far — and I’m knocking on wood to say this — that our donors have sustained their commitments to Krannert Center. In many cases, we see increased gifts being made because they know how hard things are right now,” Ross says.
And the patrons are still coming through the doors.
Krannert Center hasn’t seen a noticeable dip in ticket sales but, Ross says, for Krannert, ticket revenues cover much less than 50 percent of the cost of performances.
“It is the contributed dollars that make the picture whole,” Ross says.
The center continues to strive to keep ticket prices low and offer free programming, such as “Uncorked,” a wine tasting and music event happening almost every Thursday. Lee-Calfas says the center’s staff did a lot of thinking about affordability this year.
“We are very committed to keeping ticket prices as low as we possibly can, and that’s part of keeping the doors of Krannert Center opened as wide as possible to all walks of life,” Ross says.
Due to the uncertainty of the economy, Ross admits that he doesn’t know if that level of stability will be sustained over time, but he says he remains hopeful.
“I think everybody feels that everyone is working harder, running harder, than they were 10 years ago,” Ross says.
Krannert Center’s staying power during the recession could translate to positive numbers for the business district surrounding the performing arts venue by way of a plan that has started to come to fruition over the last few years: the Krannert Center District.
Ross attributes the idea to Ian Goldberg at the Canopy Club, a popular music venue across the street. It would connect the neighborhood businesses and restaurants to the center as a highly visible, anchor institution. The idea has gained traction. Ross says the notion of the Krannert Center District envisions the area as “an ecosystem” for entertainment and culture.
The district, situated around the center, includes restaurants, coffee shops and a rock club, among other enriching locales.
“It’s been a growing, quickly developing neighborhood over the last couple of years,” Ross says. “The energy has really started to build very clearly.”
In the next few years, Ross says, he’s optimistic that the designation of the area as Krannert Center District will help the businesses in the area gain exposure, but also will serve the broader population.
“I think there’s a lot happening in this immediate neighborhood that a lot of people in town don’t know about,” Ross says.
“So I think there’s great value in that.”
Marissa Monson, former Illinois Times staff member, recently received her master’s degree in journalism from the University of Illinois.
For more information on Krannert Center’s schedule, go to www.krannertcenter.com.
