This year’s first-ever Behind the Curtain featured a welcome for first-year Executive Director Charlie Beck, insight into where Metropolis has been and where it’s going and time for questions from those in attendance. Many came out for what we hope will become an annual free forum. Here are some highlights from the event:

New Board of Directors President Joe Lynn outlined some key facts about Metropolis: Just completing 12th season · Metropolis entertained more than 55,000 patrons this past year and educated more than 2,000 students · With almost $3 million in revenues, Metropolis is one of the top-ten busiest theatres in Chicagoland

Village of Arlington Heights Mayor Mulder reminded everyone of her strong belief that the arts have the power to make one more complete · According to data generated by the Americans for Arts Advocacy Group Metropolis generates over $6 million a year in economic activity, which means almost a 40 to 1 return on the annual investment the Village makes in Metropolis · The source of funds for the annual subsidy provided by the Village is the food and beverage tax. This is assessed at restaurants and adds no more than a quarter ($.25) to the bill for every $100 spent at area restaurants · 75% of the visitors to Metropolis come from outside Arlington Heights, generating tremendous tax revenue for the Village · Charlie Beck’s unique combination of business and show business knowledge make him uniquely qualified to lead Metropolis to new heights

Charlie first became acquainted with Metropolis as a neighbor and as an actor, in 2004’s A Christmas Carol as the Ghost of Christmas Present · Metropolis is a place where artists can do their very best work and feel supported and appreciated · Students young and old can work with accomplished professionals and faculty members who will encourage and nurture their development · Metropolis is now one of the only theatres in Illinois that is equipped with a looping system that enhances the sound quality for the hearing impaired · Metropolis is engaged in building relationships throughout our community in an effort to give back for the generous support we receive from our donors, our sponsors and our neighbors

In the next decade Metropolis seeks to build upon our foundation as an exciting and accomplished arts organization and expand our presence in the community · Metropolis will produce significantly more shows in the coming year, adding a ‘Best of Chicago’ theatre series, re-introducing our late night programming, restoring the new play festival, and looking for ways to engage with the visual arts community · We are exploring a partnership with Moody Radio to develop a series of Christian music artists as well as working with leaders of area religious and ethnic groups to ensure a diversity of programming · Next year a much-needed facelift for the lobby and the school is slated as well as an upgrade to our sound system · More long-term Metropolis looks to expand the stage area and add fly systems, bigger wing space and an orchestra pit and trap door system so that we can produce bigger and broader theatrical offerings · This will help to fill the balcony that we plan to add to the existing theatre expanding audience capacity by 50-60%. With a larger audience potential we will be able to attract even more prominent artists

Please watch the calendar of events for the next Behind the Curtain forum in Spring 2013.