Almost every other venue in Madison is less expensive, but presenter budgets are a lot smaller than Overture thinks, especially among second-tier companies. For many, rental fees constitute the top expense. At the opposite end of the spectrum, the critically acclaimed Oakwood Chamber Players does indeed have a small venue rental budget. The group performs only at free venues. Given the costs involved, it's likely that local groups who do not already work in the Civic Center will not have a chance to work regularly, if ever, in the new Arts District.
Rentals are still huge for local groups with more robust budgets.
The Wisconsin Dance Ensemble's artistic director, W. Earle Smith, isn't yet prepared to comment on the Overture Financial Plan. And Ann Stanke, general director of the Madison Opera, makes a point that underscores how seriously expenses like rent can affect an arts group's bottom line. The rest comes from grants and cash contributions. After Bob D'Angelo's assurance that it's cheaper to produce in a new facility, I would think my production costs would go down. More worries were aired at the June 8 meeting attended by Overture advisor Taylor, assistant director of the UW-Madison' s arts administration program at the School of Business.