A Community in Theatre
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By Curtain Players President Jim Petsche
Posted February 26, 2010
Jim Petsche
WE ASK... AND WE HOPE YOU'LL ANSWER THE CALL
Many of you in recent weeks received a letter, signed by me on behalf of the Curtain Players Board of Directors, making a request for money that will finance installation of hot water in our theatre’s restrooms and improvement of the building's emergency exits (thank you for your consideration, by the way).
As members of the Curtain Players leadership team, we ask a lot of ourselves and of others that are part of our Curtain community.
We must.
Time, talent and money are valuable commodities. It takes a large amount of each from many individuals to be a strong organization that maintains the respect of its audiences with quality programming, that is viewed as a vital part of the community worth its investment, and that provides meaningful, affordable, and accessible theatre experiences for those of us that enjoy the art and want to make it a part of their lives.
Curtain Players is blessed with a loyal following and high regard, and as a community theatre company presenting six full-length plays and playwrights festival, planning special events and outreach initiatives, taking of care of its own building, and addressing a long list of administrative tasks, we need as much people power as we can get. People our most valuable resource.
We ask...and we hope you'll answer the call.
We hope our repeated asking will prompt you to ask yourself to consider your place in our "community in theatre." With the second half of our season gearing up and the announcement of the 2010-2011 season coming in April, there are jobs and committee assignments available, both for the short term and the long haul.
A contribution to the current fundraising campaign is the latest "ask" Curtain Players has made. Throughout the season, we have sought volunteers to staff performances, heavy lifters for work days, actors, production staffers, play submissions, directors, board members, committee members, contact information, press coverage, advertiser dollars, items for food drives, ideas and suggestions, and financial support.
It is an unenviable position in which to be, "making the ask." Although it is difficult, we are not going to stop. A community theatre company, even one as long established and successful as Curtain Players (47 seasons and counting!), needs to keep "making the ask" if it is to thrive in an environment that challenges arts organizations of all sizes and types, smaller non-profit groups in particular.
Curtain Players has so much in its favor. The company owns the Harlem Road building. It has an appreciative audience, evidenced by full houses for this season's fall and holiday presentations. Its productions are highly regarded. Charley's Aunt was cited by the Central Ohio Theatre Roundtable as one of only three judged as outstanding overall among 90-plus shows presented by the Roundtable's 20 member organizations in 2009.
The success and satisfaction we share is because of you, and it cannot continue without you. So please ask yourself how you can participate in Curtain Players and expect from us letters, e-mail messages and telephone calls… because we will be asking… and we hope you’ll answer the call.