PBºN Episode - 12

Summary

This podcast episode features an interview with Andrew Kato, the Producing Artistic Director of the Maltz Jupiter Theatre. The discussion covers the theatre's impressive achievements, including 19 Carbonell Award nominations and winning the Ruth Foreman award for General Excellence. Kato shares his personal background, from his childhood in England with a puppeteer mother to his early career on Broadway and eventual return to Jupiter to lead the Maltz Jupiter Theatre. He details the theatre's operations as a non-profit business with an $8 million budget, emphasizing its 60% revenue from ticket sales and significant community contributions. The conversation also highlights the theatre's commitment to education through its Goldner Conservatory, community engagement initiatives, and the importance of a "talented and kind" culture for both staff and patrons. Kato outlines future plans, including the completion of a second 199-seat theatre and the expansion of the conservatory, and expresses his desire for the theatre to become a lasting institution within the community.

Key topics

• Maltz Jupiter Theatre Achievements:

  • Visionary leadership of Andrew Kato.

  • Serves over 100,000 people annually.

  • $8 million budget, strong subscriber base.

  • Nominated for 19 Carbonell Awards, won the Ruth Foreman award for General Excellence.

• Andrew Kato's Background:

  • Grew up in England, mother was a puppeteer.

  • Moved to New Jersey, interested in magic and filmmaking.

  • Attended Florida State University, worked at Portland Stage Company.

  • Career on Broadway, worked on Tony Awards for 13 years (from Wicked to Hamilton).

  • Returned to Jupiter to lead the Maltz Jupiter Theatre (formerly Bert Reynolds Dinner Theatre).

  • Transformed the theatre from a struggling venue to a successful "Crown Jewel."

• Theatre Operations and Funding:

  • Non-profit operating like a business.

  • 60% of revenue from ticket sales (national average is 50%).

  • Pre-pandemic capacity 92-100%.

  • Paid off $6 million loan in 15 years.

  • 10millionendowment,providing10 million endowment, providing 10millionendowment,providing500,000 annually.

  • Significant contributions from Milton and Tamar Maltz ($30 million lifetime) and other donors.

  • Donor engagement through "Circle of Friends" events, showcasing behind-the-scenes magic.

• Producing Artistic Director Role:

  • Combines artistic and business leadership.

  • Balances artistic vision with financial viability (e.g., season planning influenced by housing logistics for performers).

  • Strategic planning: 16 months in advance for season, planning new projects years ahead.

  • Daily tasks involve artistic direction, financial meetings, and project development.

• Audience Development and Retention:

  • High retention rate attributed to early announcements, in-person engagement, and targeted marketing (e.g., "don't lose your seats" postcard).

  • Borderline stalking to ensure subscription renewal.

• Renovations and Future Plans:

  • $42 million building project based on a 10-year strategic plan.

  • Objective 1: Launch pre-Broadway shows by expanding stage (traps, fly tower) to meet competitive Broadway standards, attracting economic activity.

  • Objective 2: Diversify shows with a new 199-seat second space (under construction, opening May).

  • Objective 3: Double the size of the Goldner Conservatory (school) to educate 1,200 kids weekly. Seeking final fundraising for 8,600 sq ft build-out, naming opportunity available.

• Goldner Conservatory (Education):

  • Offers various entry levels, from summer camps to advanced studies.

  • Focuses on skill development (public speaking, discipline, triple threat training).

  • Studies show arts involvement improves school performance.

  • Provides opportunities for local kids to perform with professionals (e.g., A Christmas Carol, Oliver).

  • Outreach to Title One schools.

• Theatre Culture:

  • "Talented and kind" philosophy; a logo is posted backstage.

  • Expectation of kindness for staff and patrons; 8 customers fired for disrespect.

  • Positive energy, open-door policy for staff support.

  • Emphasis on internal promotion.

• Board of Directors:

  • Engaged and active, acting as advocates and fundraisers.

  • Created the "READ" (Revenue Enhancement and Audience Development) committee.

  • Support includes hosting events, making introductions, and significant financial contributions.

• Marketing and Community Engagement:

  • Backstage tours, free Saturday masterclasses, book signings, and events.

  • Positioned as a community center that specializes in theatre.

  • Limited engagements with high-end tribute bands.

  • Partnerships: WRMF Halloween event for Little Smiles.

  • "Community Trees" initiative: 20 non-profits decorate holiday trees, with a $5,000 prize for the winner (voted by public).

• Challenging Show:

  • Amadeus: Lighting designer created a visually beautiful but too dark stage, making it difficult for actors and audience.

• Upcoming Season Highlights:

  • A Christmas Carol (Andrew Kato is excited about its message of self-reflection and community kindness, also featuring special effects).

  • Beautiful (Carol King musical).

• Andrew Kato's Legacy:

  • Passing the baton of a financially stable and thriving institution to future leadership.

  • Ensuring the theatre remains a valued community asset.

• Call to Action:

  • Buy tickets at JupiterTheatre.org or call the box office.

  • Encourages involvement as a volunteer, donor, subscriber, or student to be part of the Maltz Jupiter Theatre.