Spoleto Festival USA breaks five-day sales record

Despite a down economy and a scaled-back slate of offerings this year, early ticket sales for Spoleto Festival USA have been surprisingly strong, officials say.

Within the first five days of opening for sales, the festival sold 17% more than in the same period in 2006, the festival’s strongest year to date for sales.

“We’re buoyed by the enthusiastic response to the 2009 program,” said Nigel Redden, general director of Spoleto Festival USA. “We have a long way to go, but the current sales momentum is certainly reassuring.”

Tickets for the May 22-June 7 international arts festival went on sale Jan. 4 and sold $160,000 in the five-day period. The goal for ticket sales is $2.9 million, officials said.

In the past, strong early ticket sales have been an indicator of total sales, though that’s not always the case, said Caroline Maas, a spokeswoman for the festival.

Maas said festival officials are not yet sure what is driving the record-breaking early sales.

Last year’s festival ended with a budget deficit of about $372,000.

Festival organizers scaled back the number of performances this year to 120 from 145 last year. Maas said officials worked to maintain the quality and variety of events but thought it was important to trim costs where possible.

Spoleto Festival USA is funded through a combination of ticket sales and contributions from corporations, foundations and individuals.

The festival’s 33rd season features a program of more than 120 performing arts events, including the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre, Don John from England’s Kneehigh Theatre, the Bank of America Chamber Music Series and a fresh, new production of the Gustave Charpentier’s opera Louise.

For tickets and program information for Spoleto Festival USA 2009, go online or call 843-579-3100.

http://www.charlestonbusiness.com/