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By Dianna Weston

Our speaker and Sergeant at Arms was Dan Murphy, Broadway Rose Theatre (BRTC). He “treated” us to some quizzes on famous musicals, which was a natural lead in to his talk on the Broadway Rose’s history and capital campaign.

Dan first spotlighted Jim Corliss, Landmark Ford, as the BRTC’s first and continuing corporate sponsor. He also noted the Rotary Club of Tigard as a supporter, both with grants and volunteers.

Dan and his wife, Sharon Maroney, founded the BRTC in 1991. Dan is the Managing Director and Sharon serves as Artistic Director.

Their mission is to “create unparalleled musical theatre experiences that invigorate audiences and enrich our communities. See our mission in action,” and that’s what they’ve been doing since their first production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat.

Their range of activities have expanded to include extensive community outreach designed to introduce young people to the glories of the theatre, including partnerships with the Fifth Avenue Theatre in Seattle and the Tigard Tualatin School District (TTSD). Since 1992, 1500 kids have cycled through the program, in which they have a chance to work side by side with professional mentors.

Today, the BRTC employs 14 fulltime employees and more than 250 actors throughout their performance seasons. In addition, over 300 volunteers and 35 Guild members all contribute to creating this gem in the middle of Tigard.

Their two performance venues are the New Stage in the former C.F. Tigard Elementary School cafetorium, which seats 270, and the Deb Fennell Auditorium at Tigard High School, which seats 600.

BRTC is launching a capital campaign to fund a needed expansion of its New Stage complex. Dan noted the old cafetorium building has been on lease from the TTSD for $1 year since 2003. They recently negotiated a 30-year lease, which will be more attractive to potential donors.

The expansion will free up more space for non-profits, such as the Tigard Chamber of Commerce and Luke Dorf, to hold meetings and events, all without charge, as part of the BRTC’s community service. Dan also officiates at the occasional wedding there.

Other additions will include a costume shop, scenic shop and storage. Bringing storage on-site will save them $35,000 a year!

The goal is to raise $3 million in 2020. They will break ground in April 2020.

When asked about their succession plans, Dan responded that this is reviewed every 5 years as part of contract negotiations with TTSD. Their plan is for Sharon to retire first, with Dan staying on for a transitional period. He emphasized that neither development will occur for several more years.

Bonnie Conger asked how interested individuals and organizations can donate to the capital campaign, Dan referred her to the flyers on the tables and to the BRTC website.