The Board of Directors of the Alameda Civic Light Opera has made the heart-breaking decision to close down the non-profit company at the end of the year. After thirteen years of bringing great Broadway shows to our community, ACLO does not have the financial wherewithal to continue or produce a 2010 season. Despite all of the Board’s efforts to raise additional revenue, reduce expenses, and engage in all manner of fund-raising activities, the high cost of bringing professional-quality theater to Alameda has become prohibitive. While ticket revenue has normally brought in only half the costs of our productions, the “great recession” has resulted in fewer patrons, far less in contributions and grants, and an inability to raise ticket prices to make up the difference. Despite our best efforts, we have been unable to find a way to continue to fulfill our mission of bringing the best of Broadway theater to our city and community.

In the years ACLO has operated, it has been our privilege to bring tens of thousands of patrons more than 40 full scale Broadway shows and revues, as well as many smaller shows and events –so much joy and happiness to so many. Our special thanks go to the our patrons and the many individuals, foundations and businesses that have provided us with financial support over the years, enabling us to train our interns in theater production, provide kids great theatre camps, and offer the highest-quality musical theater productions in the East Bay at affordable prices. And we are so thankful for the talented singers, dancers, musicians and conductors, designers, actors, crew, directors and choreographers that have flocked to ACLO, working endless hours to make our shows such a treat.

Because the company remains in debt, any contribution to help defray that debt would be greatly appreciated and can be mailed to us at ACLO, 875-a island drive, alameda, ca 94502.