The Sandusky State Theatre in Sandusky, Ohio has been providing artistic, educational, and social programming to residents of North Central Ohio since 1928. It relies on ticket sales, donations, memberships, and fundraising to support its operations and maintain its historic landmark building. This annual report outlines the theatre's history, programming, community impact, finances, staff, and ways to support its mission through donations or a membership.

1. The Sandusky State Theatre
Sandusky, OH 44870 I 419.626.1347
Sanduskystate.com
SANDUSKY
STATE
THEATRE
OUR LEGACY IN REVIEW 2015

2. A HISTORIC LANDMARK
The Sandusky State Theatre enhances the
lives of the residents of North Central Ohio
by providing a variety of programs of
artistic, educational and social value.
23

3. HOW TO SUPPORT
THE SANDUSKY STATE THEATRE
Every ticket sold and every purchase from concessions helps
support The Sandusky State Theatre. Beyond that, the Sandusky
State Theatre Members, 141 in 2015, provide an important
source of annual contributions.
Annual donations in all amounts, large and small, help sustain
The State Theatre’s mission. Ticket sales, sponsorships, and
auction donations to The State Theatre’s Annual Gala
fundraiser, are vital support for ongoing operation.
22
Explore, expand, and entertain your passion for the performing
and visual arts while supporting a community landmark. Join
and enjoy the unique benefits and opportunities of our Annual
Membership Program where we offer a 360-degree arts
experience!
Enthusiast Circle ($25 or $50) 100% tax deductible
Star Circle ($100) 100% tax deductible
Agent Circle ($300) $250 tax deductible
Director Circle ($500) $400 tax deductible
Producer Circle ($1000) $850 tax deductible
Contact our Development Director, Jennifer Lippus
419.626.1347
TABLE OF CONTENTS
04
Words from
Executive
Director,
David Taylor
06
History of The
Sandusky State
Theatre
08
Theatre
Programming
12
Education &
Engagement
10
The Sandusky
State Theatre
Reach
16
Revenue &
Expenditures
17
Theatre Annual
Giving
20
The Sandusky
State Theatre
Staff
21
Why You Should
Support The Arts
22
How To Support The
Sandusky State
Theatre

