Life On the Wicked Stage: Act 2

A Day at Wayside Theatre that Shows Us at Our Best

2013-02-17T09:32:21-05:00

Yesterday was an amazing day at Wayside Theatre and in the campaign to keep the theatre's doors open. We had two wonderful performances of Smoke on the Mountain Homecoming. The talented cast and the audience bridged that small gulf between the edge of the stage and the auditorium in both shows and together created a magical musical experience. Watching the conclusion of both shows you got the sense that no one wanted the experience to end.

Second, once again, children involved with Wayside Theatre were out in force trying to raise funds and awareness. The Suzuki Violin Class was playing at the Espresso Bar and Cafe in downtown Winchester. If you check out our Facebook page you'll see pictures of their efforts yesterday. Bravo kids!

Third, in our Curtain Call Cafe, the artwork that is on display is proving to be a big hit. Artist Loretta Bailey organized 15 local artists to donate paintings or prints to Wayside Theatre to help the campaign. I believe we've sold 6 or 7 of the paintings so far, and people are talking about the art during the intermission and after the show. This exhibition is also helping us drive conversations about the campaign and our efforts there. Again check out our Facebook page or website to learn more about the wonderful efforts of these artists and how they are helping.

I'm sure we passed the $60,000 mark during all that was happening yesterday and of course we'll post an accurate update in the next few days. But if you are one of those who wonder was Wayside Theatre is important, why it is necessary, why you should lend your support, if you had stopped by the theatre yesterday you would not be wondering anymore. I was lucky. I got to experience the entire day at the theatre in ways most never do. But, as one patron said on leaving the evening performance last night, "there really is something special to be loved and cherished here."

There really is. Come see for yourself.

If you'd like to read more about this campaign please check out more infomation here on this blog, on Facebook, or at Wayside Theatre's website. If you'd like to help or share your story we'd be very grateful.

Campaign Update

2013-02-16T09:25:18-05:00

Campaign Update

We are just about to complete six weeks in the campaign to save Wayside Theatre. It has been a real roller coaster ride. We are just shy of raising $60,000, which means we've had an average of about $10,000 a week in donations come in. Thank you to those who have stepped up so far. We've obviously got a ways to go. There's momentum building towards the Town Hall meeting this Wednesday, February 20 at 6:30pm. We hope we have great attendance and encourage you to attend. We plan on answering questions about this fix we're in and the steps we're taking to fix it. It should be an important night.

While there is some momentum, and we keep getting wonderful offers of support from folks like the artist Loretta Bailey and children from all over, I have to say that I'm only cautiously optimistic that we're going to meet our goals. Why the caution?

Try as we might, we can't talk to every person who has questions or frustrations. Those who care enough to ask us tough questions get straight answers. And in just about every case that has helped us gain some new support. Don't assume after reading that last sentence that I mean to say that others don't care. I don't. Many do care but are unable to help at this time. But there are some out there who are spending time talking amongst themselves about Wayside Theatre's financial problems and choosing not to engage with us. Those closed conversations ask the questions we're ready to answer, but assume answers that aren't real. I guess on some level it is easier, and perhaps entertaining, to complain and guess than it is to actually spend the time to get to the truth.

How do we know this is going on? Well, others who do choose to engage relate those conversations to us. This is already a difficult challenge and as we've said many times these questions aren't easy ones to answer. The challenge is made more difficult when we have to break through improper assumptions and information. The challenge is made impossible when folks don't give us the chance to engage before making assumptions.

To a certain extent that is just human nature doing its thing, so don't read this as complaining. Instead, read this as yet another set of invitations. If you've stepped up and joined the team, know we value your support and invite, encourage, and ask you to help us not only spread the word, but help get others involved. Invite them to attend the Town Hall meeting or call or write us. If you are sitting on the fence, or know someone who is, please know that we're willing to talk with you about your frustrations or uncertainty. We won't pretend we'll change everyone's mind. But we do know that the chance we have to try is right now. We're offering that chance and want you to take us up on it. Help us not miss this chance by choosing to talk with us.

I was asked by an audience member attending last night's show what happens if we don't meet our goals. I told them what we've said all along. Wayside Theatre closes. They responded that they didn't want this to happen and donated $20 to the cause. Doing some quick math after the show last night, I I realized that if half of our 20,000 patrons who came to Wayside Theatre last year donated $20 each, we would have raised $200,000. With grants and other funding efforts that would put us over our $250,000 goal for long term sustainability.

