Operating Support Grant

The Playhouse uses participant numbers, participant and public comments, ticket sales and class fees to evaluate each season?s success at meeting goals. Play participants are involved in play selection each year and are asked to complete a questionnaire following each production. The questions include: ?What went well?? ?What were the gaps?? and ?What could be done differently?? The completed questionnaires are then discussed by the BOD to determine appropriate action. Each season?s offerings are selected through a process of assessing projected interest, performance space availability, cost and income potential, and artistic merit. The Playhouse uses participant numbers, participant and public comments, ticket sales and class registration numbers to evaluate each season?s success. The participation levels ebb and flow over the course of years, and attention must be paid to their current status. Creating a welcoming yet challenging environment has historically resulted in regularly returning participants and a regular influx of new participants. The involvement of the community in play selection and class offerings helps create community ownership and secure ongoing participation and commitmentThe Grand Marais Playhouse adopted a statement that it was a safe place. It is safe for everyone to be who they are regardless of race, class, religion, country of origin, immigration status, (dis)ability, age, gender identity or sexual orientation. The Playhouse has included community members from all areas of the community in its productions. Participation fees are kept as low as possible or are by donation. No one is turned away due to inability to pay for educational events. Scholarships are available to assist as needed. The majority of rehearsals and performances are held in the Arrowhead Center for the Arts, which is fully accessible and meets ADA compliance. Differently abled community members have participated in many Playhouse productions. The youth productions are expanded as necessary, to include all who choose to participate. During the pandemic, the may mean double productions, or multiple casting variations. The Playhouse offers two reduced-ticket-priced shows for each production. On the first Friday of each production, the Playhouse offers a "Buy One, Get One Free" deal if the audience member brings a donation for the local food shelf. The second reduced-price event is the first Sunday matinee of each production: a "pay what you can" day for all tickets.