As an arts administrator, I can say from experience that necessity of fundraising is, and always will be, top of mind. It's this perpetual thing that we constantly do. But one of the things I like about the arts is the capacity for artists and performers to look outside of their own sector and find ways that they can contribute their talents, skills and output to benefit others in the community.
That's why I think Prince George needs to take note and feel proud of the fact that we have an entity here called Miracle Theatre. If you haven't heard of this before, Miracle Theatre is an annual event that contributes to the financial welfare of local non-profit and charitable endeavours, and is the love project of Ted Price and Anne Laughlin, the co-founders of Theatre NorthWest.
I recently sat down with Ted and Anne and I enjoyed hearing about the motivations behind and genesis of this project. And what I came to understand is that the idea of Miracle Theatre was conceived long before it happened, that there was a fairly lengthy incubation period during which Ted and Anne saw a a bit of fundraising fatigue in the city - lots of sit down dinners, auctions and raffles - and then realized that perhaps there was a different approach they could offer. Ted mentioned to me the amount of respect he has for the people here in the city who can sit down and write cheques with big dollar amounts. Not able to do that themselves, Ted and Anne imagined a scenario where they could help facilitate the delivery of a "big cheque" to a local charity, and Miracle Theatre was born.
Their first production was Miracle on South Division Street in 2015 which raised over $42,000 (on a target of $40K) for the Salvation Army Food Bank and 27 Million Voices. Then, in 2017 it was The Last Romance which raised over $52,000 (on a target of $50K) for Prince George's new breast imaging centre.
Recently, Ted and Anne announced their upcoming production, which is in support of The United Way. This play will make the 73rd professional play they have produced, directed or designed for Prince George since 1994. The play is entitled The Fabulous Lipitones and will have a musical cast of four. In Ted's words "it's a lot of fun. After winter, people are looking for laughter. Something with real broad appeal. The Fabulous Lipitones will be great for the experienced theatre goer, as well as for the novice."
To me, it sounds a bit like a workplace comedy, one of my favourite genres, so I'm pretty sure I'm going to enjoy it - maybe even twice!
I think Ted and Anne need to be applauded for taking on this huge initiative. I know from experience that one show or ten in a season, it doesn't matter, you need to put a big machine in motion. You need sets, contracts, donors, sponsors, musicians, technical people, a publicity plan. And I believe in the case of Miracle Theatre, all of this gets done out of Ted and Anne's kitchen, living room and garage!
Ted and Anne both agree that the real motivation to continue Miracle Theatre after its first year was that the community wants to see them do it. That everyone knows of how this gives in a big way back to the community and people approach them - either as audience members or potential benefactors. They commented to me that their desire to do this vastly increased after they came to learn that more and more senior citizens and children are accessing the services of charities.
"Can you imagine what is like to work all your life and then have to live in your car as a senior?" Ted asked me.
No, I cannot imagine.
This year, they have set a target of $60,000 for the final donation, and that's a lot of tickets that need to be sold. And so for $32 you get a great night out, all while making an important financial contribution to our local United Way. It's actually a really good bargain. Performances are March 2 to 18, every night at 8 p.m. except Mondays, and there are also Sunday matiness. The performances are at ArtSpace and tickets are available at Books and Company. You can buy your tickets in person, or you can order by phone at 250-563-6637.
And by the way, if you haven't noticed, local theatre-lovers get a triple hit this winter, with the Judy Russell production of Cabaret running at the PG Playhouse from Feb. 13 to 28 and Heda Noir by Henrik Ibsen and adapted by Jack Grinhaus at Theatre NorthWest from Feb. 15 to March 4.
I look forward to seeing you all out at the ArtSpace, the Playhouse and Theatre Northwest over the coming weeks!
