canada’s Pacific Naval Fleet, which like the
RMTS, is a vital part of the community. The Royal Theatre and the Naden Band of the Royal Canadian Navy have shared a long history together.
Navy Bands, starting with the Royal Navy Band that arrived with Sir James Douglas, have always been a part of the cultural life of the region. Over the past 100
years they have been regular performers at both the Royal Theatre and the McPherson Playhouse.
For the past 37 years, the Naden Band Christmas toy drive has proved to be a valuable contribution to the community. Partnering with the RMTS at the Royal
Theatre, this past year’s concerts served over 4500 adult patrons and 3000 students with the donation of over 4000 toys.
The Royal Theatre hosts the International Military Band Concert, which brings in bands from many different countries. Every spring the McPherson Playhouse is filled
for the BC Cadet Honour Band Concert. The RMTS is honoured to be part of this important tradition.
19
FY 2014
CHILDREN’S PROGRAMMING
A VARIETY OF CHILDREN’S EVENTS
Children’s theatre is important. Like much of the work done at the Royal Theatre and the McPherson Playhouse, children’s programming is as much about citizenship
development, community involvement, and education as it is about entertainment.
Many of our adult companies have children’s programming included in their season. The Victoria Symphony through their Community and Children’s Programs, the
Pacific Opera through their Student Dress Rehearsal Nights, Dance Victoria through their “Pay Your Age” and “Nutcracker Kids” Programs, the annual Nutcracker performance, and the Naden Band through their student matinees, provide many opportunities for young audiences.
Some very good work is done by companies who perform especially for children and young people. Kaleidoscope Theatre Productions, the Cadet Honour Band,
Victoria Academy of Ballet, Dance Unlimited, Centrepointe Ballet School, Dansko Studios, Allegro Performing Arts, Boston Dance Collective, St. Michaels University
School and Canadian College of Performing Arts all work with children in the cast, providing opportunities for future performers.
Touring theatre companies bring us the most popular children’s performers from around the world, such as The Backyardigans, Raffi, Toopy & Binoo and Max and
Ruby Nutcracker Suite.
20
FY 2014
LOCAL NON-PROFIT SERVICES
The Royal & McPherson Theatres supports local non-profit organizations with the provision of discounted fees and charges for their use of the Royal Theatre and the
McPherson Playhouse. In FY 2014, these discounts benefited local non-profits in the amount of:
Royal Theatre
McPherson Playhouse
Grand Total
$315,000
$64,000
$379,000
21
FY 2014
Royal Theatre
805 Broughton Street
Victoria, BC V8W 1E5
RMTS Administration Office
625 Fisgard Street
Victoria, BC V8W 1R7
250.361.0800
Box Office: 250.386.6121
RMTS Administration Office, Mailing Address
Royal & McPherson Theatres Society
PO Box 1000
Victoria, BC V8W 2S6
www.rmts.bc.ca
McPherson Playhouse
#3 Centennial Square
Victoria, BC V8W 1P5