The Campaign to Save Paper Mill Playhouse (w/link to donate)

[erikaamato]

I just received this e-mail from Papermill...I was shocked to learn of their financial straits. Please help if you can. (I have!)

The Campaign to Save Paper Mill Playhouse

Can you imagine New Jersey without Paper Mill Playhouse? Paper Mill is in a financial crisis and needs $1.5 million by this Friday to open Seven Brides for Seven Brothers. You can save “The State Theater of New Jersey” by making a generous tax-deductible contribution TODAY. Call 973.379.3636 or donate online at www.papermill.org

Since 1938, generations of New Jersey residents have had their first live theatre experience at Paper Mill. Paper Mill has enriched the cultural lives of literally millions of people over the years. It has contributed to and helped sustain the great American musical theatre art form. Paper Mill Playhouse has been training and nurturing both young and established artists for decades.

“This is the saddest news for all of us in the theater community. Paper Mill Playhouse not only gave me my Equity card, it also gave me a wonderful opportunity to play a role in a production that audiences throughout the New York communities could see. Paper Mill is an American staple and has been responsible for so many careers. Please give what you can to save this wonderful institution and source of so much joy for so many.”
--KRISTIN CHENOWETH

"One of my fondest theater memories was Gypsy at Paper Mill Playhouse. Regional theaters like Paper Mill take more creative risks, think outside the box, and are able to do short concentrated runs ensuring that the audience gets an exciting and fresh theatrical experience with an A list original cast. I would be heartbroken to think that Paper Mill would be forced to shut its doors both as an audience member and a performer. Paper Mill also gives so much to the community through its programs for young performers. The future of musical theater lies in the hands of these young people who need this creative outlet and place to grow as actors."
--DEBORAH GIBSON

“Some of my happiest theatrical experiences have been at Paper Mill. The productions are Broadway caliber - it's simply the best regional theatre in the country.”
--LEE ROY REAMS

“The Paper Mill Playhouse production of The Chosen was my first major New York area role and my first big critical achievement. The Broadway level productions are the perfect training ground for someone who wants to be on Broadway and a great place for those who work on Broadway to return to play great roles. I have supported Paper Mill since working there and will continue to do so in the future. I ask that you do the same.”
--JOHN LLOYD YOUNG

“Paper Mill has been a home for me since the beginning of my career. It gave me a solid start to my career as it has to so many performers. Please help this invaluable institution keep its doors open.”
--ROBERT CUCCIOLI

Paper Mill Playhouse has historically operated at a ratio of 80% earned revenue – 20% contributed revenue which places an incredibly heavy burden on ticket sales alone. The national average for the not-for-profit theatre industry is a healthy 50% earned - 50% contributed revenue ratio. This theatre will only survive if we change that ratio and develop sources of ongoing contributed revenue. We cannot contemplate the prospect of losing Paper Mill without asking you to make a generous tax-deductible contribution today. With broad based support and vigorous community engagement, Paper Mill Playhouse will not only survive but will prosper for many years to come.



The Campaign to Save Paper Mill Playhouse