Dear friends,
In September, I announced that after 21 years of service to The 5th, and nearly four decades of involvement in Seattle’s arts and cultural sector, I’ll be retiring as the Managing Director of The 5th Avenue Theatre at the end of the 2022/23 season.
It’s been my honor to work alongside Bill Berry and the dedicated artists, staff, and technicians to build and guide one of the most influential musical theater companies in our country. For decades, The 5th has given the Pacific Northwest a front-row seat to brand new musical theater productions that go on to light up marquees and audiences all the way to Broadway. And it will continue to do just that. I want to recognize our wonderful Board, subscribers, patrons, donors, and volunteers for their belief in and commitment to the work we do on our stage and in our community.
Since assuming a leadership role at The 5th in 2002, nearly six million patrons have enjoyed 142 musicals produced on our mainstage (and at ACT), including 25 new musicals, 10 of which went on to Broadway, and earned 14 Tony Awards®. Through our education and outreach programs, over one million students in Washington State have been impacted and inspired by the magic of musical theater—fostering the next generation of creative thinkers and leaders. Before the pandemic, on an annual basis, nearly 300,000 people experienced the transformational beauty of musical theater that fueled the local economy to the tune of $27.3 million. Plus, we employ over 800 local artists, technicians, and staff every year who live, work, and play right here in the Seattle area.
In March of 2020 the pandemic forced The 5th to close for an unprecedented two years. Because of our patrons and integral government support, our beloved theater was able to return to producing musicals again in January 2022.
But audiences have been slow to return. Coming out of the pandemic, we recognize the need to build back both earned and contributed income in a meaningful way in order to thrive. Now is that time.
Please join me in ensuring The 5th continues to flourish for the next generation by renewing your subscription, buying tickets, telling your friends about The 5th, or posting on social media. And, as long as I’m asking, please consider a philanthropic gift to help sustain this beautiful community asset.
It has been my privilege to serve this organization, and I have always been grateful for your trust in me. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of it all.
Bernie Griffin
Managing Director
This article was written by Bernie Griffin, 5th Avenue Theatre Managing Director, and was first published in the Into The Woods playbill. It is published here courtesy of 5th Avenue Theatre. Click here to learn more or read the entire playbill.
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