Damnit. We're having to ask for help again at Wayside Theatre. But this time its different. We got so much support last year from folks that we were able to keep Wayside Theatre alive through its 50th Anniversary Season. That support was wonderful and our gratitude will be never ending. But here's the rub as Hamlet would say. Our goal moving forward from that campaign was to turn that into annual support. Yes, that means each and every year we need that level of support to go along with grants, sponsorships, etc...
Whether we weren't clear in our messaging, or there was a malaise in the economy, or folks just have other priorities, I'm not sure, but suffice it to say we only achieved about $30,000 of the $120,000 we needed to raise this year. On top of that our fall shows and Christmas show, which received critical acclaim did not peform well either.
Anyone who works in not-for-profit theatre knows what that means. Unless you have a base of support annually, (Wayside Theatre never has), one show can spell big trouble financailly.
So, here we are. Going after it again, fighting to make sure that this 51 Year Old institution can survive to fight another day. Here's what we are after at this link. And here's how you can help if you can't donate. If you do anything spread the word.
What is important for you to understand that one way or the other this is the last campaign like this for Wayside Theatre. Yes, we need cash right now. But, more importantly, we need to know that we can garner ongoing support annually or there is no point in continuing the struggle. The arts always struggle. Perversely that's a part of their charm. So even ongoing support won't take that away. But without that kind of annual support the struggle erodes the magic of what we as creative people do in our hearts and in the eyes of those who experience the magic. We can't let that happen here.
I appreciate any support you can bring our way.
