New Hampshire Theatre Project to 'Bring Up the Lights' After Fundraising Campaign

Most of the lighting equipment currently in use at West End Studio Theatre is 30-50 years old, and other equipment will be removed by former tenants at the end of the year. New Hampshire Theatre Project needed to raise $10,000 by December 1 in order to purchase new dimmers, lighting instruments, cable and a lighting board.

NHTP is proud to announce that the campaign has been completely successful. With donations ranging from $5 to $1,000, NHTP raised $10,323.

Support came from current and former Board members, current and alumni Youth Repertory Company families, actors and playwrights, local businesses, the Merrill Family Foundation, and NHTP fans and friends. Many alumni wrote to express their gratitude for what they learned at NHTP and how they wanted to help "bring up the lights" on a new generation of performers. "NHTP had an incredible impact on my life and my career," wrote one alumnus. A parent wrote, "What you do is magic - with a lot of hard work thrown in. Keep doing it!"

Along with lighting NHTP's Main Stage and Youth productions, this new equipment will be used to train interns who wish to learn the art of behind-the-scenes theatrical production. Lighting is one of the key dramatic elements in theatre, heightening emotions and creating enticing nuances that deepen audience connection to the material. Known for both original work and re-interpretations of classics, NHTP's evocative lighting designs are an essential aspect of all their productions.