Dear Santa,
It’s been another great year: thank you, thank you, thank you! I was saddened by the loss of my sponsor ‘mo magazine; a strong supporter of Redwood Theatre for almost 2 years. Faced with that small shadow, I shine on. I am grateful for the continued support of Otak, Inc. and Caffe Lusso even as I raise my mug to my newest sponsor, J.J. Mahoney’s. It is with the help of my friends that I realize my visions: Faith Lutheran provides ample rehearsal space and Valley Community Players lends me props and allows me the use of their shop to build my glorious sets. I am grateful for all of the talented artists that have graced the Redwood Theatre stages, and I appreciate each and every volunteer, both on stage and off, that makes each production so special. I am grateful for the support of 4Culture, which allows me to continue the interpreted performance program. And I am most grateful for my most cherished gift this year: the 2009 Redmond Arts Award for Service to the Community, presented by the City of Redmond: it was the perfect close to my 25th season!
In fact my 25th was a truly remarkable season, starting with the imaginative staging of Crimes of the Heart, to the beautiful production of Illyria, and the near sell out attendance of my interpreted performance of Thunderbolts and Dunderheads. I saw behind-the-scenes changes as well, with a relatively new board of directors that looks forward to the next quarter of a century while staying true to the original mission of the theatre.
Indeed, there is so much to be grateful for. Santa Claus, this coming year has new challenges and more needs, so here are some new delights from my wish list:
STORAGE / WORKSHOP
Such a messy room I keep! Currently my belongings are scattered from Monroe to Woodinville, and I don’t have a place to build my sets. I am grateful to Valley Community Players for the use of their shop, but it would be so sweet to have a place to call my own.
TRUCK
Oh, to have my own wheels! Redwood Theatre needs an affordable way to gather sets and costumes from all over. The commitment of a truck – or the commitment to rent one – would be *most* welcome.
VOLUNTEERS
Yes, I always welcome help, both onstage and off. If you have any talent or skill, we can be friends. Whether you build sets, have an eye for graphic design or you are just plain good at sewing, I will welcome your attention.
CASH
Santa, perhaps you could just drop some coin in my stocking so that I can make my own decisions? (I am 26 years old, you know!) Cash goes a long way in helping the theatre provide entertainment for the community, providing accessibility to under served segments of the community, not to mention valuable performance and crew experience to those so inclined. (Santa, even $5 is helpful, but it takes $50 to get listed in the program for a season.) Visit the Redwood Theatre donations page to share a little holiday love.
With love,
Redwood Theatre