4. A LETTER FROM OUR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Our Legacy, Our Responsibility. The Sandusky State Theatre has been providing the
residents of the community and surrounding areas with adventures in cinematic
experiences and the live arts since 1928.
Our purpose is to provide a communal space where we can see the performing arts in all of
their varied forms that give us memories of laughter, drama, compassion, understanding,
wonder, and yes, even sadness. But these moments give us insight into the human
condition and all of those wonderful intangibles that make up who we are as a society.
Knowing that we have been serving generations for 88 years, giving us the determination to
ensure that future generations are given a legacy facility that honors that aesthetic in its
original form but with current technology that protects our historic grand lady.
She has gone through many changes and shifts in the types of entertainment she has
provided her guests, but she has always delivered lasting memories in her original draping.
She has contributed countless dollars to local businesses and restaurants from the patrons
who have travelled to downtown Sandusky to see national tours, concerts, plays, and
films. These dollars come in the form of dinners and drinks before and after the show; new
dresses and ties for the opening night of the symphony; babysitters for mom and dads night
out to see a comedian and even the flowers for the first dance recital or graduation.
As a city we are moving forward with great energy and enthusiasm in sprucing up our
streets, buildings and businesses as we move toward the cities bicentennial and our
revisioning of the City of Sandusky.
What I ask is that as you review our annual report and reflect on the change we have had
in bringing economic impact to our downtown and community through the thousands of
guests we have greeted for the past 88 years, and through the live arts experiences that
have been inspiring generations, that you consider the wear and tear on our legacy as we
move toward our 100th Anniversary.
I ask that you consider a gift, as she has gifted the generations for over 88 years. Doesn’t
she deserve a nice dress?
04
David Taylor
Executive Director
ARTSDRIVETOURISM
ARTSMEANBUSINESS
ARTSHAVESOCIALIMPACT
ARTSIMPROVEHEALTHCARE
ARTSPROMOTETRUEPROSPERITYARTSSTRENGTHENTHEECONOMY
ARTSAREGOODFORLOCALMERCHANTS
ARTSAREANEXPORTINDUSTRY
ARTSSPARKCREATIVITY
ANDINNOVATION
ARTSIMPROVEACADEMIC
PERFORMANCE
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Artstravelersareidealtourists,staying
longerandspendingmoretoseekout
authenticculturalexperiences.TheU.S.
DepartmentofCommercereportsthatthe
percentageofinternationaltravelers
includingmuseumvisitsontheirtripgrew
steadilybetween2003-2013(From18to28
percent),whiletheattendanceofconcerts
andtheatreperformancesgrewfrom14to
18percent.
TheCreativeIndustriesareartsbusinesses
thatrangefromnonprofitmuseums,
symphonies,andtheaterstofor-profitfilm,
architecture,anddesigncompanies.A2015
analysisofDun&Bradstreetdatacounts
702,771businessesintheU.S.involvedinthe
creationofdistributionoftheartsthat
employ2.9millionpeople—representing3.9
percentofallbusinessesand1.9percentof
allemployees.
UniversityofPennsylvaniaresearchershave
demonstratedthatahighconcentrationoftheartsina
cityleadstohighercivicengagement,moresocial
cohesion,higherchildwelfare,andlowercrimeand
povertyrates.TheartsareusedbytheU.S.militaryto
promotetroopforceandfamilyreadiness,resilience,
retentionandforthesuccessfulreintegrationofveterans
intofamilyandcommunitylife.
Nearlyone-halfofthenation’shealthcareinstitutionsprovideartsprogramming
forpatients,families,andevenstaff.78percentdelivertheseprogramsbecause
oftheirhealingbenefitstopatients–shorterhospitalstays,betterpain
management,andlessmedication.
Theartsarefundamentaltoourhumanity.They
ennobleandinspireus-fosteringcreativity,goodness,
andbeauty.Theartshelpusexpressourvalues,build
bridgesbetweencultures,andbringustogether
regardlessofethnicity,religion,orage.Whentimes
aretough,artissalvefortheache.
TheU.S.BureauofEconomicAnalysisreportsthattheartsandculture
sectorisa$699billionindustry(2012),whichrepresents4.3percentofthe
nation’sGDP–alargershareoftheeconomythantransportationand
agriculture.Thenonprofitartsindustryalonegenerates$135billionin
economicactivityannually(spendingbyorganizationsandtheiraudiences)
thatsupports4.1millionjobsandgenerates$22.3billioningovernment
revenue.
Attendeesatnonprofitartseventsspend$24.60perperson,per
event,beyondthecostofadmissiononitemssuchasmeals,
parking,andbabysitters.Attendeeswholiveoutsidethecountyin
whichtheartseventtakesplacespendtwiceasmuchastheir
localcounterparts($39.96vs.$17.42)-valuablerevenueforlocal
businessesandthecommunity.
U.S.exportsofartsgoods(e.g.,movies,paintings,jewelry)
grewto$75billionin2012,whileimportswerejust$27
billion–anartstradesurplusof$47billion.
Studentswithaneducationrichinthearts
havehigherGPAsandstandardizedtestscores
andlowerdrop-outrates–benefitsreapedby
studentsregardlessofsocio-economicstatus.
Studentswithfouryearsofartsormusicin
highschoolaverage100pointshigheronthe
SATthanstudentswithjustone-halfyearof
artsormusic.
TheConferenceBoardreportsthatcreativityis
amongthetopfiveappliedskillssoughtby
businessleaders–with72percentsaying
creativityisofhighimportancewhenhiring.The
biggestcreativityindicator?Acollegedegree.The
ReadytoInnovatereportconcludes,“Thearts–
music,creativewriting,drawing,dance–provide
skillssoughtbyemployersofthe3rdmillennium.”
Nobellaureatesinthesciencesare17timesmore
likelytobeactivelyengagedintheartsthanother
scientists.

