Dear Friend,

Recently a friend of the Theatre posed a startling supposition, “What if Jenny Wiley Theatre ceased to exist, who would care?” He continued, “I know you would care, as well as the entire Jenny Wiley Theatre Board of Trustees, but who else? Would Floyd County care? How about the people of Johnson, Pike, Knott, Perry, Magoffin, or Martin County, would Eastern Kentuckians care?” These are thought provoking questions for me, but questions in need of answers. As I enjoyed the final performance of The Wizard of OZ and the closing of the 2008 Summer season last Saturday night, I looked at the audience that filled the theatre and thought, “these people would care, and would miss having live theatre in their own backyard.”

We began the 2008 summer season with the withdrawal of $25,000, earmarked by the state to provide much needed repairs to the amphitheatre. To open the gate this season, certain repairs and upgrades had to be done, so initially we faced non-budgeted expenses. As you are well aware, gasoline prices have affected everyone, and Jenny Wiley Theatre was no exception. Not only did it cost more to produce the shows, but many patrons were unable to travel due to increased fuel costs. Needless to say, our season ticket sales did not meet our budgeted goals, leaving us with substantial debt.

In spite of all the challenges, this summer season featured some of our best work with Honky Tonk Angels, The Wizard of Oz, Little Red and A Chorus Line. We are now on tour with our Theatre-on-Wheels Tour of Miss Nelson is Missing and pre-production planning for October’s offering of Frankenstein

We don’t normally make financial requests more than once annually, but challenging circumstances require extraordinary actions. WE NEED YOUR HELP. If you enjoy and appreciate the work of JWT, if you care, would you please consider a donation to the Theatre to help retire this summer’s remaining debt. Any amount would be greatly appreciated and all donations are tax deductible.

I have calculated that if everyone reading this letter would write at least a $10.00 check and mail it today, the Theatre could pay its bills. Please don’t set this request aside - send your check today to show that you care about Jenny Wiley Theatre.

Click here http://www.jwtheatre.com/index.php?ax=view&id=71 for a donation form, then mail your donation to Jenny Wiley Theatre, PO Box 22, Prestonsburg, KY 41653. You can also make a credit card donation by calling 877-CALL-JWT. All donations are TAX DEDUCTIBLE.

Sincerely,

Carrie Cinnamond