Second Century - Case Statement

SECOND CENTURY





MAGIC REIMAGINED .

“

At the moment of our extraordinary
anniversary, we honor our celebrated past

by taking the vital steps to ensure The
Muny remains “Alone in Its Greatness.”

With your help, The Muny will continue
“
to be a true national treasure, a powerful
For a hundred years St. Louisans have enjoyed testament to the soul of St. Louis, and a

their first experiences with musical theatre at gift to our citizens for the next 100 years,
The Muny, beginning their own summertime the women, men and children who will

tradition to be shared with generations of family cherish this big, bold, beautiful theatre.
and new lifelong friends. And they have come to
— Mike Isaacson
expect the best.
Artistic Director
& Executive Producer

We embark on this Second Century Campaign

with the ultimate goal of making sure that
The Muny continues its tradition of unparalleled
excellence and that it will, forever, be the place ”

where St. Louis comes together.

— Denny Reagan
”
President & CEO

VISION



THE VISION











Our Second Century Campaign will secure The Muny’s future and

its continued excellence by addressing four distinct areas:





u A R TISTIC & TECHNICAL AD VANCES




u B A CKST A GE RENO VATIONS & UPGR ADES



u INFR ASTR UC TURE IMPR O VEMENTS




u INVESTMENTS IN END O WMENT
”



















THE SECOND CENTURY CAMPAIGN

THE BLUE PARADISE, 1932




“

My father loved The Muny and would take the whole family. Those summer nights in Forest Park are among my
happy memories, as are those of taking my own children and grandchildren to The Muny. I’m proud to know that

this campaign will help to make it possible for my grandchildren to share the same tradition with their own families
someday. There’s music and magic on that stage, but behind the scenes are the technologies and the infrastructure

that hold it all together. This is our chance to give a gift of great value to generations we can only imagine now.
”
— James S. McDonnell, III
Honorary Campaign Chair, Board Member
and Long-time Supporter

YOUR MUNY







St. Louis loves The Muny because it belongs to the people of this city.

First of its kind, The Muny began based on the civic idea that SHARED
EXPERIENCES BRING US TOGETHER AND MAKE US A STRONGER
COMMUNITY. Under the stars since 1919, we remain inspired, transformed
and united in this great tradition.




CELEBR ATING Y OU

The Muny lives on because of you. The incredible bond between the community and this
theatre will continue to sustain The Muny into its second century. A capacity of 11,000
seats, of which 1,500 are free each night and 88 are wheelchair accessible seats, makes
The Muny by far the largest outdoor musical theatre in the country. With over 55 million
patrons since we began – 10 million at no cost through the free seats and community
access initiatives – The Muny continues to reach and welcome audiences from every
THE BLUE PARADISE, 1932
corner of St. Louis.


Generations of St. Louis audiences have enjoyed Muny productions – children, parents,
grandparents, family and friends. All have a story to tell of their first Muny show, or of
lifelong traditions formed while enjoying musical theatre with loved ones. While each
story is unique, all share a common thread: the singular, heartfelt experience of sharing
and creating an unforgettable story at The Muny.


As we begin our second century, it’s time for The Muny—and St. Louis—to celebrate our
past, realize our future and to reimagine the magic. When The Muny was built 100 years
ago, it was the most innovative theatre in the country. This Second Century Campaign
”
will ensure that the tradition, community foundation and awe-inspiring art that define
The Muny at its core, endure for centuries to come.

YOURSTARS








Musical theatre is a uniquely American art form, and The Muny is

a critical part of its past, present and future. Many of America’s
greatest theatre legends and creative professionals have trained and
performed at The Muny. Through every decade of The Muny’s history,

stars from the entertainment industry, including Vincent Price,
Betty White, John Travolta and Jennifer Holliday, have joined an
VINCENT PRICE BETTY WHITE
1940, 1976, 1978 1961, 1963, 1966 endless list of icons who have performed on the Muny stage.





BR O ADWAY STA RS


Today, The Muny is the premier training ground for new talent. Many have
earned membership into Actors’ Equity Association at The Muny and have gone
on to celebrate immense success in their careers: Ken Page, Danny Burstein and
Taylor Louderman are just a few of the many who have launched their storied
MORGAN FREEMAN DEBBIE REYNOLDS careers from the Muny stage.
1968 1973, 1980, 1989
Each summer, top Broadway actors join Muny casts, eager to perform on this
historic stage. There is no other place in the world where they can perform
in front of 11,000 people under the stars. The artistic enhancements that our
Second Century Campaign makes possible will ensure that The Muny remains a
destination for Broadway’s biggest and brightest stars.







