The latest round of an annual survey of nonprofit theaters’ finances offers some optimism after two years of red ink and often ruthless cutbacks for stage groups, Variety reports.

Theater Facts 2010, compiled by grant-making and advocacy outfit the Theater Communications Group, found total assets—including box office, gifts, and endowment earnings—exceeded expenses last year for the 113 organizations that have participated in the study for each of the last five years. The gains were credited to the stock-market rebound and rising single-ticket revenue, due largely to price increases.

In terms of working capital to deal with daily operations, theaters remained in the red last year. But rising attendance at events such as readings, workshops, and pre-show talks “bodes well for the health of theater overall,” said Theater Communications Group head Teresa Eyring.