That simple math solution sounds so simple it almost seems unreal. But it could be attainable with your help and your willingness to engage in discussion with us.

Come see Smoke on the Mountain Homecoming. Come talk to us before the show, during intermission, or after. Come to the Town Hall Meeting. I certainly hope you take us up on this offer to talk. The time is now to do so.

Warner Crocker
Artistic Director
Wayside Theatre

A Supporter of Wayside Theatre Speaks Out

2013-02-06T09:01:21-05:00

Yesterday we received this letter of support from one of Wayside Theatre's supporters, Jim Stutzman, Jr. Jim's family have been supporters of Wayside Theatre for quite some time as the letter will explain. I hope you read this and take what he says to heart.

WHY WAYSIDE?

In our many years of community partnership, one of the organizations my family has always tried to support is the Wayside Theatre. My father was a long time board member in our early years, hard worker and advocate of the Theatre. My first real exposure to live productions came in that tiny little theater in Middletown, VA and I have since shared that experience with all of my children, extended family of employees and customers, and the community at large.

As Wayside has struggled for years financially, it has only been of more recent times that it has become so public and I have been asked on many occasions why I continue to provide funds to support the theater. Certainly a fair question in these challenging economic times, so after some introspective reflection, here is my answer:

I have never been a gifted actor or had a passion to even attempt acting on an amateur or professional scale, but I have been deeply moved by many live performances I have had the good fortune to witness whether on Broadway, SU Summer Music Theater or Wayside. As our resources for public education have continued to dwindle the last 3 decades, the first programs to be eliminated from most public school curriculums are the arts and music programs….lately; we even find our schools struggling to support sports programs. So without local community/summer stock type of theater programs, where will our young people ever have the opportunity to express themselves or learn to hone a God given talent? Let’s go back to the sports issue for a moment. Does anyone actually think our area could produce the string of state championship runs our region has been able to achieve (in multiple sports, at different schools, I might add) without strong youth programs developing this young talent? The Kelly Washington’s, Erick Green’s, Devon McTavish’s, etc. may never have had the drive, exposure and motivation to compete at a higher level.

Who knows where our next generation’s great actors will come from? I know one thing for certain, I have never read a biography or seen a documentary about the life of an actor that didn’t mention years of honing their craft in community theater and summer stock….theater’s like Wayside offer those opportunities. Not to mention the greats who struggled as kids to “find their path” or “deal with a challenging home life” or a myriad of other emotional and behavioral situations. Many “found themselves” in their craft and went on to develop into contributing members of society who have the compassion and social conscience to give back and attempt to make a difference. That next great actor could be your neighbor.

These are just a few positives that I see an organization like Wayside contributing to our community and why I feel a passion to try and help them not just survive, but thrive in the future. We have progressed to an age where our attention spans are growing short. We live in a world of instant gratification and special effects. Live theater is not just entertaining, but it forces the actors, producers, directors and set and costume designers to work together to reach into the heart and soul of the viewer. Wayside Theatre offers that opportunity for we, the audience to experience true emotion and be moved by the combination of talents that go into the final production. If you have never been, please try the experience. If you are a past supporter or find some credibility in my words, reach out and offer some support. Wayside is a gift to our community that has been taken for granted for too long. As with many situations like this, only after it’s gone, will people begin to appreciate what a truly amazing gift it was and lament for its return. Let’s not be the generation that allows that to happen on our watch.

Jim Stutzman, Jr

Important Facts about Wayside Theatre: Making It Look Easy is Hard

2013-02-04T10:53:39-05:00

Here's a link to a great review of Wayside Theatre's Smoke on the Mountain Homecoming from the Northern Va Daily. I'm going to pull a couple of choice quotes that speak to not only the excellence of the artists performing the show, but life in live professional theatre in general.

Here's te first one:

Watching "Homecoming" is like witnessing a masterpiece constructed live on stage -- having no idea what goes into it until you see it performed, and afterward still not knowing how they made it all work.

And another:

The ability of the actors to not only perform the script so well, but simultaneously play an instrument version of musical chairs, is stunning.

