Learner reports improved finances, expands marketing and programming ahead of "Celebration Under the Stars"

The Learner Board on June 10 received financial and programming updates showing stronger ticket sales and a narrowing deficit as the theater ramps up summer events.

Nick Mueller, introduced in the meeting packet as "Nick Mueller from Krue Lton," told the board that gross profit from theater operations for the period ending April 30 was $234,858, up from $113,858 a year earlier, and that year-to-date net loss across Learner operations stood at $8,873. "These are the best the financial statements have looked in probably the last four years," Mueller said, noting a significant improvement from the prior year's net loss.

Carl Thompson, general manager of the Learner Theater, said the 2026 calendar includes more than 98 confirmed day and evening events. "April and May 2026 produced gross ticket sales of $213,000 and $89,000," Thompson said, putting year-to-date sales at $755,000 — slightly ahead of 2025. He emphasized efforts to increase earned revenue and community engagement through expanded programming, digital marketing and partnerships.

Thompson outlined plans for this summer's Celebration Under the Stars festival, saying organizers have had interest from roughly 35 food vendors and aim to have about 30 on site. He said Elkhart County donated billboard placements and that utility-bill inserts and a 30,000-piece mailer are planned to boost awareness. "The goal is to have approximately 30 at the festival to begin to help serve food earlier in the day," Thompson said.

Board members asked about how staff measure marketing effectiveness. Diana Lawson noted the importance of tracking how ticket buyers learn about events; Thompson said post-performance surveys include questions about how attendees heard about shows and that the staff is beginning to integrate that data into marketing evaluation.

The board also discussed show-specific results: Thompson said the Celtic Woman engagement ran at a higher contract guarantee and lower-than-expected sales, producing a loss; he recommended pursuing bookings with lower guarantees and stronger weekend dates to improve chances of breaking even.

Thompson and board members framed the Learner as a downtown economic driver. The meeting cited an estimate that about 53,000 people visited downtown tied to Learner programming last year, including roughly 15,000 for Celebration Under the Stars, and urged continued coordination with museums and local nonprofits to increase cross-promotion and visitor spending.

The board said a formal strategic plan and a first annual business plan will guide measurable goals and accountability for staff and the board in the coming months. The board accepted the reports and will receive further updates as planning and marketing activities proceed.