3. A brief history April 2007 The dream came true โ the state-of-the-art 150-seat theatre opened 1999 โ 2007 This nomadic community acting group held 23 productions at venues around the region October 1999 Barefoot in the Park was staged in a tent at Hersheypark May 25, 1999 IRS granted Hershey Area Playhouse 501(c)(3) status January 1999 Small group of people braved an ice storm to meet at the Hershey Library
4. 10 seasons and 36 productions Season 1: 1999-2000 Barefoot in the Park Steel Magnolias A Funny Thing Happened on the way to the Forum Season 2: 2000-2001 Forty Carats Arsenic and Old Lace Bye Bye Birdie Season 3: 2001-2002 Man Who Came to Dinner On Golden Pond The Sound of Music Season 4: 2002-2003 The Crucible The Guys Odd Couple, Female Version Annie Season 9: 2008 Youโre a Good Man, Charlie Brown Little Shop of Horrors Agatha Christieโs The Mousetrap The Best Christmas Pageant Ever Season 10: 2009 Love Letters The Boys Next Door The King and I Wait Until Dark The Best Christmas Pageant Ever Season 5: 2003-2004 The Fantasticks Little Women The Wizard of Oz Season 6: 2004-2005 Proposals Bus Stop Oliver! Season 7: 2005-2006 Nuncrackers A Midsummer Nights Dream Cinderella Season 8: 2006-2007 A Christmas Story Our Town Into the Woods Junior The Star-Spangled Girl The Homecoming
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14. Naming opportunities remain All naming opportunities will be recognized by a permanent plaque placed in an appropriate area adjacent to the named item. Terrace $100,000 Backstage $75,000 Control Booth $10,000 Sound Board $5,000 Individual Seats (13) $1,000 each Grand Lobby $100,000 Dressing Rooms (2) $20,000 each Make-Up Area (3) $5,000 each Show Posters $5,000 each The Odd Couple โ Female Version The Star-Spangled Girl The Homecoming Youโre a Good Man, Charlie Brown Little Shop of Horrors Agatha Christieโs The Mousetrap The Best Christmas Pageant Ever (2008) Love Letters The Boys Next Door The King and I Wait Until Dark The Best Christmas Pageant Ever (2009)
15. Recognition is a priority Season Supporters Recognized in Bravo! The Magazine of Hershey Area Playhouse which is published quarterly. All contributions of over $2500 will be recognized by a name plate on the Capital Campaign Recognition Board displayed prominently in our lobby. Advertising Supporters Recognized in the publications in which theyโve purchased space Individual Naming Contributors All will include an individual plaque on or near the specific item or area for which the contribution was received
16. Our stakeholders say it best โ The first play we saw by Hershey Area Playhouse was Our Town โ we were so impressed we intend to continue our attendance and support.โ - Pete Foltz, Patron โ Taking acting classes has led to new friends, greater confidence and an acceptable way to let out my inner diva!โ - Nancy Michel, Acting Student โ Itโs a place where everybody is welcome, whether itโs to see a show, to volunteer, to audition or to support the Playhouse in some capacity. Whatโs most fun for me is working on the youth productions.โ - Mary Szeltner, Frequent Costumer โ My participation in Hershey Area Playhouse productions has been a phenomal outlet for my creative self. Working with the cast and crew in different productions has led to lasting friendships in the community with others who are inspired by the arts.โ - Stosh Snyder, Actor
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18. Letโs stay in touch Alex Roca Fundraising Chair Hershey Area Playhouse 717.919.9785 [email_address]
Editor's Notes
Hershey Area Playhouse at Country Meadows is a place where all imaginations are welcome. Itโs a community center for the arts, featuring theatrical performances, acting classes for all ages, exhibitions by local artists and endless opportunities for fellowship and friendship. Captivate your imagination and take part in what Hershey Area Playhouse offers.
Since 1999, Hershey Area Playhouse has grown from a small group of visionary thespians to a thriving core of the arts community in the Hershey area.
Each season has gotten bigger and better, and weโre now presenting a full slate of five productions each season.
The Leader family and Country Meadows of Hershey donated a 138-year old barn that was renovated from the ground up in 2006 and 2007. Today, our home is a state-of-the-art community theatre containing the finest in sound and lighting equipment. The theatre auditorium features 150 seats and a three-quarter thrust stage, which is unique in Central Pennsylvania.
Since our opening in April, 2007, we have produced and performed three full seasons โ 14 productions in all. And total income from each and every production generated positive contribution to offsetting operating costs of the theatre.
The 2010 season line-up features these theatrical gems: I Love You, Youโre Perfect, Now Change, Directed by Jennifer Feldser February 11 - 21, 2010 Wit, Directed by Skip Becker April 22 - May 2, 2010 Fiddler on the Roof, Directed by Cory Wilkerson July 15 - 25, 2010 Harvey, Directed by Marcie Warner October 21 - 31, 2010 The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, Directed by Tony Pingitore December 2 - 12, 2010
Hershey Area Playhouse is focused on operational success, and has put plans in place to ensure success. From a structured volunteer program and database management, to strict budgeting and active committees, the Playhouse leadership takes its role as stewards of this institution seriously.
Hershey Area Playhouse has participated in community since our founding over 10 years ago. Weโre regularly seen at community events, and are continuously in discussions with other groups to contribute our talent for the benefit of their organizations.
In 2008, the Playhouse presented The Other Woman , written by Board member Jennifer Feldser, as a way to showcase local talent and encourage other young playwrights to pursue their dreams.
Hershey Area Playhouse Theatre Academy offers a full slate of classes during the fall and spring semesters, as well as drama and singing camps each summer. Special events such as audition workshops round out what has become an integral part of developing our burgeoning talent in the Hershey area.
Each year we seek opportunities to offset our financial commitments with special benefit performances.
Hershey Area Playhouse is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit corporation offering a wide array of tax-deductible giving opportunities. As a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation, Hershey Area Playhouse can be designated as the recipient of your United Way contribution. All contributions to operations or capital campaign are tax deductible.
An abundance of naming opportunities still remain. This is a great way to permanently show your commitment to the arts in your community.
We recognize the importance of recognizing our faithful donors. As such, weโve devised the following plan: Season Supporters : Will be recognized in our quarterly Bravo! The Magazine of Hershey Area Playhouse . All contributions of over $2500 will be recognized by a name plate on the Capital Campaign Recognition Board displayed prominently in our lobby. Advertising Supporters : Will be recognized in the publications in which theyโve purchased space. Individual Naming Contributors: All will include an individual plaque on or near the specific item or area for which the contribution was received.
We understand that our key stakeholders are the lifeblood of our organization. Here are quotes from just a sampling.
Hershey Area Playhouse has broad community support and seeks to increase the depth of involvement through more effective communication and involvement with local businesses and organizations. We are a vibrant, community-based organization committed to reflecting the culture and creative expression of the entire community. The three-quarter thrust stage design is unique to the area and offers audiences the opportunity to truly be involved with the actors and the activity on stage. Weโre already drawing actors from other theatre venues who want the opportunity to act in this special setting. Hershey Area Playhouse has the operational skills to produce first-rate theatrical performances that contribute funds to the operation of the organization. We have a broad, versatile, skilled and committed Board and volunteer base that has already proven its competence to run a theatre operation profitably over three years in our new home base.
Contact our Fundraising Chair, Alex Roca, to discuss your giving plans, or just to learn more about Hershey Area Playhouse.