CAPITAL CAMPAIGN FOR FIRST STAGE

It has been over 30 years since Village Theatre first raised its curtain with a lively production of How To Succeed in Business Without Even Trying in the beloved 1913 theatre now known to Village Theatre patrons and the community as First Stage.

Did you know that First Stage is one of King County’s oldest theatres and has been in continuous operation for nearly 100 years?

When Village Theatre took ownership of the theatre in 1979, the Theatre constructed a raked 220-seating area with traditional style theatre seats bolted in place. For 15 years, First Stage was home to all of Village Theatre’s programs and production, until 1994 when the Francis J. Gaudette Theatre was built across the street. At that time, First Stage became the home to our KIDSTAGE program and our nationally-recognized Village Originals program of new musical development.





In 2003, Village Theatre began a modest campaign to upgrade the seating. But as the capital campaign gained momentum, it became apparent that more extensive structural work was necessary. By 2007, the architect and engineers determined that the building was no longer structurally sound and a complete reconstruction was necessary. Honoring the community’s cultural legacy, Village Theatre committed to reconstructing the theatre, keeping its historical feel and façade, while incorporating state of the art production equipment and modern patron amenities.

FUNDRAISING SUCCESS

In 2007, Village Theatre mounted a $3.2 million capital campaign to reconstruct First Stage. To date, Village Theatre has raised a total of $2.6 million from both national and local foundations and corporations that include: Boeing, Microsoft, US Bank, Washington State’s Building For the Arts, 4Culture/King County, City of Issaquah, The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, The Kresge Foundation, M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust, and the Norcliffe Foundation, just to name a few. Also, we have been blessed with generous donations from hundreds of individuals, who are committed to Village Theatre and our KIDSTAGE and Village Originals programs.

FIRST STAGE TODAY

Today, First Stage has been reconstructed to replicate the look and feel of the original building. Nearly 100 years after it opened, First Stage has been restored to a fully functioning facility that will maximize its overall usefulness, and assure its future for years to come. After months of planning and fundraising, the building was lovingly taken down piece by piece. Originally constructed with local virgin timber, Village Theatre has incorporated as much as possible of the original wood in the reconstruction process. The box office, wainscoting and moldings have been re-milled from the original wood.

Village Theatre has installed new raked, telescoping seats. When the seats are retracted to the wall, the room becomes a large flat-floor studio or classroom. When in performance, the seats are mechanically deployed into a traditional, raked configuration. Additionally, the seating makes it possible to configure the new flat main floor for cabaret productions, reception space and special events, along with a traditional theatre environment. The new construction replicates the original facility, except that it is equipped with modern amenities for patron comfort and artistic excellence.

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M.J. MURDOCK CHALLENGE

MUST RAISE $266,000 BY DECEMBER 31, 2012

The M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust has awarded Village Theatre a capstone grant of $250,000 toward the final phase of the First Stage Capital Campaign. This grant is made on a challenge basis to assist Village Theatre in raising the balance to complete the funding for the reconstruction of First Stage.

We Need Your Support: To date, we have raised $112,000 toward the Challenge, but in order to receive the Murdock Challenge Grant, we must raise and additional $266,000 by December 31, 2012. The M.J. Murdock Foundation is one of the largest and most prestigious foundations in the country.

Please Join Us as there are many naming opportunities ranging from $5,000 to $500,000 and can be paid over five years. Or perhaps, you want to Take Your Seat. With your Seat Campaign gift of $1,000, your name – or the name of a loved one you choose to honor – will be engraved on a permanent brass plate on a custom seat in the newly renovated Plaza Theatre and Youth Education Center.

Your donation to the Murdock Challenge and the First Stage Capital Campaign is fully tax-deductible and may be paid in installments over three years. Accommodations will be made whenever possible for specific seat requests but cannot be guaranteed. Seat name recognition does not guarantee that seat for future performances.

A Great Gift Idea: Naming a seat is a perfect way to remember or honor a loved one. This gift is a fantastic way to mark a birthday, anniversary or holiday. The person you specify will receive a special gift acknowledgement letter.

Matching Gifts: Individual who are eligible to receive matching funds from their employer can significantly increase the value of their donation. The combination of the employee’s plus the company’s gift increases the value of the donation and the employee will receive the benefits and recognition of the personal and the matching gift to the Capital Campaign.


Contact Louise Kincaid at (425) 392-1942 x111 or lkincaid@villagetheatre.org for naming opportunities.