Millstone's arts center's in the money
Bookings generated $36K in first year
BY JANE MEGGITT Staff Writer
The Millstone Performing Arts Center (MPAC) is on its way to becoming the revenue-generator for the school district that it was intended to be.

The $3.1 million theater at the Millstone Township Middle School was built to professional standards and can seat 1,200.

The school district's Business Administrator Bernard Biesaida said the MPAC took in $36,000 in bookings in its first year of operation. He said $48,000 in bookings have already been scheduled for next year.

According to Superintendent of Schools Mary Anne Donahue, each group that rented the MPAC in its first year of operation has expressed interest in renting it again next year.

"During the summer, we will be putting a calendar of events on our Web site," she said. "Right now we just have the requests to rent."

In addition to the dance troupes that rented last year, a theater group will rent the facility in the fall and a dance company will rent it in the spring, according to Donahue.

When asked if the MPAC would reach its projected revenue growth next year, Donahue replied that the projection was for a 20-percent growth in rental revenue next year. She said if all of the requests for bookings come through, the goal would be achieved.

A fall fundraiser for the MPAC, "One Night on Broadway," has a budget of $14,000 and has already collected $15,000, according to Biesaida.

Donahue said the school district would be busy promoting the fundraiser over the summer. The production and after-party will be held on Sept. 20. In addition to selling tickets at a cost of $75 for VIP seating and the afterparty, $30 for regular seats and $20 for student/ senior seats, the school district is looking for ad sponsors and auction donations for the event, Donahue said.

"At the present time [MPAC coordinator] Barbara Schulze and myself are working with a group of very dedicated volunteers to coordinate the rentals and the fundraising event," Donahue said. "We welcome additional volunteers."

For more information, contact MPAC@millstone.k12.nj.us.