By the Numbers – Celebrating Growth at 4th Wall
On June 30th, 4th Wall will complete our 15th Anniversary Season, and all signs point to continued growth.
I want to share 5 graphs that help illustrate the astonishing growth that 4th Wall has been able to achieve and maintain in recent years.
Every dimension of growth is certainly a communal achievement. To our community of attendees, subscribers, donors, volunteers, and artists: THANK YOU! And let’s celebrate progress!
1) Maximizing Attendance
For the third year in a row, we have set a new record for all-time highest season attendance. And with tighter management of our seating inventory, we’ve sold 92% of all offered seats this season. (Maximizing attendance in a small venue like 4th Wall is especially critical because even at 92% full, ticket revenue for our main season shows covered only about 20% of our expenses this season.)
2) Strong Subscription Renewal Rate
“4th Wall follows their mission with every play that they produce. I see one and can’t imagine a better play, and then the next one comes along and astounds me all over again. Try a season with this company and you’ll definitely see the world in a whole new light.”
Last season we reached an 85% subscription renewal rate within 12 weeks of our season announcement. Currently 81% of our subscribers have renewed for the upcoming season, indicating early excitement and renewed commitment from our most loyal patrons!
3) Increasing Artist Pay & Parity for Non-Union Artists
Orlando Arriaga is a member of the actors’ union; Faith Fossett is not. At 4th Wall, both of these professional actors were paid the same wage for their work in our Regional Premiere production of THE COUNTER, pictured here.
4th Wall has always prioritized increasing artist pay. Last season, and for the first time, we built on this commitment by achieving parity between union and non-union actor compensation. This season, we were able to maintain parity while still increasing pay. We have approved a budget for next season which builds on this!
4) Growing Board
Propelling our organizational growth is a growing Board of Directors. This incredible group of volunteers are the visionaries leading this organization, and their donations of time, talent, and gifts are the fuel for our success!
5) Overall Organizational Growth
We are projected to grow total income by 21% since last year, and have more than doubled since pre-COVID. The past 2 seasons we have used surplus revenue to replenish our operating reserve and re-invest in critical systems/equipment such as a new light board for the theatre. A strong operating reserve gives us the confidence to take on ambitious artistic projects, like our first-ever musical in our upcoming 2026-2027 season, the Texas Premiere of Luis Quintero’s MEDEA: RE-VERSED!
It’s an exciting time at 4th Wall. I am proud of the growth we have been able to achieve together, and I am inspired by the deep generosity of our supporters that has made it possible. Here’s to 15 years of 4th Wall! What will we dream up together next?