YUL BRYNNER JENNIFER HOLLIDAY
1976
2012

STARS


























A CHORUS LINE, 2017







The Muny revealed to me at
a very young age the limitless
“
possibilities for a rewarding
career in theatre arts. The training
It’s a beautiful thing “
that The Muny has done. I received during those summers
Every night there are was paramount and has been

11,000 people packing instrumental in the development
that theatre. It’s amazing! of my career. Thank you Muny for
St. Louis loves The Muny. allowing me to be a part of your
”
beautifully magical family.
”
— Heather Headley
2015 — Taylor Louderman
2010, 2011, 2014, 2015, 2016

THE WIZARD OF OZ, 2016



“
For seven decades, generations of our family have shared evenings together at The Muny! It’s an amazing place,

with productions that have only improved over the years. I am so proud that St. Louis is the home of The Muny
and that it has garnered such an amazing reputation around the country. May the next 100 years bring delight to
”
many more generations.

— Sally Johnston
Long-time Subscriber and Supporter

YOURTHEATRE








Each Muny show is uniquely created BY THE PEOPLE OF ST. LOUIS AND
FOR THE PEOPLE OF ST. LOUIS. The Muny “self-produces” seven major

musicals each season, which are all larger than Broadway productions.
Over an 11-day stretch that can only be described as magical, each
Muny production is built, rehearsed and perfected in time for its majestic

opening night performance.





EMPL O YMENT
SCENIC AR TISTS PAINTING THE STAGE BOOM
Over 950 seasonal employees come together to bring this theatre to life each
summer. Some represent the nine labor unions that support The Muny. Others have
professional careers outside of musical theatre who choose to spend their summers
working behind the scenes. Many are local youths working in their first paid jobs.
Through one of the countless jobs needed to support The Muny’s massive operation,
they gain valuable work experience and participate in bringing this grand St. Louis
tradition to life. Today, The Muny’s full-time staff includes many professionals who
THE WIZARD OF OZ, 2016
began at The Muny in seasonal staff positions before moving through the ranks of the
institution’s leadership.

Today, The Muny is the world’s largest and most historical outdoor musical theatre. It
is one of the few remaining theatres in the world where beloved musicals are staged
the way they were originally conceived: elaborate productions, the music of a grand,
lush orchestra and unforgettable performances by icons of musical theatre.
”







MUNY USHER GREETING A PATRON

YOURKIDS








The Muny offers local youth a variety of opportunities to experience
theatre, learn valuable skills, train and perform. Over 300 youth
participate in our education programs each year.




MUNY KIDS AND MUNY TEENS
Through year-round training and performances, young and gifted local youth who
demonstrate exceptional voice and dance technique, stage presence, dedication and
discipline develop their craft. The program is completely free for all participants.


MAKE A MUSICAL PR O GR AM
The Muny and iTheatrics, a national leader in youth arts education, equip underserved
local middle schools with the tools they need to create musicals and to establish
sustainable theatre programs, reintroducing arts education to their students.


MUNY TEENS
TECHNICAL THEATRE TR AINING PR O GR AM
For high school students, this program provides unprecedented training and
mentorship in the industry of technical theatre and helps create a clear path to
success for participants after high school.


INTERNSHIPS

Throughout the year, college students work directly with The Muny’s professional
staff, creative teams and performers in over 30 positions throughout the organization.
The program offers invaluable and meaningful experience in every facet of theatre
production and administration.






TECHNICAL THEATRE TRAINING PROGRAM

KIDS



































DISNEY’S THE LITTLE MERMAID, 2017

“



The Muny helped me to learn
Seven years of Muny Kids, Muny Teens
what it is like to work with
and countless main stage shows have
professionals and has showed
impacted me greatly. I have developed
me how fun it is to work in
the skills of learning quickly, working
theatre. I have made lots of “
with others to achieve goals and
great friends here!
” ”
making challenging things work.
— Spencer Jones
— Allison Broadhurst
“Flounder” Disney’s The Little Mermaid (2017)
“Teen Ensemble/Water Chorus” Disney’s The Little Mermaid (2017)

ST. LOUIS AUDIENCES OF ALL AGES ENJOY MUNY PRODUCTIONS EACH SUMMER









“


One of the most fundamental means to bring people together is through the arts. The arts

encourage different types of people to share a common experience, and enables them to use that
opportunity to learn about themselves and each other. The Muny is an institution that has provided

us that opportunity for nearly a century – what an irreplaceable, treasured blessing this community
has in The Muny! For us, preserving this incomparable asset, for the coming generations to share, is

incredibly important.
”

— David and Thelma Steward
World Wide Technology
Steward Family Foundation

YOUR FUTURE







When The Muny first opened in 1919, it was one of the most innovative and

cutting-edge theatre structures in America. As we enter our second century,
it is TIME TO ENHANCE THE MUNY’S BRILLIANCE.




