Two planned performances of "Die Zirkusprinzessin" (The Circus Princess) scheduled for Feb. 20 and 22 at the Pioneer Center Theater in Reno have been canceled, The Nevada Opera Association announced Tuesday. The Circus Princess is the second of three main stage operas presented by the association as part of its regular 2008-2009 performance season.
Mid-season ticket sales have slowed substantially because of the declining state of the economy. Sales are off 30 percent as compared to past seasons, and overall donations also are down.
"While the board of this company took significant and aggressive steps to reduce expenses in the budget by 15 percent, it has not proven enough to overcome the drastic reduction in income we currently face," General Director Michael Borowitz said in a press release.
The spring production of "La Buheme" is not yet expected to be impacted.
Current donors and ticket holders of "The Circus Princess" are being notified directly.
The Nevada Opera needs to raise an additional $85,000 by Feb. 15 to add to funds already raised to meet its matching grant goal. In addition to its ongoing fundraising efforts, the Nevada Opera also has organized a grassroots campaign via the Internet to collect donations directly from the general public.
For more information, go to the Nevada Opera's Web site at www.nevadaopera.org. All funds raised are held in escrow and will be returned to donors if the goal is not reached.