Joy Behar Leads Annual Appeal At Bay Street Theater

Following on the heels of a Mainstage season that was the talk of the East End, Bay Street Theatre in Sag Harbor has embarked on an ambitious Annual Appeal that seeks to raise $375,000. Chaired by Joy Behar, TV personality, host of her own nightly show on Headline News and of ABC's "The View," the campaign will make it possible for Bay Street to continue its mission to provide artistic, cultural and educational programming for the burgeoning year-round population on the East End.

Ms. Behar, a long-time supporter and recently appointed member of Bay Street's Board of Trustees stated that she is "honored to serve as the Chair of this year's Fund Raising Campaign. When I started coming out to the Hamptons, I wanted to live near Sag Harbor because Bay Street was there. The area is lucky to have a place where live performances thrive year-round. I think I'd have to move if it weren't permanently fixed in the ‘nabe'".

According to Tracy Mitchell, Bay Street's Executive Director, the campaign is more critical than ever. "Despite the great successes of this year's Main Stage productions, ticket sales still account for just 48 percent of what the theater needs to survive. With costs rising and the economy struggling, individual contributions are more important than ever. Every donation makes a difference, no matter how large or small."

The theater's summer season saw critical successes and great audience reaction to its roster of shows. From season opener TRU, to its controversial BETTY'S SUMMER VACATION, to the highly successful production of ENTER LAUGHING, THE MUSICAL, Bay Street hosted 25,000 residents and visitors this year. But the season was not without its share of offstage drama.

A serious car accident involving TRU star, Darrell Hammond, caused the cancellation of the final 2 performances which resulted in a revenue loss of more than $25,000. When Hurricane Irene hit, ENTER LAUGHING, the theater's biggest hit, had to be cancelled for 3 performances -a loss of over $70,000 in tickets sales alone. So the theater's Annual Campaign takes on added significance heading into this Fall.

"Literature Live" which brings curriculum-based literature to life on stage for local and regional school children as well as the general public is short funding. "We plan on presenting "To Kill a Mockingbird" from November 4th through 26th if we can meet our fundraising goals" says Mitchell.

"Literature Live" is presented to schools during the week and on three weekends, including Thanksgiving Weekend for the general public. With ticket prices pegged at $10 for students and teachers and $20 for adults, "We keep the ticket price low so schools can afford to come and see the show" says Bay Street's Artistic Director, Murphy Davis. "It is so rewarding to watch the reaction of kids experiencing what may be their first exposure to live theater."

The theater is a year-round presence on the East End, offering everything from the Comedy Club with its A-list headliners to The Picture Show which serves up classic films from September to May. Bay Street's educational outreach initiatives include a 20 student College Internship program and a musical theater camp for kids during school vacations.

As Mitchell points out, supporting Bay Street also supports the local community in very tangible ways. "Our theater-goers bring business to Sag Harbor restaurants, shops and bars. And the Theater contributes to the local economy by renting 10 to 12 homes for interns, cast and production crews as well as taking rooms at local hotels. We also purchase everything here from supplies at the hardware store to food at Schiavoni's, Corner Bar and other supplies."

A true community center, the theater also serves as a space for local musicians, forums, rental space for film festivals and seminars and for many years has served as the place Santa visits in Sag Harbor. Last year alone, their latest program "Benefits by Bay Street," has held successful fund raisers for Hurricane victims in Haiti and Earthquake victims in Japan.

Tax deductible contributions can help ensure that Bay Street remains, as CBS Sunday Morning reported "one of the country's pre-eminent regional theaters". These contributions are essential to the theater's mission to "entertain, inspire and enhance the cultural arts for the East End and beyond". Donations can be made by calling the Development Office at 631-725-0818 or by sending a check to Bay Street Theater, PO Box 810, Sag Harbor NY 11963.

Bay Street Theater is a non-for-profit institution presenting new, classic and contemporary works with a commitment to challenging and entertaining our diverse community. The commitment extends to educational programs for all ages to foster the continued value of theater as a vital art form for future generations.

Don't Miss a Long Island News Story
Sign up for all the news on the Summer season, discounts & more...