Our job always has been and always will be to make it look easy, effortless, and magical. That's the fun part of our challenge. We're blessed with the quality of professional talent that comes to play for our audiences here in the Northern Shenandoah Valley. They love doing so and you can feel that love in every note, every line, or every second of every performance.

I hope you make the effort to come and see these efforts these wonderful artists make to help create a little magic for you.

An Actor Speaks about Wayside Theatre

2013-01-31T08:05:04-05:00

During this campaign to save Wayside Theatre we've heard from many individuals on both side of the footlights about why Wayside Theatre is important. This bit of testimony is from actor Elliot Dash. Elliot has become a fan favorite with his performances in Hank Williams: Lost Highway, Driving Miss Daisy, and Othello. He's one of a kind and one of the actors who loves to come to Wayside Theatre to create and perform for our community.

My favorite place to work.

You need testimony from me? You are asking me about The Wayside Theatre? What it means to me? There is your answer. Regardless of when you ask or where I am or the current production I'm performing in . . . . The Wayside Theatre is hands down my favorite place to work. Every single time I've done any kind of show at The Wayside the results are magical enjoyment. Skeptical? Think I'm just saying it to help out?? Nope. It is absolutely true. I love every minute of every day that I have had to park myself in Middletown to do a show for the enjoyment of others. Perhaps it is the absolute abandonment of personal ego for the incredibly talented performers that I have come to know as friends. Perhaps it is the wonderful director / artistic director Mr. Warner Crocker who has guided me into some of my personal best performances ever. Perhaps it is the absolute celebrity I feel walking in the area having folks recognize who I am sometimes years after a show is over. Perhaps it is the incredible accommodations while I stay as a performer which have yet to be beaten by any other company. Perhaps it is the present friendships with former interns who are now excellent performers in their own right. Perhaps it is the love and joy I have for the young company . . . many of whom babysat my dog as I did my evening performances. Perhaps?? Nah! It is all them things . . . .*heh*

I cannot lie . . . I brag about my experiences at The Wayside. Do I want to do more productions at the Wayside? Hell Yes ! Do I want it to stick around?? Hell Yes ! Do I want support for the theatre to last a damn long time??? Hell Yes !

I sincerely hope if you have the means to keep these doors open please help in whatever way you can. If so then I can promise each and every time I'm allowed to step foot on this stage a performance that will leave you smiling full of the same magical enjoyment I've experienced for more than seven years.

Hugs and Kisses

Elliot Dash

An Actor Speaks about Wayside Theatre

2013-01-31T08:05:00-05:00

My favorite place to work.

Hugs and Kisses

Elliot Dash

The Community Rallies Around Wayside Theatre

2013-01-29T09:04:35-05:00

Check out this article in the Northern Va Daily today. It's about some of the efforts going on in our community to rally around Wayside Theatre and help us meet our fundraising goals.Visual artists, groups of young people and more are stepping up to keep the professional performing arts alive at Wayside Theatre and we are so grateful for their efforts.

If you are a part of a group and would like to help, we'd love to work with you to make this possible. Collaboration is a big part of what we do and working together we can do more for our community.

Living the Magic at Wayside Theatre

2013-01-28T09:19:01-05:00

Last night at Wayside Theatre magic happened. Yes, I say that quite a bit. There's a reason it is not a cliché. That's because magic happens quite a bit at Wayside Theatre. After two preview performances we headed into the opening night for Smoke on the Mountain Homecoming last night. And the entire evening was filled with magic.

The cast, the audience, and the play met straight up in that "little theatre with a big heart" and together they created one of the most wonderful opening nights I can remember. And we've had some very memorable ones. Every beat, every laugh, every moment in the show that could possibly eke out a response from the audience did so. Laughter filled the room. There were stilled silences when 170 or so folks held their breath in unison. And the applause and cheers were almost deafening at times. Our cast was superb. Steve, Bob, Pam, Thomasin, Jennie, Richard, and Don not only entertained a room full of people, you could tell that this is what these wonderful actor/musicians were born to do. The standing ovation at the end of the performance was not only well deserved but a great way for the communion between the stage and the audience to come to its conclusion last night.

