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As a non-profit organization, English Theatre Leipzig is only focused on creating a product that our audiences can enjoy seeing, and that we can enjoy making. For the members of ETL and everyone that assists in the productions it truly is a labor of love. The company has no salaried employees. However, that does not mean there are no expenses in putting on our shows. Material costs for sets and costumes, printing costs for programs and promotional materials are just a few of the things that ETL must pay for.
Up to now, ETL has always sought, with success, to cover its operating costs through membership dues and the ticket sales from our productions. A number of issues are working against our continued financial stability, but two stick out above the rest. First, as we become more ambitious in the shows that we are putting on, the associated production costs also rise. Bigger set, more technical equipment, larger cast, etc. mean more costs. And second, practically all of the production costs are paid out before one single member of the public can buy a ticket and sit before the stage to see our work. Naturally we plow any profits from one production into the next one (with the possible exception of a small ETL contribution to the members’ parties, which are legendary). But we are always trying to catch up with expenses after the fact.
Therefore, in an attempt to address this problem, we have created a crowdfunding call that is destined to cover the costs of the props and scenery for Proof. To go along with the incredibly good feeling you get from contributing to our production, we have kicked in a few selected gifts based on your level of generosity. So, please go check it out at: