Wayside Theatre Holds Annual Classy Trash Sale

Wayside Theatre has been operating an Emergency Fundraising Campaign to raise $90,000 by October 10 or risk closing the theatre's doors during its 50th Anniversary Season. To date Wayside Theatre has received donations totaling $73,840 towards its goal.

According to Wayside Theatre Artistic Director, Warner Crocker, "we've been very pleased with the results so far, but we haven't reached our goal yet. It is in sight, but we're preparing a number of events to push us over the goal."

Two of those events will take place on Saturday, October 1, one during the day and the other in the evening.

The first event will be sponsored by Wayside Theatre's volunteer group, PROPS. Each year this organization holds its Annual Classy Trash Sale at the theatre to raise funds for the theatre. Funds for this event are used throughout the year for specific needs for Wayside Theatre. In the past these funds have purchased such items as a new piano keyboard, furnishing for actor housing, and office supplies. This year's proceeds will go towards the Emergency Campaign. The theatre accepts donations of any items, except clothing, that individuals may be looking to get rid of and sells them to the public.

Items can be dropped off at the theatre anytime Tuesday, September 27 through Friday September 30th between the hours of 12 - 6 p.m. The Classy Trash Sale begins at 7 am on October 1 and concludes at 12:30 pm.

Operating under the banner that "one person's trash is another person's treasure," each year sees a wide range of donation items for sale from books, DVDs and CDs, to automobile parts and computer equipment.

Already this year there are a number of formerly pricey electronics that have been donated. The second event takes place in the evening and also serves as a spooky kick-off to the theatre's production of the spine-tingling ghost story, The Woman in Black, which will begin performances on October 8. Noted International Psychic, Michael Brooker has stepped forward and offered to help the Theatre reach it's goal by holding a Gallery Reading at the theatre beginning at 8pm. Mr. Brooker is a professional Psychic/Medium from the UK who served as the Psychic Consultant for the BBC and has spent 30 years utilizing his talents for the help and inspiration of others. At this intriguing Gallery style Reading, any number of audience members may be fortunate enough to receive a message via Michael. Cost is $25.00 for Adults, $10.00 Child (5-17 Years old) and general seating. All proceeds go to Wayside Theatre's Emergency Campaign and tickets can be obtained by calling 540 869-1776.

According to Artistic Director, Warner Crocker, "as we're preparing this very spooky play about a ghost, having Mr. Brooker around has given us all the chills. He is amazing presence and his insights will challenge even the most hardened skeptic. We're thrilled that Mr. Brooker is donating his time and efforts for this performance for Wayside Theatre and believe it will help our audiences get in the mood for The Woman in Black."

Wayside Theatre is the oldest professional theatre in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia and is celebrating its 50th Golden Anniversary season of presenting high quality, professional entertainment. Additional information can be obtained on the theatre's website at www.waysidetheatre.org. Wayside Theatre is located in Middletown, Virginia on Route 11, Main Street, just north of the intersection of I-66 and I-81.