If you've read this far then you know why I'm writing. Funds are short at Venus Theatre. After my 8th rejection from a Foundation in a 10 day period, I found myself kind of depressed, I'll be honest. But, I've taken a few days and done a lot of writing, and thinking, and sought advice from amazing people. Now, voices of support and encouragement have me riled up to move ahead. These things over the past few days have left me filled with a kind of gratitude I can't quite express.
It's the power of a woman's story. Isn't it?
The power.I had a great conversation last night with the amazing Lee Mikeska Gardner about the huge obstacles staring me down. As we talked I came to the realization that the power is absolutely the story of women. That's what we do at Venus Theatre. And, the countless plays I've had the great honor to produce have: literally saved my life, lifted my spirit, restored a fleeting faith in humanity, and overall caused me to build some amazing muscles for life. And, that's just my personal experience.
I could tell you about a man who once watched one of our shows, then laid on his couch for a week only to come back and watch the show again. I found out that a monologue from the play resonated with him on a deep level. The character forgave an absent Father. This man, in turn, sought out his daughter with whom he had been estranged for 20 years. They now have a relationship and vacation together regularly.
Just a couple of weeks ago a note was left on the door of the theatre and a business neighbor came over to pay for one months rent. She explained that she had wanted to do this for a long time. That the work was so powerful she wanted to support it. She was still raving and effected by, "In the Goldfish Bowl".
An actor from 8 years ago, simply donated $500 in May. She said she knew we needed it and would use it well. She was in the cast of "The Anastasia Trials in the Court of Women" by Carolyn Gage directed by Keri Rambow. That show led to a Samuel French distribution into Universities, now the plays done everywhere.
The first two years at the Shack Venus Theatre saw two $5,000 contributions from the DF Foundation which is why we have working plumbing and air conditioning and fans and lights and so so many things.
These acts of generosity have become my chosen focus instead of the poverty that seems to surround. And, I'd like to grow from here. That's where you come in.
Here's the deal. I had planned to announce the third year of play submissions over this summer. For the past two years, we have committed to four plays a year-new plays by living playwrights. The goal was to shift us from a traditional calendar year into a fiscal year. This would have helped put us in sync with many other organizations which would, in turn, help spread the word about Venus Theatre more effectively. Looking at our bank account I realize that it simply would not be a wise move at this time. This is not to say that submissions are over. Not at all. It's only to report to you that I'm having to get more creative now than ever, and to become more resourceful. As the leader of Venus Theatre, I am absolutely up for this challenge.
I'm reaching out for help from you. For emergency funding to get us through the summer.
Bottom line, we need to raise $5,000 before we can commit to producing a 2011 Season. Okay, the plan.We
are launching an essay contest. As much as we need money, our
lifeblood is really story. So, I'd like to combine these two things. That's not to say we won't take
straight donations of any amount.
My double-dog-dare to you.I
challenge you to raise $250 for Venus. When you do, you will have a
chair cushion named in your honor that lives in an audience seat for the remainder of the year. Take the
journey. Go on a fascinating ride. Write about that in an essay. Write
about what it took to raise $250 to help keep women's theatre alive. Make it interesting. It's like a literary version of truth-or-dare
meets America's Funniest Videos meets Julia Cameron's Artist Dates meets
Suze Ormands whip cracking money management.
Some suggestions:-Donate
a weekend to an elderly person and help them have a yard sale to clear
the clutter with the understanding that the money made will become a tax
deduction for them.
-Get 5 of your friends to bet $50 you won't take a dare to bungee jump, or walk barefoot into a 7-11.
-Have a tea party with 25 women who inspire you and ask them each for $10
-Open your guitar case on a street corner and play those songs that have been collecting dust.
-Have a cougar car wash.
-Sell Venus Theatre Veggie Weiners in front of every Hooter's you can find.
You get the idea.Raise
money and live a story. And, tell me about it. I will collect these
essays and put them in a binder to help add to the library we are
building at Venus Theatre. I will read a portion of the winning essay during pre-show announcements for "Play Nice!" in Sept. If you shoot video I will publish that as
well as photo's on our GodDesS Blog. As I said, $250 will get you a
chair cushion in your name. $1,000 will get you a whole decorated bench. You will be bringing life and comfort to our world on many many levels. If you take
this challenge you will be invited to private events such as final
rehearsals and dinners with playwrights.
The dream deadline.I would love to have this $5,000 goal met by the end of August. It would keep us right on the calendar year submissions track, without missing a beat.
