According to the 2006-2007-season membership drive leaders, the Tower Theatre has entered an era of positive and popular growth. Membership Chairs Sue Hollern, Clella Thomas and Corporate Chair Craig Moore welcomed the participation of more than fifty volunteers from the community at a meeting held recently at the Tower Theatre.

The Tower generates 70% of its operating capital from ticket sales and facility use revenues. The remaining 30% must be raised through donations, memberships, grants and event sponsorships.

The short, but intense membership drive effort is targeted for completion by the end of May. Memberships offered by the Tower include a number of benefits including member celebrations and parties, advanced ticket opportunities and special recognition in programs and publications.

The selection of Mr. Eli Ashley as the permanent Executive Director by the Foundation Board earlier in April brings a particularly talented and experienced person to the helm of Tower Theatre. Mr. Ashley has enjoyed more than 20 years as facility director at such prestigious theatres as Yakima’s Capital Theatre and the three-venue Broadway Center for the Performing Arts in Tacoma, Washington. Under Mr. Ashley’s leadership and guidance, major events scheduled by the Tower Theatre Foundation for 2006 have proved to be immensely successful. “Live at the Tower” performances by The Peking Acrobats, The Blind Boys of Alabama, The Glenn Miller Orchestra and Judy Collins all have played to sold out houses. The remaining shows on the spring/summer schedule include: Hugh Masekela on May 4^th; Dr. John on June 29^th; and Greg Brown on July 7^th.

“The Series – Celebrating Excellence in Independent Films” has proved to be very popular with movie aficionados in Central Oregon. Films such as “Neil Young – Heart of Gold”, “Ballets Russes”, “Tristram Shandy” and “Sophie Scholl-The Final Days” also promise to be extremely well attended.

Added to the excitement of the Foundation’s events, local groups are also enjoying a spectacular season at the Tower. “Seussical-the Mussical” worked wonders as a partnership between the Tower and the Children’s Music Theatre Group, hundreds of children and their families were involved in viewing and performing a great children’s musical. Obsidian Opera continues to present high-caliber, quality entertainments. Cascade Winds Symphonic Band has recently scheduled six of their concerts at the Tower all of which will be free to the public.

Information about the Tower’s schedule can be found at: www.towertheatre.org/events.

Now would be an ideal time to become involved in the Tower Theatre Foundation. Individuals interested in memberships or in assisting the group are asked to please contact Sue Hollern at: suehollern@bendcable.com, or Clella Thomas at: clella@bendcable.com.