5. SANDUSKY STATE THEATRE STAFF
David Taylor—Executive Director
Jennifer Lippus—Development Director
Shari Peace—Business Manager
Tim Kostel– Technical Director
Karen Fuller—Executive Assistant
Geoffrey Stuck— Events & Patron Services
Kristen Moldovan— Education & Box Office Assistant
Arica Pfirsch—Technical Assistant
Gina Wolf—Marketing & Advertising Coordinator
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
BOARD OF REVIEW
Tom Sloma —Chair
Ron Parthemore—Vice Chair
John Bacon
Andy Gundlach
Pat Babuich
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NON-VOTING OFFICERS
Mary Jane S. Hill—Secretary/Legal Counsel
Don Hanck—Treasurer
Chris Parthemore—President
Patti Krewson—Vice President
Debra Brady
Maura Braun
Ron Guerra
Paul Koch
David McDowell
Kara Groff Mesenburg
Dan Moncher
Kim Redfern
Jeff Smith
Mary Tursky
Naomi Twine
NON-VOTING MEMBER- CITY OF SANDUSKY REP.
Hank S. Solowiej
THE SANDUSKY STATE THEATRE IN THE PRESS
05

6. THE SANDUSKY STATE
HISTORY OF
The Schine Theatre
officially opened on
October 11, 1928.
Where “The Night
Watch” starring Billie
Dove was the film to
see.
The Golden Voiced
Marvel Page Organ was
introduced to The
Schine Theatre. This
organ is one of four in
the country.
1925 1935 1945
The Theatre fell into despair in the 60s
and 70s.
1955 1965
The Organ left the Theatre,
and was sold to a
gentleman from Detroit in
1961.
06
In September 1930 The Schine Theatre
was taken over by Warner Bros. Circuit
Management Corp. Later in 1933, it was
operated by Seitz Theatre Company.
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Joanne & Merle Arndt
Tom & Ruth Brink
Lorene Brown
Michael Brownell
Molly Carver & Paul Coleman
Richard Clingman
Dennis Corrigan
James & Lisa Crescimano
Dan & Janny Cummings
Diane Ernst
Robert Fisher
Norma J. Haer
Connie K. Kendrick
James S. Kuhn
Jim & Lois Myers
James & Carol Scherger
Lee & Mary Ellen Wieber
Enthusiast Circle Memorial Donations
John & Barbara Bauer
Marijune Banko
Ann H. Bingham
Richard & Debra Brady
Peter & Susan Coburn
Gregory W. & Andrea J. Fabian III
Karen Fuller & Sherry Popke
John & Marie Hildebrandt Foundation
George P. & Leigh A. Kademenos
Andrea M. & Carlton G. Ketchum
Kevin Kieffer & Payne Nickles & Company
Frank & Susan Link
John & Jennifer Lippus
Mary M. Matthias & Family
Thomas P. McGinnis
Charles & Carolyn Rainger
Martha Sawicki
James & Judy Smith
J. Sam & Debe B. Stipp
Jeffrey M. & Ann N. Walters
Rhonda Watt
Sandusky Yacht Club
Dillon McCandless King Coulter & Graham LLP
ANNUAL GIVING TO THE SANDUSKY STATE THEATRE

7. ANNUAL GIVING TO THE SANDUSKY STATE THEATRE
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Star Circle
Patricia Hofstatter
Jean Holzaepfel
Carol & Ted Homberger
Randy Hunt
Carol Icsman
Donald C. Icsman
Jim & Jeannie Johnson
Margaret Keller
Dick & Judy Kinzel
Steve & Sharon Lichtcsien
Dale Liebenthal & Carole Romp
John & Shelly Luipold
Dave & Debbie McDowell
Joe & Donna McPeek
Josh & Kara Mesenburg
David & Carol Michaux
Dan Moncher
Dr. Brian & Mary Murphy
Barbara A. Nielsen
John & Valerie Parker
S.B. Pfahl, Jr.
Johanna & Jim Powers
Michael & Sarah Prout
Mary Jane Riedy
Star Circle
Norma J. Schaechterle
Dr. & Mrs. Joseph Scheingross
John & Lori Schlessman
Shirley Schwanger
Hank & Amanda Solowiej
Gary & Carolyn Spayd
David & Linda Speer
Martha & Bob Speers
Lata & James Stefano
Carol Steuk
Bob & Sue Stockdale
David Taylor
Jude & Joanne Theibert
Ed & Hedy Todd
Joe & Kareen Voight
Karen Wagner
Wagner's Inn
Bob & Ellen Wensink
Craig & Darlene Wood
The Shank Family
In 1995, the Golden Voiced
Marvel Page Organ was
returned home at The
Sandusky State Theatre.
In June 1990, The Sandusky
State Theatre went through
its biggest renovation.
On October 11, 2003, The
State Theatre celebrated its
75th anniversary , with a
performance by Michael
Bolton.
1975 1995 2005 20151985
Over $2 Million was raised
for the initial stabilization
and restoration effort with
a Grand Re-Opening and
Dedication Celebration on
the occasion of the 65th
Anniversary.
07
The Sandusky State
Theatre was placed
on the National Register
of Historic Places in 1988.
Today the Theatre operates
with no debt and is working
to be completely renovated
for its 100 year anniversary
in 2028.

