Academy Of Music Theatre

Causes: Arts & Culture, Arts, Culture & Humanities, Performing Arts Centers, Theater

Mission: In the year 2003, Lynchburg will have a brand new economic force, which is projected to have a construction capital investment impact of $43.4 million. Working at the top of Main Street, the new regional theatre, will be churning out $5.4 million of economic impact annually. The Academy of Music Theatre will enhance the quality of life for the entire region, providing educational and cultural enrichment for Central Virginia.

Experts who know the potential impact of theatres and their programs have conservatively estimated that over 100,000 people a year will pass through the doors of Academy of Music Theatre Center for the Arts and Education. An estimated 20% will be visiting from the surrounding region . These patrons will come to work, to play, to learn, and to be entertainedthey will want to discover, develop, experience the power, the delight of participating in a variety of programming opportunities. Clearly, this is a pivotal project for the cultural and economic development of our region.

The Academys board has responded to the challenge by committing $2 million in cash and pledges over the next five years. State and Federal tax credit programs are estimated to yield nearly $3 million when the project is complete in 2003. Foundation participation is estimated at $2.5 million and public funding is estimated at $1.5 million.

It is time for those of us who have already made our commitment to the capital campaign to now issue a $5 million challenge to the rest of the region.