Englert Theatre seeks continued financial support from Iowa City

IOWA CITY – The Englert Theatre is asking that the city of Iowa City continue its financial support of the downtown venue.

On July 1, the Englert is scheduled to enter the final year of a three-year agreement in which the city has provided $50,000 annually to the theater, 221 E. Washington St. The Englert board of directors and staff is asking that continue for another three years.

The City Council's Economic Development Committee will discuss the proposal at its meeting June 21.

Englert Executive Director Andre Perry wrote in a letter to the committee that “the city's financial support has been essential in keeping the theater's operation in effect over the last two years.” Continued funding would help with day-to-day operations and maintenance for the aging building, he wrote.

In an accompanying financial report, Perry said that the theater's year-to-date finances were better than anticipated and the nonprofit Englert Civic Theatre Inc. will soon own 100 percent of the building.

The report also shows that after losing money each of the past three years, the Englert expects to turn a small profit of $7,800 in 2011.

City staff recommends the city continue the financial support of the Englert, saying the theater provides entertainment options for the community and helps drive customers to other downtown businesses.

Staff also says that there will be increased competition with the Coralville Center for the Performing Arts opening later this year, although Coralville officials have said they'll focus on regional and local performers and will not compete with the Englert, which attracts national touring acts.