IMPR O VEMENTS MADE
In recent years, significant investments have been made toward improving the
audience experience. Accessible seating, new fans, updated concessions and
preshow entertainment plazas all address audience comfort and convenience.
However, the facilities and equipment essential to producing high-quality shows have
not been renovated or updated in decades.


COMMUNITY SUPPOR T
We are launching the Second Century Campaign to raise the funds needed to
advance The Muny’s artistic and technical capabilities to today’s standards, renovate
MUNY FANS INSTALLED IN 2013
outdated backstage support areas, maintain an aging infrastructure and make
essential investments in our endowment.

We are a non-profit organization, and unlike many other St. Louis cultural institutions,
we do not receive any tax support from the Zoo-Museum Tax District. Philanthropic
support from the St. Louis community is essential to The Muny’s future.

WITH Y OUR HELP
With your help, community members of all ages and backgrounds will continue
”
to experience one of life’s simple but profound gifts: to enjoy a great show under
the sky and stars…one that is created right here in St. Louis. The Second Century
Campaign will enable The Muny to continue its beloved summer tradition for the next
100 years – on an even more impressive scale.




A FAMILY HAPPILY ANTICIPATING A SHOW

A Brighter and Bolder Experience


































































RENDERING OF NEW STAGE

AR TISTIC & TECHNICAL ADVANCES








Over the next few years, The Muny’s stage will be transformed.
Cutting-edge lighting, sound systems, automation and technology
will help bring productions to life, take our stagecraft to the next level
and keep audiences engaged. Outdated work areas and equipment

will be replaced, creating safer, more efficient work spaces.



STA GE REDESIGN
The stage and aging surrounding structures will be completely replaced
with a majestic Art Deco design that feels both classic and contemporary
and remains open to the sky and stars. Multiple stage decks and stage CURRENT STAGE
floor tracking will increase flexibility and enable us to change scenes more
quickly and seamlessly.


OR CHESTR A PIT
The Orchestra Pit will move under the stage and be fully enclosed but still
visible to the audience. This will protect valuable instruments and sound
equipment, reduce work for our stage hands and provide a more suitable
environment for musicians and technicians.


THEATRICAL EQ UIPMENT IMPR O VEMENTS
Dynamic stage lighting, improved audio and engaging video integration
and upgrades to the classic scenery booms are just some of the things
that will bring brighter colors, more vibrant imagery and fresh life to each
production.








CURRENT CONDITION OF LIGHT BRIDGE

Create Onstage Magic



































































RENDERING OF NEW COSTUME SHOP

BACKSTAGE RENOVATIONS & UPGRADES






Behind the scenes, Muny productions are still created in facilities from the mid-1930s,

requiring additional time and financial resources to maintain the buildings and
equipment. These antiquated facilities pose significant challenges to The Muny’s

ability to operate efficiently, safely and to create productions on the grand scale that
our audiences deserve.

Investments in backstage renovations and upgrades, though unseen by most in the
audience, will produce amazing results on stage every night.





EAST AND WEST T O WERS
The new East and West Towers of the stage serve both onstage and backstage functions. Besides
providing structural support for the new light bridge, the East Tower will include a new house
management office, while the West Tower includes new orchestra rooms, a sound room and a prop room.

COSTUME AND SCENIC SHOP IMPR O VEMENTS
Reconfiguring and upgrading the “beehive” of set creation and show production will provide Muny
technical crews with a more efficient workspace and modern facilities, including covered work areas to
protect the crews from inclement weather.
CURRENT MEN’S CHORUS SHOWERS
A R TISTS BUILDING RENO VATIONS AND EXPANSION
Key improvements include suitable dressing room facilities, wig room, adequate laundry facilities,
an offstage green room to offer shelter and a contemporary backstage deli to sustain the entire
Muny team.

B A CKSTA GE L O T
Staff will now have sufficient work space and facilities to support the production of top-quality work. In
the plans are scenic and prop shops, a crew locker room, a painting bridge and prop storage.






