Recession forces cuts by ballet company
Nevada Ballet Theatre has been tripped up by the recession.
The nonprofit arts group announced Tuesday that it is trimming its company of dancers from 31 to 22, reducing its administrative staff and leaving vacant positions unfilled. The company also has postponed its season finale, "New Works '09," which had been set for performances May 15-17. It will be incorporated into next season's schedule.
Season subscribers are urged to donate their tickets back to the ballet to demonstrate support during its economic struggles, and an anonymous donor has pledged to match up to $50,000 in contributions received before June 30.
Nevada Ballet Theatre has been beset by declining donor contributions and ticket sales and a drop in tuition revenue from its academy.
"This is an extremely difficult time for any small business and our nonprofit company is no exception," said Executive Director Beth Barbre in a statement. "We are taking these actions now so that we can sustain the quality of our performances and educational programs. We remain committed to artistic growth as we prepare to become a resident company of the Smith Center for the Performing Arts."
The Smith Center is targeting a 2011 opening, including a theater that the ballet company will share with the Las Vegas Philharmonic.
The "American Masters" program still will be performed April 10-11 at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, featuring guest artists from the New York City Ballet.
