Posts Tagged ‘patrons’

AVT Company and Patrons,

One year ago, on June 20th, 2009, a small group of friends calling themselves “Antelope Valley Thespians” opened a short, public-domain production called VOICES. Back then, the garage was not black, we had no official status, and we operated with minimal organization. But after two “sold out” free showings for our friends, we got all the encouragement we needed to continue and expand.

You can indulge in a bit of nostalgia in the archived blog post for VOICES or at the VOICES photo album on Facebook.

Today, it is one year later. And crafted out of love, sweat, tears, duct tape, and a rather alarming volume of coffee, a small guerilla theatre company fights the good fight in our local community of Quartz Hill – so much further beyond where we were yet with a dazzling array of possibilities before us.

AVT has many “birthdays”… is it when the first fragments of the idea started to take form on an online discussion board in January 2009? Or this day in June when we first put something together? Or August when we legally formed as a company? Or perhaps later when we achieved nonprofit status, or early this year when we opened our first full-length production?

Any of these days may serve for reflecting on how far we have come on this crazy idea. But today, for me, is the one from which I take the most personal meaning. On this day one year ago, we proved to ourselves that it was possible – that we could take the simplest elements and the smallest of budgets, and combine them with talent and passion to create something meaningful for the community.

Like any creative venture, AVT has been and always will be continually in the process of becoming. We have undergone 3 major revisions to our Operational Plan, and you will soon see another released for your consideration. The learning curve has been steep as we have built this company from the ground up – we have had to learn many lessons the hard way, and also develop an understanding of our strengths and weaknesses as members of a team. I believe this latest revision should last us a good while, and I can’t wait to share it with you.

I also want to be sure to acknowledge the role our Patrons have played in helping us build this company.

After seeing VOICES, Jeri Meyers and Dawn Dopler became our very first Patrons on the spot, donating our first income of any sort. After we incorporated and sent a letter asking the Quartz Hill Chamber of Commerce for their support, Thom Lapworth stepped in and personally paid for our first year’s membership in the Chamber, the benefits of which we continue to enjoy. Jason and Rose Gonella participated in our first playwrights expo and donated in-kind hardware in the form of a fog machine and fluid, which our tech team is itching to get an excuse to use.

As funds ran dangerously low in the face of numerous unexpected expenses for CRIME AND PUNISHMENT, Senaka and Lalani Ratnayake stepped in with a generous donation that kept us afloat. Michael and Deberah Hogan, impressed with our first full-length production, became Patrons of AVT to support our fledgling theatre company. Farmer’s Insurance agent Dave Owens not only has provided AVT’s liability insurance at a killer rate, but he donated his entire commission on the contract and personally bought-out a show of our first two full-length productions!

Gwen and Andy Joseph as well as Bob and Lois Douglass stepped in with donations when AVT needed equipment upgrades to support BEYOND A REASONABLE DOUBT as well as our first Musicians Night. Al Bowers joined the Patrons club following a great time at the Musicians Night, which actually ended with him being called up to the stage for an impromptu rendition of Fleetwood Mac’s “Landslide” with featured musician and mutual friend Jimmy Lee Young!

Starting with BEYOND A REASONABLE DOUBT, we have been privileged to benefit from the support of local fine-artist AJ Currado, who now donates her time and talents to AVT for poster and program artwork. Our latest individual patrons, Mark and Liz Longanbach, drove in all the way from Arizona to see BEYOND A REASONABLE DOUBT. Convinced of our value to community theatre and impressed by our ingenuity, they signed checks of support the very next day.

Finally, I would be seriously remiss if I did not acknowledge the early and unwavering support of Eric and June at Sagebrush Cafe in Quartz Hill. Since the days when AVT was nothing but a concept, this eclectic coffee and art house has believed in us. More than that, they give us a great deal one of the most critical and precious resources for a theatre company: delicious coffee. AND they provide a hub for our advertising and, more recently, our physical ticketing.

And of course, each and every member of this company deserves more thanks than I can bestow for their unwavering commitment and tireless efforts on behalf of AVT. Sarah, Anna, Karen, Jeremy, Kevin, Jessica, Juliana, Courtney, Kara, Lucas, and our additional actors Steve, Joe, and Derric have comprised the AVT family.

Ticket revenue brings in only about 65% of what it takes to operate AVT; it is people like you who are the champions of the arts in our community, and donate your time and money to help this company do what it does. In appreciation for your support, we are tentatively planning to hold our first AVT Patron’s Reception in early December. Company members and Patrons will be invited to mingle and recap the 2010 Season with this celebration.

It is a rough road ahead of us… money remains tight, most people who have not seen our work remain skeptical, we continue to insist on producing very challenging plays that inevitably turn into trials by fire, and often its not certain how we will make it to the next event or production. But time and time again, even in our most difficult moments, we have shown that our passion, when rallied, is unstoppable – even in the face of daunting odds.

We would not be where we are today without all of you. It is with utmost sincerity and deep pride in what we have accomplished in the last year that I offer you my thanks for stepping forward to become a real part of what we have created together.

Here’s to our next year of unique, original, and experimental theatre in the high desert!

N.

–
Nalin A. Ratnayake
Chief Executive Officer
Producing Director
Antelope Valley Thespians

AVT is trying something new and podcasting the monthly newsletter we send out to our Facebook Page fans and our Patrons email list.  Producer and Artistic Director Nalin A. Ratnayake gets you the low down on what’s going on this month with AVT.

In this podcast:

1. Concluding remarks from the Producer regarding “Crime and Punishment”.
2. Discussion of the ongoing solicitation for local, original scripts.
3. What’s coming up for AVT: Quartz Hill Almond Blossom Festival in March and “Beyond a Reasonable Doubt” in June.
4. A thank you to our Patrons.

 

 Podcast #5: AVT February Update [10:09m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (219)

AVT is on an ongoing mission to post spontaneous interviews with cast, crew, fans, and innocent bystanders.  This episode continues our series of (what we hope are) interesting podcasts, focused on personal experiences with the project.

Want to hear more? View all posts with embedded podcasts, or search for “Antelope Valley Thespians” on the iTunes podcast directory to subscribe for automatic updates.  Enjoy!

AVT is now pleased to offer all Patrons 15% off tickets to select shows of every production at the Geffen Playhouse this season.

Pledge to become a Patron of AVT’s 2010 Season by Saturday, September 26th and you will be cordially invited to join us for a group trip down to the beautiful Westwood stage to see the October 10th 3pm showing of “Matthew Modine Saves the Alpacas“.  Tickets start at $45 for the mezzanine, and Patrons will be extended a 15% discount for ordering with our AVT group.

Join AVT production team members, actors, and fellow Patrons for an afternoon of theatre followed by a dinner outing in the vicinity.  Contact the Producer for more information: nalin@avthespians.org.