The show was the reason folks were there. But obviously given the fight we're in to keep Wayside Theatre alive there was more anticipation and anxiety than usual at an opening night. Folks who have joined the campaign were there along with first-timers. Kids from the Suzuki Violin Class at Shenandoah Conservatory, who have already been helping raise funds during this campaign, played and entertained the audience pre-show in the Curtain Call Cafe. Destination Imagination kids were there selling bracelets with Save Wayside Theatre emblazoned on them. And before the show they presented us with over $700 that they have raised so far with their wonderful efforts. Current Board members mixed with former Board members and Leo Award winners proudly displaying their medallions to show their support for the theatre.

The Wayside Theatre was so full of positive energy last night that I would imagine if you at looked at the building from across the street it might have seemed like it was vibrating a little.

I said last night that even though we've had some early success in this campaign we were hoping that this opening would be a big push to the next level of the campaign. We're three weeks and have raised over $30,000 so far. If we could bottle what happened on Main Street in Middletown last night and sell it we'd meet our goal in a heartbeat. But it takes more work than that. Hard work. The first step is getting folks in to the theatre to experience the magic for themselves. And then it is to talk with them and lay out the case for why it is important to keep that magic alive.

And that's what we become about this morning. Now we turn past opening night and look to the run of the show and the work we need to do to make sure this was not the last magical opening at Wayside Theatre.

Come join us in the fight. It's not easy, I know. But I tell you, for hard work, there is no more exciting and fun time that can be had when you have such an amazing production to demonstrate to the world why Wayside Theatre is worth that fight.

Opening Night and Continuing the Fight at Wayside Theatre

2013-01-27T09:19:34-05:00

Here we go. Tonight is opening night at Wayside Theatre. We had two excellent previews of Smoke on the Mountain Homecoming yesterday. Our cast did a brilliant job and our audiences helped us learn more about the show. After a final tune up today before the opening night curtain, we'll be kicking off some great music and great theatre and my hunch is this is going to be a night to remember for those on both side of the footlights. (If we had footlights. But you get my drift.) The audience last night gave the cast a standing ovation and that sent us all home feeling good about the day's work.

Of course tonight is about this new production, but it will also, necessarily be about this campaign to save Wayside Theatre. That campaign, like the show, is just now beginning to find its real voice. We find more and more individuals accepting our offer to talk in depth about what it takes to keep Wayside Theatre not just alive, but capable of providing the high quality of work that is exhibited in this latest, and we hope not our last production.

I had two individuals point to the dichotomy and the challenge in conversation yesterday. They both were extremely impressed by the quality of the production and the level of talent and skill that our actor/musicians brought to the stage. "How could you need so much help if you're able to pull this off?" That was the essence of their query. That answer is simple. Because these gifted performers and the staff that backs them up care so deeply about this "little theatre with a big heart" that they are willing to put their talents on the line in this final fight to help secure this theatre's future. When audiences experience such quality on our stage it is understandable why it is so difficult to see the need for larger support.

But notice I said "final" fight. One way or the other this will be the "final" fight. We'll either succeed in this campaign and develop and maintain the base of support this theatre needs or we won't reach our goals. In the first case there will be many more standing ovations at Wayside Theatre. In the latter, there will not be.

Our task these next two months is to convince audiences to take the time to talk with us in order to understand the need and the case. Frankly, that's not an easy task, but it is necessary.

Last night prior to the show I was out front of the theatre speaking with a staff member when a couple approached the theatre from across the street. I could tell they were first-timers because they had that look that folks approaching our building for the first time usually do. I asked if I could help. The gentleman asked, "is this where the music is tonight?" I asked if he was here to see Smoke on the Mountain Homecoming. "Yes, that's it." I pointed him to the theatre entrance to buy his tickets.

We've seen this many times before and it is one reason we do shows like Smoke on the Mountain Homecoming. "Guitar musicals" we call them. There are folks who only come for the music and these kind of shows appeal to that demographic, if only for that. This show does have that music but it has so much more in terms of its storytelling and powerful monologues.

During intermission I asked the gentleman and his wife if they were enjoying the show. I got a one word answer. "Powerful." After the show I spoke with them again. He was a bit angry. He was angry because he couldn't get tickets for tonight's opening performance because the show was sold out. He wanted to come again right away. "We'll be back," he said. I know that for this one night, we had done our job with what we put on stage.