8. OUR PROGRAMMING
The Sandusky State Theatre hosts world famous
musicians, comedians, Broadway style shows,
orchestra concerts, movies and many more different
events. While most of those events take place in our
main 1500 seat Theatre, the Theatre has multiple
rooms for other occasions. The State Room has a
capacity of 200, where we host our Friday Night
Cabaret Series, dinners, conferences, receptions, and
private parties. The Art Gallery is another great space
that holds between 25 to 30 people.
08
The Sandusky State Theatre is a part of many
community wide social events including: The
Downtown Block Party of Bike Week, North Coast
Oktoberfest, and the Lake Erie Arts & Film Festival.
17
Producer Circle
Director Circle
Tom & Marilyn Aylward
Dr. Mike & Pat Babiuch
Ron & Tracy Guerra
MET Foundation
Ann & Tom Cassidy
Dr. Marianne L. Coburn & Mr. Randall Harris
Bob & Cindy Hare
Ron & Warrenette Parthemore
Charles & Carolyn Rainger
Patrick & Camallison Shenigo
Tom & Teresa Sloma
Steve & Kitty Smith
Carol A. Wolfe
Agent Circle
Star Circle
Joyce & Daryl Deering
Karen Fuller & Sherry Popke
Andy & Melissa Gundlach
John & Gwen Hufnagle
James & Judy Smith
Harry & Kathlyn Stenzel
Linda Armstrong
Raymond J. Barman
Nella Biller
Phyllis & Joe Bransky
Marilyn Canada
Ned & Sharon Bromm
Edward John DaGiau
Paul & Alea Dahnke
Mary Lou Dickman
Dr. & Mrs. Eric Dudenhoefer
Jerry & Dolly Ehrhardt
Gene & Kathleen Fantozzi
Michael & Elizabeth Frank
In Memory of George Gilbert
Paulette & Peter Grant
Roger & Deborah Gundlach
Chuck & Edy Gundlach
Frank Hafner
Beverly Henderson
Jeanette R. Henry
Mary Jane & Frank Hill
David & Jacquelyn Clark
Jason & Darleen Crooks
Dr. & Mrs. David Dreffer
Scott & Patti Krewson
Bob & Beth Mathews
Carl & Ann McGookey
Nancy McKeen
William & Judy Monaghan
Dick & Cathie Schuster
Mel & Mary Stauffer
Sally & John Wheeler
ANNUAL GIVING TO THE SANDUSKY STATE THEATRE

9. OUR REVENUE
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$893,165Total Income
Box Office $188,160
Concessions $102,637
Rentals $92,759
Earned $63,293
Grants $43,760
Memberships $21,265
$3,962Donations
Benefactors $295,000
Sponsorships $82,329
09
MOVIES
11
56RENTALS
23SPONSORED EVENTS
THEATRE PRODUCED
EVENTS
247
PRESENTED EVENTS
CO PRODUCED
EVENTS
4
We assist the Sandusky Main Street Association
History & Haunts, The Caryl Crane Youth Theatre,
Terra State Community College and BGSU Firelands
College Theatre with ticketing assistance.

