BLUE LAKE, CALIF.: Dell’Arte International has announced that it has surpassed its fundraising goal set for 2023 and will avoid closure. The organization had said last October that they needed to raise $125,000 to remain open.
“We have simply been blown away by the love and support,” board chair Pat Bitton said in a statement. “Dell’Arte’s leadership council pulled out all the stops to remind the world of the treasure that Dell’Arte is—for Blue Lake, for Humboldt County, and for theatre lovers everywhere.”
A press release revealed that Dell’Arte raised over $167,000 between October and December 2023. They had previously announced plans to lay off the majority of staff due to cash flow issues and would retain only a small number of staff working at reduced hours. The newest press release did not specify whether certain staff members have been retained or were rehired, but said that upcoming events, including performances, classes, and workshops, “will require us to strategically add staff over the next few months.”
“Plans are in place to begin rebuilding the organization,” Bitton said in a statement. “We are determined to joyfully celebrate our 50th anniversary this summer.”
Dell’Arte will also hold its Baduwa’t Festival in June as part of its 50th anniversary celebrations. Over the next year, the organization will also be able to offer the Carlo Theatre as a rental space for third-party events and sponsored productions, potentially increasing revenue further.
Dell’Arte International is a nonprofit North American center for theatre training, research, and performance of the actor-creator. The organization consists of an international touring ensemble, the Dell’Arte International School of Physical Theatre, and an annual summer theatre and performing arts festival. As of 2021, Dell’Arte had an approximate budget of $1.3 million.
