Playhouse on the Square Tackles Challenge Grant for Quarter Million

Playhouse on the Square has until December 31st, 2011 to meet a fundraising challenge issued by the Jeniam Foundation. In an effort to invigorate Playhouse on the Square's Act II Enhancement Fund Campaign, the foundation has promised a $250,000 grant if Playhouse can raise $250,000 on its own, by the end of the year. To date, Playhouse on the Square has raised $153,000 toward the Jeniam challenge, and the pressure is on to raise the remaining funds as the holiday season approaches.

When Playhouse on the Square set out to raise money to build a new theatre during an economic slump, it was a daunting task but a necessary move. The company's original goal of $15.5 million was split into two phases. The Breaking New Ground Capital Campaign provided the $12.5 million needed for construction. Individuals, corporations, and charitable foundations responded enthusiastically to help fulfill the vision of a multipurpose center for the arts in Midtown. Now that the organization has thrived in its new home for nearly two years, attention has turned to the second phase of funding, Act II.

The remaining $3 million from the original fundraising goal is an Enhancement Fund for the maintenance of the property at 66 S. Cooper, sustaining the theatre's programs, and increasing the staff. "We want people to know that even though the building is open and everything is running smoothly, our work's not done," says Founder and Executive Producer Jackie Nichols. "We want to encourage everyone to participate at whatever level they can with Act II and become a part of something that is successful and vital for our growing community."

Playhouse Board member Tina Fockler stressed that the benefit of the Act II Enhancement Fund extends beyond Playhouse on the Square. "Since opening, we've collaborated with Opera Memphis and Memphis Symphony Orchestra," said Fockler. "We are the midtown home for Ballet Memphis and a venue for the Indie Memphis Film Festival. We've had countless local artists use our gallery spaces, and we have a gallery dedicated to artwork from students at Memphis College of Art. The building has proven to be what we intended it to be: a place where all the arts can be showcased. Now we need to ensure that it is here for generations to come."

Naming rights are still available in the new theatre at various levels beginning with gifts of $150. Donations can be made by visiting playhouseonthesquare.org or by calling Associate Producer Michael Detroit at 901-937-6464.

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