CTC Announces Second Highest Grossing Season Ever

CHESTER THEATRE COMPANY

HAS SECOND HIGHEST GROSSING SEASON

Unique Play Selection and Reputation Cited as Factors

Press Release

For Immediate Release

Contact: Ingrid Flory

Marketing & Development Services

ingrid@chestertheatre.org

CTC: 413-354-7770

Home Office: 413-527-0307

CHESTER -- Chester Theatre Company's recently completed 2011 Season was the second highest grossing summer season in its 22-year history, a remarkable achievement given the current state of the economy. The box office also reported a 22% increase in attendance over 2010, and an even larger increase in season subscription sales.

"The 2011 season has been a special one -- by any artistic measure, the most successful in the 22 year history of the company," states Artistic Director Byam Stevens. "All four plays spoke directly to CTC's core mission - presenting language-driven, thought-provoking intelligent entertainment. The result, according to the Valley Advocate, was our 'most exhilarating season yet.'"

Following its daring 2010 season featuring Arlene Hutton's Nibroc Trilogy, CTC's 2011 Season offered a unique season of classic works re-imagined by contemporary playwrights. "We know from reviews and audience feedback that the season's theme -- Classic Stories/Contemporary Voices -- really resonated with people," says Marketing Director Ingrid Flory. "Audiences thoroughly enjoyed seeing familiar stories staged with contemporary twists." Flory also attributes some of the audience growth to the addition of value added experiences -- a free lecture series and TalkBacks with the Artistic Director after every performance.

Another factor in the box office success is the buzz created by the transfer of CTC productions to other theatres. CTC has become known as a theatre that, according to the Boston Globe, produces "first-rate...cutting-edge theatre" performed by top-flight actors, directors and designers from across the country. Other theatres companies have taken notice and, in the past four years, CTC has transferred three productions to Regional and Off Broadway theatres. The Peterborough Players opened their 2011 season with a transfer of CTC's 2010 hit THE LAST TRAIN TO NIBROC, following Off Broadway transfers of THE BULLY PULPIT (2008) and THE DISHWASHERS (2009). Negotiations are currently underway to present one, and possibly two of this season's acclaimed productions at noted regional theatres.

According to Stevens, "This is an artistic track record any theatre company would envy - clearly we're punching above our weight!"

ABOUT CHESTER THEATRE COMPANY

Chester Theatre Company, a professional theatre company located in the foothills of the Berkshires, produces 4-5 plays each summer and fall, performed by top-flight actors, directors and designers from across the country. Under the leadership of Artistic Director Byam Stevens, CTC has earned a reputation for producing the best in contemporary theatre, with CTC productions consistently winning top honors with area critics. CTC productions have also gone on to Off Broadway engagements and regional, national, and international tours. [More About CTC]

CTC performances are supported, in part, by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency, and the Local Cultural Councils of Blandford, Chester, Huntington, Middlefield, Montgomery, Russell, Westfield, and Worthington.