By Dave Lucas
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wamc/local-wamc-853077.mp3
Saratoga Springs, NY – The Saratoga Performing Arts Center is a Capital Region Icon. SPAC officials say forward-thinking has helped them keep the facility on solid ground in this digital age. Capital District Bureau Chief Dave Lucas reports.
SPAC hosts the New York City Ballet, The Philadelphia Orchestra, jazz, opera, pop music and more in an acoustically ideal amphitheatre in the heart of Spa State Park; the crown jewel of upstate entertainment is changing with the times - this year welcoming "staycationers" - Management has been careful to keep SPAC balanced and focused: the facility has finished each of the past four seasons with a budget surplus, in contrast to 15 prior years of significant annual deficits. Although total attendance for City Ballet's 2009 season was less than last year's, as a result of there being 14 performances instead of 21, average attendance per performance was up 24 percent. SPAC ticket revenue was down by an estimated quarter-million dollars, but Dake expects that will be more than offset by an estimated $335,000 savings in production and support costs for the season.
SPAC has a solid plan for the future, including a five-year extension of its 10-year contract with rock concert promoter Live Nation. Many of SPAC's programs are underwritten by sponsors, and the board is looking for donors to replace a $2.5 million gift, paid over five years ending this year. SPAC officials remain committed to continuing SPAC's unique mix of classical and contemporary programs, and vow they'll continue to be open with the public about SPAC's challenges and efforts to meet them.