Beyond a show ticket: Local theater groups need your support

Published 1:30 am Friday, January 20, 2017

Snohomish County has numerous concert venues, community theaters and a mix of both that support other types of live performance, as well.

All of the venues are nonprofits, as are most of the performing arts groups in the county, and all need local support to keep filling the stage.

How does one give such support?

Primarily by attending local concerts, plays, dance performances, etc. There’s nothing like a full house to encourage actors, musicians and ballerinas. And the tickets pay regular bills. Consider attending a live concert instead schlepping over to the movie theater for the same price.

In addition, if you are in the position to do so, buying a season ticket is a big help. This gives theaters and groups the ability to look ahead to the next show.

And if you are able to make a donation, every nonprofit in this county would give you hero status.

The Edmonds Driftwood Players faces challenges with the group’s Wade James Theatre.

The theater building needs so many repairs, it’s difficult to get started, managing director Kim Smith said.

“It is a daunting task to consider a capital campaign, especially since there are so many deserving organizations around us, specifically the Edmonds Senior Center, which is in the midst of its own remodels and (fundraising) campaigns,” Smith said. “I believe the community is behind us, but we need to make connections to the right people who can come alongside and assist us through this process so that we make wise choices.”

Here is a list of some of the private, nonprofit theaters and other venues that could use help:

Historic Everett Theatre: Manager Curt Shriner brings national acts and local events to the grand old theater in downtown Everett. The Historic Everett Theatre Preservation Society is encouraging people to buy season tickets, become a member or a sponsor and just simply attend productions there.

“But even if every show sold out, we couldn’t continue to maintain this theater,” said Shriner, who lists donation incentives at www.historiceveretttheatre.org/become-a-member/sponsorship-membership-benefits.

Red Curtain Arts Center: The Red Curtain Foundation for the Arts hosts its own community theater productions, concerts, arts education and other community events in Marysville. The organization’s new center still needs to be completed.

A capital campaign ongoing through June will help fund completion of the building. More information and how to donate is at www.redcurtainfoundation.org/donate.html.

Darrington Bluegrass Music Park: Run by the Bluegrass &Country Music Makers Association, the park hosts three to four music festivals each summer. To donate, email bluegrassdiana45@gmail.com. More information is at www.darringtonbluegrass.com.

The Phoenix Theatre: This Edmonds comedy theater group estimates that box office proceeds only cover about half of its expenses. To donate to this group, go to www.tptedmonds.org/donate-dollars-or-time.html.

Edmonds Driftwood Players: In addition to ticket sales, the theater group depends on donations from individuals and businesses. to learn more about donating, go to edmondsdriftwoodplayers.org/donate.