CURRENT SOUND ROOM

Enhance Safety, Accessibility, Efficiency & Enjoyment




































































RENDERING OF NEW UPPER ENTR YW AY

INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENTS








Critical infrastructure improvements are needed to ensure a safe,

accessible and enjoyable Muny experience for artists, staff and
theatregoers.




ENTR YWAY IMPR O VEMENTS
Plans include new theatre gates, architectural lighting, refurbished
fountains, light fixture upgrades and restoration of the iconic pergolas.


EAST L O WER DRIVE SITE IMPR O VEMENTS
Upgrades will be made along the drive to the lower accessible parking lot,
including new water collection/retention systems and landscaping.


R O OF REPLA CEMENTS
Safe and sound roof structures are crucial to ensuring safety, security and
protection of our patrons, staff, performers, facilities, equipment, props CURRENT ENTR YW AY GATES
and costumes.

ENHANCED REHEA RSAL SPA CE
The West Pavilion rehearsal floor will be replaced and a rehearsal
turntable will be added to improve our artists’ safety, confidence and
execution during performances.














CURRENT WEST PA VILION REHEARSAL SPACE

Ensure Sustainability and Excellence
















































“
Jan and I and our family love The Muny and have only missed one show in the last 20
years (rainout). The Muny is an iconic St. Louis institution and we believe that an adequate

endowment is extremely important so that our grandkids and great-grandkids can
”
experience the same thrills that we currently enjoy.
— Chuck Mueller
Board Member and Long-time Subscriber

INVESTMENTS IN ENDOWMENT






The Muny’s future is vital to the life and spirit of St. Louis. Building The Muny Endowment Fund will ensure a magnificent

outdoor musical theatre experience for years to come. At approximately $10 million, our endowment lags behind other
cultural institutions on both a local and national level. Through outright and deferred gifts to the Second Century Campaign,
the Endowment will increase significantly.




FA CILITIES MAINTENANCE AND IMPR O VEMENT
More than $30 million in capital improvements will be completed at The Muny over the next several years. Increasing The Muny’s Facilities Maintenance
and Improvement Endowment Fund will guarantee the safety and beauty of our facilities and protect the investment of our generous donors.


OPER ATIONAL SUSTAINABILITY
It is necessary that we retain the best staff, build our capacity, and address any unforeseen challenges without significantly increasing ticket prices. In
recent years, weather has had a major effect on The Muny, causing numerous show cancellations. Other unforeseen conditions, including bursting pipes
or collapsed sewer lines in our 100-year-old facility, threaten our operating budget annually. An increase in our endowment will help sustain us through
both everyday and unusual events.


A R TISTIC IN NO VATION AND PR ODUC TION ENHANCEMENT
Stage technology continues to rapidly evolve, and as a result, today’s audiences have a heightened expectation of what their theatre experience will
be. It remains our goal to not just meet these expectations but to exceed them. An increase to our endowment will help us to fulfill our audience’s
expectations and incorporate more state-of-the-art technology.

EDUCATION AND COMMUNITY OUTREA CH

In recent years, The Muny has launched numerous new education initiatives including Make a Musical (2016) and the T3 (Technical Theatre Training)
Program (2017). These programs offer a range of educational opportunities for young performers and provide a unique training and mentorship track
”
for underserved youth. An increase in our endowment will allow more youth to experience musical theatre and to acquire marketable skills for a career
in theatre, both on and behind the stage.

Our Future























































u A R TISTIC & TECHNICAL AD VANCES u B A CKST A GE RENO VATIONS & UPGR ADES




u INFR ASTR UC TURE IMPR O VEMENTS u INVESTMENTS IN END O WMENT

INVITATION TO JOIN US
















There have been very few great theatres

in this country that have celebrated their 100 year

anniversary. We are!! And we need to significantly
invest in and transform The Muny to maintain and

build upon its tradition of excellence. It's up to all

of us to make The Muny the best that it can be—for

our community, our children and future generations.

I invite you to consider what The Muny means to you

and to St. Louis, and to join me in making a gift to the

Second Century Campaign. I can't think of a better
way to celebrate The Muny's 100th season and to say

thank you for the memories and the magic!



— Jim Turley
Second Century Campaign Chairman,
Board Member and Long-time Subscriber

“ For anyone depressed about the future of the arts in America, I suggest a
trip to The Muny in St. Louis. Sitting amongst many thousands of people at

The Muny, watching a performance reminds us that the arts truly are one

of the last bastions of social activity. ”

— Michael Kaiser
Huffington Post





















Our mission is to enrich lives by producing exceptional musical theatre, accessible to all, continuing a remarkable tradition in Forest Park.