March 26, 2008

Dear Supporters of Studio Arena Theatre,

For 81 years Studio Arena Theatre has been one of the country’s foremost not-for-profit theatre schools and for the last 43 years, a fully professional theatre producing 326 productions with 45 world or American premieres. To secure a robust future, Studio Arena Theatre has taken the first step in returning to serve Western New York audiences with the best theatre right here in our own backyard. Many people have gotten involved and you can help too.

These past few months have been the most challenging in our history. Filing for Chapter 11 was a very difficult decision - but others before us (United Airlines, for example) have found it necessary to move ahead. Chapter 11 controls the reorganization of a business and means that the business intends to continue operating while the court supervises the company’s finances. With this financial relief, the company has the chance to make a fresh start. However this step has forced Studio Arena to cancel the last two productions of our 2007-2008 season. We deeply regret that our valued subscribers and paid ticket holders will not be able to see the final two shows as planned.

You are truly our greatest asset and we apologize for any inconvenience and disappointment Studio Arena Theatre has caused you. As an immediate remedy, we have been working with The Buffalo Theatre Alliance to provide you with the Ticket Exchange Program that will give you one-for-one ticket exchange to any one of the 17 Theatres participating in this program.

As we develop plans for the future, which include working with Shea’s Performing Arts Center and Buffalo State College, we hope to secure the long term future of this historic organization. The Studio Arena Theatre Board of Directors joins me in asking that you understand the necessity of these decisions. We will be back next season with three mainstage shows and other special events. Stay tuned and thank you for your support and patience.

For Studio Arena ticket holders, there are two ways to handle your tickets:

1. Exchange your tickets with any of the 17 participating members of the Buffalo Theatre Alliance.
2. You may choose to donate the price of the ticket back to Studio Arena. If you choose this course we will send you a letter thanking you and verifying your tax deductible donation.

Sincerely,

Kathleen Gaffney
Artistic Director