Thursday, February 17, 2011

PLAYHOUSE!

Hello, hello!

So, I recently received a call from the man, the myth, the Frank Glann. The good news, as you may have heard, is that the Huron Playhouse has officially become a non-profit, which means that they can raise their own money. However, the process was long, and ran past the deadlines of some grants that, while helpful next year, are not an option this season. They would also like to establish an alumni base online, and asked for an assist. As I suck at basketball and was never able to assist that way, I was happy to oblige this way. Lots of changes are a' brewin', including website ideas and, of course, social networking. This is all great news! At some point, I will most likely be hitting everyone up for their e-mail addresses.

Frank e-mailed me a letter to alumni to post, which, though he is with us, I like to think makes me his medium. We'll work on the telepathic stuff later. ANYWAY, this letter explains exactly where they are as a company. The long and short of it is that the financial need is still present, and they are in the midst of a final push.

Things you can do:
1. Donate.
2. Spread the word to other peops and alumni that otherwise wouldn't know.

The letter lists the mailing address for the Playhouse. If you recall, I had a PayPal account for the fundraiser last summer, and it is still active. So, if you or anyone you pimp this out to would like to make a donation, but prefer to use PayPal than send a check, the instructions are:

If you have a PayPal account:

Log in to http://www.paypal.com/, and go to the account under this email address: GoodbyeJim2010@gmail.com. I will keep track of who sends what for voting purposes, as well as to update you all on how we're doing.

If you DO NOT have a PayPal account and do not wish to set one up, but would like to use a credit card:

Email me at GoodbyeJim2010@gmail.com, and I will send you an invoice from PayPal and you can use your credit or debit card. IF YOU DO THIS, you must supply the following:
1. The amount that you will be donating. PayPal requires the invoices to be for the specified amount. That's why.
2. The Email address that the invoice is to be sent to.

Und now, ze Glanns:


Huron Playhouse, Inc.
Box 487
Huron, OH, 44839
February 14, 2011

Dear Alumni,

Greetings and Valentine’s time wishes. As you may have heard, the Huron Playhouse is no longer associated with BGSU or the BGSU Foundation, Inc. There was no funding from BGSU for the past two years, and the Playhouse operated for the most part on past and current donations, local foundation support and yearly income.

The prospects for the historic 63rd season look bright and donations and future foundations support are forthcoming. The HP was incorporated as of August 12, 2010, and all donations since that time are eligible as IRS tax deductions. The 501c3 IRS tax free status was granted on December 11, 2011. However, the 501c3 was necessary before application for future grants could be made. Several deadlines were missed because of this. The HP lawyers and Board of Directors have made applications for sizable grants that will kick in around June. Some will be later in the year. That being said, you can imagine there are expenses that must be met at this time. These include royalties and rentals for productions, advertising, printing, insurance, worker’s comp, certain company and staff contracts, to name a few. Support is critical NOW to bridge the gap between the time of future, and guaranteed, income to insure the survival of the HP. That is where it is hoped some of you may come in. Any amount of support is welcome. We are looking towards about $150,000 in total.

If you feel the HP has been valuable in your life, career, or social contacts, now is the time when the need is greatest to keep the dream and reality of caring, total theatre training alive. We know what a life changing experience the HP has been for so many of the 1,800 alumni, and even audience members. A number of alumni have already committed to returning this summer for special events and fund-raising. As Ron Leibman said, “When asked to come back, I will return. If it had not been for the Huron Playhouse, I wouldn’t have had my career.” The Board of Directors, John Bacon, Mark Koch, Jackie Mayer, Sue Cloak, thank you for your help when it is most needed. Donations may be made to Huron Playhouse at the above address.

Happy Valentine’s love and warm wishes,

Jann & Frank Glann

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