Now it is time to do our job to make sure we can continue to do that for the many more folks in our community whether they come for the music or come for the drama or for whatever reason they want to spend a few hours with us.

Music, Magic, Mystery and More Take the Stage at Wayside Theatre This Weekend

2013-01-26T10:01:52-05:00

This is going to be an incredible weekend coming up at Wayside Theatre. Our next, hopefully not our last, show, Smoke on the Mountain Homecoming begins performances today, Saturday, with two previews at 2:30 and 7:30pm. (Tickets still available for both.) Then Sunday is the official opening night at 6:30pm. That peformance is sold out. The show is shaping up to be magnficient and as we meet the audience for the first time tomorrow, we'll find out just how magical this musical is. Our cast is amazing. These actor musicians switch instruments in the blink of an eye and sing these songs with such gusto and feeling that it is amazing. If you haven't made plans to see the show, do so now. It runs through March 17th. It'll warm your heart and chase away the winter blues.

As if opening a new show wasn't enough to keep us working like the fiends we are, this comes in the middle of an Emergency Campaign to keep the theatre going. Our goal when we launched was to raise $90,000 in 90 days. We're three weeks in and have raised $30,000. We anticipate that all the offers of help we are receiving are going to not only push us over the top, but help us reach our larger goal of securing a viable and attainable base of funding for Wayside Theatre's future. You can read about many of the wonderful things that are happening in the campaign here or on our website. You can also donate there by hitting the yellow donate button.

All of this comes to a head this weekend with the show's opening. It promises to a weekend filled with magic, music, and some mystery about the future. If you're at all interested in Wayside Theatre and the great work we do for our community, I urge you to get involved, see the show, and perhaps donate a bit.

When this many amazing individuals work so hard to create magic, even in the face of great adversity, there's a real chance we can make it happen.

Important Facts about Wayside Theatre: A Former Intern Tells His Story

2013-01-24T08:46:44-05:00

The good thoughts and great stories about Wayside Theatre continue. John Stanier was an intern with Wayside Theatre and after completing his internship came back time and time again as an actor and a director. A gifted actor/singer/comedian, John could brighten anyone's day with a laugh. Here's what he has to say about Wayside Theatre.

Have you heard about Wayside Theater? There is a theater in need of our help. I know, there are a lot of theaters in need of help ... but this one is incredibly special to me. I'll tell you why in a moment, but first a bit about Wayside. It's the second oldest professional theater in Virginia and it's where many great stars got their start, including Susan Sarandon and Kathy Bates (that's right ... Oscar winners y'all). Wayside is a small equity theater producing a full season of great shows and providing a wonderful educational outlet for the local community. They are currently in their 51st season and it looks like it could be their last. They need money. They have an emergency fund raising campaign underway and they need all the help they can get. I've donated, and if you can spare even a few bucks, maybe they could make it to Season 52. You can check out their website: www.waysidetheater.org

So why is this place so important to me? In 2000, I decided to pursue acting as a career. In late spring 2001 I arrived into Middletown Virginia to begin a six month theater internship at Wayside Theater. My first thought was "what the hell have I gotten myself into?" Middletown is a far cry from the big cities I'd lived in most of my life. Its an incredibly small town. I walked into the theater, nervous as hell, and met my fellow interns. One of them looked at me and said "your old enough to be my dad!" That's right. At age 35 I was dubbed the world's oldest living intern. I honestly thought about leaving in my first few days, but there were two people who gave me encouragement and hope ... Artistic Director Warner Crocker and actress/educator Thomasin Savaiano. They helped me through that rough beginning and I ended up being a part of the Wayside family as an intern, actor, director and staff member on and off through 2005.

I learned so much at Wayside. Nick taught me set painting techniques in the scene shop, Sean helped me get over my fear of heights as I hung lights in the grid, Kara welcomed me to the costume shop and taught me how to build a waistcoat from scratch, and Cephe taught me the ins and outs of life in the box office. I lived in a ramshackle intern house with an eclectic group of youngsters (I'm old, I can call you that) who made me feel welcome and youthful. I met Steve who is a musical genius, Melanie who was a great compatriot and friend, Nikki who made me look at things in a whole new way, and Robyn who I treated really badly at first and then learned to admire so much. We even had Liz Taylor living in the house (no lie). At Wayside I built sets, made costumes, sold tickets, stage managed, worked concessions, stuffed programs, shoveled snow, mowed grass, swept floors and even cleaned toilets. I also got to perform alongside some amazingly talented professional actors.

