Our performing artists are among Philadelphia's hardest working citizens. By giving so much of themselves, these theater artists have helped to build our city into one of the country's most vibrant performing arts communities. We should not neglect the fact that artists themselves provide an extraordinarily large subsidy to the city through low-cost, and sometimes free, donations of work. Through this initiative, we aim to make a meaningful contribution in hopes of offsetting this subsidy. We believe that better pay will encourage these artists to remain in the field and to stay in Philadelphia where they make such enormous contributions to the region's economy and quality of life.

During the first four years, this major initiative added over $400,000 to the Lantern's operating budget. Following the initial four-year period where the initiative was funded by outside support, we will maintain this increased level of compensation as a self-sustaining part of our annual budget. The launch of this initiative was made possible by a $200,000 four-year grant from the Wyncote Foundation, and incremental commitments from the generous supporters listed below. I also made a personally meaningful contribution towards this effort.

By announcing this initiative publicly, we hope to spur a public conversation about the real cost of producing high quality theater in Philadelphia – and to help patrons and donors like you understand the value of your support. Please consider joining us in this important effort.

Thank you, as always, for your support of the Lantern.

Sincerely,
Charles McMahon
Artistic Director

Questions about our Fair Pay Initiative? Please contact Stacy Maria Dutton, Executive Director, at sdutton@lanterntheater.org or 215.829.9002 x101. Thank you for supporting the Lantern!