McCallum Theatre presents expanded season, reports education programs serving thousands

Leaders of the McCallum Theatre told the Palm Desert City Council Thursday that the nonprofit performing arts organization plans an expanded season and highlighted extensive education programs that serve local students.

Robert McConaughey, president and CFO of the McCallum Theatre, said the organization had a fiscal-year operating budget just under $20 million, with ticket sales of about $9.8 million and fundraising of roughly $10.7 million for the year ending July 31, 2024.

“We have 21 main-stage productions, not including student performances and rental clients,” McConaughey said, adding that Palm Desert residents account for approximately 16% of ticket sales and that visitors and out-of-state patrons make up a substantial share of audience revenue.

Kaisa Thorsen Ferry, vice president of education, outlined the theater’s education work, saying the Aesthetic Education program serves roughly 30,000 students annually and partners with 29 elementary schools across the valley. The program brings performances and multi-week in-class workshops to Palm Desert schools including Lincoln Elementary, Reagan Elementary, Carter Elementary and Washington Charter.

Ferry said the theater’s field-trip and in-class programming places a priority on access: “These performances are offered at no cost to schools,” she said, and cited partnerships that reached about 100 schools this year.

Councilmembers praised the theater’s outreach and accessibility, and Councilmember Quintanilla reiterated support as the council liaison for the McCallum’s education work.

No council action was required; the presentation was informational.