I can honestly say that I am a better person for having worked and lived at Wayside. They gave me incredible opportunities. I got my first professional directing credit, my equity card, and the chance to play roles I cherish. I also learned a lot about myself and what I wanted out of life and career. They helped me understand and nurture my passion for the arts and for that I am eternally grateful.

As I write this appeal for help, I know I could never be as eloquent as the lovely Malia Arguello or Kathryn Yacko (who I have not met but who I'm sure I would like). I can only hope that someone reading this decides that maybe this theater deserves a chance. Maybe you will decide to click on their website and donate 5, 10, or 20 dollars (more would be OK too). If you get an opportunity, please visit www.waysidetheater.org and check out this remarkable little theater. And remember Artistic Director Warner Crocker and actress/educator Thomasin Saviano who inspired me so many years ago? They are still there, doing all they can to keep this place alive. They have poured their hearts and souls into this remarkable theater for over 14 years. They are amazing and I truly hope they succeed in making Wayside safe for years to come.

Please consider helping Wayside out. Please help them keep inspiring artistic types, young and old, for years to come. Anything you can do would make such a difference. Again, their website is www.waysidetheater.org

Thank you!

Wayside Theatre Board Members Tell Their Story

2013-01-23T09:39:20-05:00

A number of our Board of Directors have written there thoughts about Wayside Theatre and why it is important enough for them to volunteer their time to serve the community through serving the organization. You'll be seeing more of these. This first one is from Bill Sirbaugh.

Sitting here now, close to 45 years later, I can’t remember if it was junior year or senior year in high school. I do definitely remember, though, arriving at a destination I had little interest in, the Wayside Theatre. I think, if challenged, I could even find that seat location today. The ghost in the balcony could well be my shadow.

They drug us kicking and screaming, at least as much as they allowed us to “kick and scream” in 1968 or 1967, to see a play we were agonizing over in class. The lights dimmed, ironic since that is when the lights came up in another way, and on the stage below actors began saying the words I had only looked at (not really read) before. Characters on the page came alive and the Shakespeare tragedy unfolded as only live performers can make happen. The tragedy became a celebration and even today when I read a play I envision in my mind how it would look and sound on that stage. I want to share that experience. I want to gift it to the next generation. I want to see others have that opportunity.

This is why the Wayside is important to me. It has been a magic part of the quality of my life. A Wayside production was one of the first places in the Valley I took the woman who would become my wife to introduce her to the Valley. It is the place I brought my family as they grew. It is an event I bring friends to whenever I can. All lives need the experience of a live production, a live production on the Wayside stage.

Important Facts about Wayside Theatre: The Real Challenge

2013-01-21T08:38:49-05:00

This morning I had an interesting conversation about this fundraising campaign on Twitter with a friend who caught some of the local news reporting about it. That conversation highlighted the real challenges we have beyond the raising of funds. I think it is important to share this because I think with the energy expended to raise cash, the real challenge is often overlooked.

The conversation began with my friend saying that it looks like the theater is unsustainable if we have to raise money each and every year. That is true as far as that statement goes. But it hits and misses the real point. Wayside Theatre is unsustainable without raising funds each and every year. As a not-for-profit we need to raise a portion of our budget each and every year, other wise we would not be able to operate. Our business model is no different than any other not-for-profit arts organization. We sell tickets, program ads, concessions, to generate the largest portion of our revenue. But to provide the programs we offer, we must raise funds to cover a portion of our operating costs, otherwise we would have to charge prices that no one could afford.

Here are the quick numbers. If our budget is $700,00 (it is actually less than that this year) we need to generate $450,00 in ticket sales, program ads, concession sales, etc… and raise $250,000 annually in grants, donations, pledges, etc…Realistically, our budget needs to be in a $900,000 range but since the economy took a nose dive in 2008, we've cut back substantially in the face of declining revenues across the board. But each cut we are making has a negative impact on generating revenue and so we have to stop that cycle.

