2011年商务英语考试：高级阅读指导5

Theatre’s Financial “Angels”

In London and New York theatre shows can make seriously big money. That is why__ (0) __ in the theatre is becoming increasingly popular.

Putting money into the theatre is not __ (21) __ for those who prefer a safe return on their capital, but it does offer the occasional chance of huge profits. Moreover, it gives the investor a personal __ (22) __ in the glamorous world of show business.

Producers of new plays and musicals often __ (23)__ a large proportion of the initial capital from small investors, or “angels” as they’re known in the theatre business. Each investor will typically buy one or more investment units. A unit normally __ (24) __ a thousand dollars or more. When the show starts making a profit, the “angels” get their original money back. They then __(25)__ to get dividend payments, at an agreed percentage, for as long as the production keeps going.

However, the risks are high. Normally, shows run for at least a year before they see any profit. Even then, the__ (26) __of money generated for the investors can be very small. Most theatrical productions do not even get that far, closing__ (27) __within the first six months.

So, who would be an “angel”? Typically, someone who has a keen interest in the potential__ (29) __from a big success: investors in one current production are__ (30) __profits of over 350 per cent.

20 A investing B profiting C risking D financing

21 A selected B recommended C approved D proposed

22 A interest B bid C concern D hope

23 A arouse B rise C arise D raise

24 A pays B charges C costs D gains

25 A keep B persist C continue D maintain

26 A amount B total C number D figure

27 A in B down C up D off

28 A approach B attitude C perspective D view

29 A fees B returns C advances D wages

30 A delighting B rewarding C enjoying D succeeding