Westport Country Playhouse Announces $100,000 'Theater Worth Supporting' Challenge

Westport Country Playhouse announces a $100,000 "Theater Worth Supporting" Challenge that asks ticket buyers, subscribers, and others in the community to raise an equivalent sum between now and November 3, coinciding with the run of the current production, "A Raisin in the Sun," the landmark drama written by Lorraine Hansberry and directed by Tony Award winner Phylicia Rashad. The Challenge donors, Maureen and Edwin Schloss of Darien, have requested that their call to action be matched specifically by new and increased gifts.

"As a non-profit---dedicated to not only producing high-quality theater, but serving the broader community we are fortunate to call home---we must rely on charitable contributions to help us close the gap between the true costs of running The Playhouse and the revenue from ticket sales," said Michael Klingher of Weston, chair, Playhouse board of trustees. "A gift of any size will be deeply appreciated and help us reach our $100,000 'Theater Worth Supporting' Challenge goal."

Challenge donations will be used to fund The Playhouse's five-play season of "Theater Worth Talking About" productions; student matinees, serving 3,000 youngsters annually---25% of whom come from underserved districts and receive free or reduced admission and transportation; educator workshops that are free to the region's teachers to enhance classroom learning; Together at the Table Family Dinners providing accessibility to Playhouse productions plus dinner, all for $10 per person; and symposia, talkbacks, and literary salons, open to the public free-of-charge to enrich the theater-going experience.

Michael Ross, Playhouse managing director, commented, "We are deeply grateful to the Schlosses for their incredible generosity and for their desire to encourage others in our community to step up and support The Playhouse. Donations of all sizes are critical to our success, to our ability to do the work we do on stage, in schools, and throughout the region."

To make a donation to The Playhouse's "Theater Worth Supporting" Challenge before the November 3 deadline, mail a gift to Challenge, Westport Country Playhouse, 25 Powers Court, Westport, CT 06880. Donations can also be made online at westportplayhouse.org/supportus/challenge.aspx, by phone at 203-227-5137, ext. 138, or by visiting The Playhouse box office.