Tower Theatre extends executive director’s contract

Following a record-setting fiscal year, the board of the nonprofit Tower Theatre Foundation voted to extend the contract of Executive Director Ray Solley through June 2017.

While celebrating its 75 th anniversary during 2015, the Tower has grown into Central Oregon’s leading performing arts organization, it said in Wednesday’s announcement.

Under Solley’s leadership since 2009, the venue is now considered one of the most successful and community-oriented theatres in the Northwest.

For the fiscal year that concluded this past June, the Tower Theatre Foundation saw:

Attendance hit 55,457, with patrons from LaPine, Madras and Culver increasing significantly
Education programming reach 4,000 students in 16 schools through LessonPLAN (Performing Live Arts Now)
Revenue grow 15% to an all-time high of $1,379,000
30% of its income generated by memberships, donations, sponsorships and grants, while the cost of raising that support declined to just 10% of total expenses

“The impact of the Tower’s mission and its financial growth over the past year were unparalleled in the organization’s history,” observed Alison Hamm, chair of the foundation. “Few have had as much influence in shaping and achieving this result as Ray. He has put together a business model that will take us to the next level of influence and sustainability in the coming years.”

“I could not be more proud of what this talented group of arts professionals has accomplished,” said Solley. “It is a privilege to play on their team.”

The nonprofit Tower Theatre Foundation owns and operates the historic stage in downtown Bend. The Foundation’s mission is to be the leading performing arts organization, providing cultural and education programs that make an essential contribution to Central Oregon’s lifestyle and strengthen the community.