This is the real challenge. Convincing those in our community, in government, and in general that Wayside Theatre has to raise funds annually in order to operate. Yes, we are an arts producing organization, but we are also a fundraising organization, so that we can produce that art. At times our shows do well at the box office and at times our shows do not. That's called producing theatre. We never start out to have a show that sells badly, but it happens, and because we do not have an ongoing base of financial support to fall back on, one less than stellar show can put us behind at any given point.

I would love to take the time to explain this in more detail to anyone who is willing to expend the time and commitment to learn about those details. We've had several of those conversations in this campaign already and they have indeed yielded a greater understanding. But in today's quick sound bite world, this message often gets reduced to "Wayside Theatre needs money. Again." Yes, that is true. Wayside Theatre needs money again. Should this campaign succeed, Wayside Theatre will need to raise funds again next year as well. And the year after that. But we, with your help, need to convince our friends, our neighbors, and our community that this annual need is normal and required if our community wants to retain a small professional theatre as a part of its social and cultural fabric.

To be completely frank, my biggest fear is that we'll meet our immediate funding challenge, but not solve this larger one. That happened last year and in year's past, but can not happen again going forward. If we can't make important strides towards solving that the larger issue, than my friend on Twitter may prove to be sadly profound, that Wayside Theatre is not sustainable. That would be a sad conclusion to reach. But that is why this campaign is different and that is why we need your help is spreading the word.

Please contact me if you'd like to talk more about this. Please plan to come and see our next show, Smoke on the Mountain Homecoming that begins this weekend.

Creating the Magic at Wayisde Theatre in the Midst of a Survival Campaign

2013-01-19T09:01:48-05:00

In the midst of this campaign for Wayside Theatre that keeps gaining momentum, life around the theatre often feels like we're caught in a whirlwind these days. We're talking to people about the future of the theatre on a daily basis. We're welcoming new board members who are joining the team to help the cause. And then every now and then a magic moment happens that reminds us all of why we are fighting so hard. Yesterday in the early evening was one of those moments.

We took the stage for the first time in our rehearsals for Smoke on the Mountain Homecoming. At the same time our Education Director was auditioning teens for the spring production of The Tempest. Our lobby was full of teens anxious to do some Shakespeare, and inside the theatre a multi-talented cast of actor musicians was working hard to put the next show on our stage in preparation for its first performances next weekend. When we took a break from rehearsal I headed outside for a breath of air and walked through that lobby the energy of the teens was incredible. When I walked back into the theatre before the break concluded, the actors were all busy, on their break, working on a music lick, or going over blocking we had just finished.

Most of our supporters only see the end results of the work and energy from last night. That's as it should be. But for those of us who carry on this fight, the energy, the dedication, the hopes, and the gifted talents were on display in a way that makes the hard, hard work of this challenge all worthwhile.

While you as audience members and supporters offer support for the magic moments you get to witness in performance or with your child in our Education Programs, keep in mind, that it is nights like last night that make all of that magic possible.

If you'd like to help out, or share a story about a moment of magic you've experienced at Wayside Theatre, let us know. Contact us here or give us a call or drop us an email. While we enjoy those magical moments in working hard to prepare some magic for you, it is all about the moments we ultimately share with you.

Campaign Update and Getting Ready for the Next Show at Wayside Theatre

2013-01-18T09:48:45-05:00

Here's a Campaign Update: So far we've raised over $25,475. Let's rephrase that, so far YOU have raised $25,475 in this campaign. For those who have stepped up in the early going we thank you for your support. For those who have taken the time to share your stories we thank you. We encourage anyone to share their stories or their questions about Wayside Theatre and its future with us here or via any method.

Those of us working this campaign are really touched and awed by the comments, stories, and donations so far. We've also been humbled by the great questions we are receiving. Each one of those questions is an opportunity for us to demonstrate what we're about and welcome each of those opportunities and look forward to many more to come.

Remember in just a week we'll be opening our next show, Smoke on the Mountain Homecoming. We've got a great cast and they are deep into rehearsals getting ready to bring you some of the magic and the music that Wayside Theatre is known for. We've got a busy rehearsal weekend ahead of us as we head into technical rehearsals next week, but the one thing that we all have in mind is that we are busy creating this show just for you.

Make your plans today to come and see Smoke on the Mountain Homecoming. What's on our stage is what we're all about and what this growing effort is all about. You don't want to miss the magic, and you deserve an opportunity to sit back, relax, and let us entertain you.