Spoleto board's mood optimistic

An upbeat tone, leavened by guarded optimism, was the prevailing mood of the annual winter meeting of the Spoleto Festival USA Board of Directors here Saturday.

Challenges abound, but so do energy, innovation and resolve, board members said.

"Every year's festival takes on a different complexion," said board President Carlos Evans. "And we are going to have another challenging year."

January forecasts called for total 2010 program expenses of $4,203,839, with total revenue and contributor support of $6,351,977. When non-program expenses were factored in, there was a forecast net deficit of $85,504, but a balanced budget was projected to be in place before the start of the festival in May, with additional revenue streams being pursued.

"We have added some events to the schedule which increased expenses," said festival General Director Nigel Redden, "but this has been offset by increased box office (sales). I feel we are seeing a good pattern emerge."

Redden said more than $600,000 in 2010 festival tickets have been sold over the past three or four weeks. An estimate of "several hundred" first-time ticket buyers, demonstrating wide geographical distribution, also was announced.

Donor activity, both personal and corporate, was a tale of two realms. Development Committee chairman William Medich said there remained a high renewal rate among donors, but that there continues to be "softness" on the corporate side.

"Contributions seem to be holding up," Redden added. "We're feeling positive about the budget. The projected deficit has gone down, and we hope to find further savings in the budget."

Meanwhile, board member Marie Land said she wished there was a greater understanding among South Carolina legislators of what the festival means to the state. "It is the one month of the year that we (Charleston) are at the very top."

Committee members reported heightened public interest in both the restored Dock Street Theatre, which reopens in May, and in the program that will herald its rebirth: the Spoleto Festival USA production of "Flora," the first opera ever performed in the American Colonies.

"'Flora' seems to have captured the public imagination," Redden said. "And we are extremely excited to have the Dock Street back. It's really, really superb." Added festival Producer Nunally Kersh: "The director of 'Flora' is coming up with some great ideas. The composition is beautiful."

Redden announced that the Festival will hold a special gala concert on April 1 to commemorate the opening of the Dock Street Theatre.