Second Shift Theatre and Creative 360 are excited to partner for our inaugural production of William Shakespeare's A Midsummer Nights Dream in August. Our talented cast of actors bring a vast array of professional and local theatre experience, hold undergraduate and graduate degrees, are classically trained and have a true passion for the art of theatre. In order for this production to lay the foundation for future high-quality Shakespeare performances at Creative 360, we need your help with our fundraising campaign.
Your contribution will help support the vision for Second Shift Theatre, which includes:
- The formation of an ensemble of talented Geart Lakes Bay actors who are paid to produce theatre in exchange for their time and talents.
- The ability to offer scholarship opportunities to local undergraduate theatre students.
- An annual opportunity for members of the classically trained ensemble to offer a high-quality Shakespeare production.
- The utilization of our collective training and experience to enhance local theatre art both within the company and through volunteering at the local community playhouses.
Why This is Important
The benefits of having a local theatre company are enormous. There are currently no known Shakespeare theatre groups in the Great Lakes Bay Region, which means our residents must go elsewhere for such an experience. This also takes revenues that could benefit our economy to another locale. Conversely, bringing a professional travelling troupe to the region is costly, which can make ticket prices prohibitive (two of our shows are donation based performances, making theatre accessible to everyone). A local Shakespeare company offers actors a new opportunity to do what they do best, brings new experiences for audiences in the region, and adds to the local economy.
Far beyond helping to fund a single production, your donations will serve as the foundation to locally enjoy William Shakespeare’s works for years to come. Actors will be paid professionals and scholarship funding will nurture a continuation of the local talent.
What We Need
Our fundraising goal of $10,000 is ambitious. Producing quality theatre while compensating directors, designers and a large cast can be quite costly. Here is a breakdown of how the funds add up:
Professional stipends: We believe that one of the best ways to support art is to support the artists that create it. Approximately 35% of funds raised will go toward paying our artists for their time and talents! Our producing director has spent months assembling the cast, and we are confident you will find the result very entertaining!
Venue: Approximately 20% of funds raised will go towards overhead costs associated with having a venue where we may rehearse and perform.
Production costs: Approximately 35% of funds raised will cover costumes, set pieces, props and other expenses incurred to create/promote the show.
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Student Scholarship: Around 10% of funds raised will go to the winner of the Second Shift Theatre student scholarship, to put toward their senior year at Saginaw Valley State University.
What You Get
In addition to the quality performances promised, we have created special perks to thank you for each donation level. From the “Rude Mechanical” to the “King of Shadows,” perks include things like name credit in the program, autographed posters, and prime seats at the VIP preview performance. Top tier perks are in limited supply, so make your contribution early to grab one before they're gone!
Risks & Challenges
The ever-present challenge in the professional theatre world is to cover overhead costs associated with producing quality, professional theatre while competing with other entertainment options like cinema, the internet, television and more. Theatre provides a unique experience not offered by any other medium that we believe the people in Mid-Michigan deserve to enjoy. The local community deserves to have a troupe of professional actors who are committed to creating high-quality entertainment. We believe Second Shift Theatre can assist in the growth and evolution of the performing arts in the Great Lakes Bay Region. Your support will help get this program off the ground.
If our fundraising efforts fall short, the producers are committed to fund the show out of pocket, pulling funds from savings accounts, college funds and even places as obscure as under the mattress. Personal funding could seriously delay or even eliminate the potential to bring professional theatre to the community. Help us keep this from happening!
How to Donate
Your donations made here go directly to Creative 360, a non-profit 501(c)3 organization, which means your donation is tax deductible.
We realize that not everyone has the budget flexibility to make a financial donation at this time. You can still be an immense help by spreading the word to your friends, relatives and any others who may want to help. Share the link and our story when you can. Doing so will bring us closer to realizing the dream of an annual Shakespeare offering in the Great Lakes Bay Region. Thank you!