PHOENIX and TUCSON, ARIZ.: Arizona Theatre Company (ATC) has raised $2 million, enabling the theatre to produce its 2016-17 season. On June 27, ATC announced that its 50th anniversary season would be cancelled if the funds were not raised by July 1; the deadline was extended to July 15. In total the fundraising effort included 448 donors in Tucson and 320 donors in Phoenix. Moving forward, ATC will continue to raise funds for its annual campaign and to recapitalize the institution.

In a statement, artistic director David Ira Goldsetin expressed “heartfelt and abiding gratitude for this outpouring of support from across the state and throughout the country. It makes it possible for Arizona Theatre Company to continue building the legacy of a remarkable professional theatre for diverse audiences, students, and families throughout the region. I assure our community that we understand our responsibility as the stewards of this great organization, now entering its sixth decade.”

Tucson business leader Mike Kasser, who kicked off the emergency fundraising effort with a guarantee of $1 million toward the effort if an equal amount could be matched through statewide outreach, said in a statement, “I’m so happy that this effort came together and reached the goal,. With over 700 small- to medium-sized donors, it was like a crowdfunding campaign without the Internet. I also very much appreciate the support from Phoenix mayor Greg Stanton and Tucson mayor Jonathan Rothschild, as well as several large donors. We know that this does not represent the end of our fundraising focus, but now ATC can move forward with a very exciting season and plan for the future.”