· Many talented writers, composers, actors, and directors are discouraged from pursuing a career in musical theatre because of producers' reluctance to take a chance on new work, an overlong development process, and the lure of highly paid work in film and television.

· Most commercial producers are overwhelmed by the staggering costs and difficulty of raising money, the slim odds of financial success, and a shortage of suitable venues.

· Losing skilled practitioners results in markedly fewer contributions to the repertoire, less mentoring of new talent, and thus few experienced artists to carry on the art form.

· Today, very few new musicals open on or off-Broadway per year, versus years past- so the repertoire isn't growing significantly and changing, or appealing to new audiences.

· The York is cost-effective, producing as much or more high-quality programming than most of the major theatres in New York City at a fraction of the cost: 3 fully staged Mainstage musicals (150 performances), 6 "Musicals in Mufti" staged concert revivals (30 performances), over 30 readings and workshop performances in the Developmental Readings series, plus the annual Oscar Hammerstein Award Gala. All this is achieved each year with an administrative staff of only 7 full-time professionals on a budget of just over $1 million.

· The York has the potential to serve an audience of nearly 40,000 theatergoers per year.

· The high cost of producing musicals (especially new musicals), limited space (176 seats), and deliberately affordable ticket pricing limit earned income.

· Over 60% of the York's funding must come from contributed income.

· Arts-in-education programs and more developmental projects await new funding sources.

DONORS CAN TRULY "MAKE A DIFFERENCE" WITH THEIR GIFTS

· Major gifts have a pronounced and visible impact on the theatre's programming.

· Unlike some high profile institutions, gifts of $10,000 or more have a significant, individual effect on the York's ability to achieve its mission.

· The York Theatre Company is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization incorporated in the State of New York; so all donations are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law.