10. OUR REACH
More than 48,000 people attend shows or special events
at the Theatre every year, contributing an estimated
$500,000 to the local economy.
A study was conducted for the
American Planning Association,
that determined the Arts as
well as any cultural activity,
increases attention and foot
traffic to a specific area.
While attracting visitors, we
increase the length of time
and money people spend in
Sandusky. The Theatre is a major
element in the revitalization of the
historic downtown district.
TOP 5 ZIP CODES
44870
44839
44857
43452
43420
10 15
OUR BENEFACTORS
OUR SPONSORS
Bailey Legal Group
Barnes Wendling CPA’s
Brady Sign Company
Buckeye CableSystem
Cedar Point
Construction Equipment & Supply
Daly's Pub
Daniel & Laura Keller
Dolyk & Zeiher Co., LPA
Dr. Dale & Maura Braun
Dr. Mike & Pat Babiuch
Firelands Regional Medical Center
Flynn, Py & Kruse
The Chevy Network and Foster Chevrolet
Great Lakes Brewing Company
Groff Funeral Homes & Crematory
Gundlach Sheet Metal Works Inc.
Hart Advertising
Indian Motorcycles
Jan Weske Bucholz
James L. & Judy L. Smith
Jeffrey & Lauralee Krabill
Joe & Kareen Voight
Heartland Dwelling –Jeff Smith
KeyBank
Lake Erie Shores & Islands
Linda Armstrong ReMax Quality Realty
Maple City Ice Company
Martin & Mary Tursky
Mary Anne Jeffrey Realty Executives
Mathews Ford-Lincoln
Neal & Nancy Sabino
Newcomers and Friends
New Wave Scuba Center
Daniel & Laura Keller
Bettcher Industries Inc.
Buckeye CableSystem
Civista Bank
Erie County Community Foundation
Firelands Regional Medical Center
George L. Mylander
Gerald & Brian Kasper
KeyBank
Lee & Sandra Jewett
Murray & Murray Foundation
Payne Nickles & Company
The Randolph J. and Estelle M. Dorn Foundation
The Frost-Parker Foundation
The Sidney Frohman Foundation
The Sam and Rose Stein Foundation
US Bank
Wightman-Wieber Foundation
Ohio Arts Council
Ohio Physicians Services
Organized Chaos Music
Parschauer Eye Center
Payne Nickels & Company
Realty Executives
Richard & Debra Brady
Ron & Tracy Guerra
Sawmill Creek Resort
Scott & Patti Krewson
SeaLife
Steinemann Hafner Insurance Services
Steve & Kitty Smith
Tow Boat U.S.
The Leaking Boot
The Sam S. and Rose Stein Foundation

11. OUR PARTNERS & PROGRAM PARTICIPANTS
Aha Creative
BGSU Firelands
BGSU Theatre Company
Brad Bores Films
Caryl Crane Youth Theatre
City of Sandusky
EHOVE Career Center
Film Affects
Firelands Symphony Orchestra
Lake Erie Living Magazine
Sandusky Main Street Association
North Coast Young Professionals
Sandusky State Repertory Theatre Company
Terra State Community College
The Great Lakes Visual & Performing Arts Academy
at Sandusky High School
Lange Trust of the Sandusky Library
The Sandusky Concert Association
14
OUR STATISTICS
11
25,616
TICKETS SOLD
48,412
TOTAL VISITORS

12. OUR EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMMING
“Numerous studies have demonstrated a correlation between
drama involvement and academic achievement. In addition to
having higher standardized test scores than their peers who do
not experience the arts, students who participate in drama often
experience improved reading comprehension, maintain better
attendance records, and stay generally more engaged in school
than their non-arts counterparts. “
- American Alliance for Theatre and Education
The mission of The Sandusky State Theatre educational outreach
program is to work with other arts organizations in order to serve
the Erie County community by providing quality educational
programs that are dedicated to lifelong learning in and through
the arts.
12
ROTARY STAR PROGRAM
13
THEATRE WORKSHOPS
Coretta Scott King & the Fight for Freedom
The Rockin’ Adventures of Peter Rabbit
The Elves & The Shoemaker
Little Red Riding Hood
*Includes 30 In-Class Opportunities*
Each summer we offer theater based workshops for area
children ages 7 – 17. Workshops are two weeks long and end
with a live performance on the “big” stage. During the two
week workshop students will learn how to read a script, plot a
stage for a production, how to choreograph a dance routine,
create sets & costumes, and much, much more. Our new
partnership with The Great Lakes Visual and Performing Arts
Academy enables students to get high school credit while
participating.
Disney’s Cinderella Kids
Disney Camp Rock the Musical
Our educational outreach activities have the ability to
reach thousands of students through free and low-cost
live performances, special presentations and classes in
the schools.