Santa Cruz Shakespeare Hits Fundraising Goal for New Outdoor Home

Santa Cruz Shakespeare has announced that it has completed its fundraising goal of $1.37 million for its new outdoor home in DeLaveaga Park: the Audrey Stanley Grove. The Grove's construction was funded with pledges and one-time donations from over 950 households in the Santa Cruz community and beyond.

Artistic Director Mike Ryan says, "Santa Cruz Shakespeare is so grateful to its donors, patrons, and all of the philanthropists who made The Grove possible. It is resoundingly clear that the tradition of outdoor Shakespeare in the summer is important to this community, and we are honored that they have entrusted us with the means to support our organization with an incredible new venue."

In addition, a range of local businesses and firms supplied deep discounts and in-kind donations of construction materials to create the space, as well as the countless hours of volunteer time spent in aiding the opening of the theater space on time. Board President Rick Wright echoes Ryan's sentiments, "The completion of our Capital Campaign in just 12 months puts an exclamation point on a project that already stood as a testament to our community's mettle and commitment to not just theater and the arts, but our local fabric. I know I can speak for the SCS Family to express our thanks to the unique amalgam of local businesses, government, donors and volunteers who made this new community asset - this gift to ourselves - a reality."

Santa Cruz Shakespeare will continue to accept donations from donors intended for The Grove. These funds will help the company develop the facility with additional amenities and improvements, as well as provide funding for maintaining the space. There are also naming opportunities for seats, picnic tables, and lobby benches still available for those who wish to honor family, friends, or a loved one.

SCS's second season in the company's new outdoor venue the Audrey Stanley Grove in DeLaveaga Park begins July 4 and runs through the end of August with the hilarious comedy, The 39 Steps, adapted by Patrick Barlow; Measure for Measure, Shakespeare's treatise on just rule, lust, piety, and deception in a co-production with California Shakespeare Theatre; and The Two Gentlemen of Verona, Shakespeare's sexy comedy of young love, friendship, and faithlessness. Plus, Santa Cruz Shakespeare continues the tradition of showcasing the season's intern Acting Company with a Fringe production. Tickets go on sale May 15, 2016 with SCS Members' pre-sale starting May 1, and can be purchased online at santacruzshakespeare.org.

Santa Cruz Shakespeare will once again offer a "Free Youth Ticket" to one of its productions to encourage the introduction of Shakespeare to the next generation. This year, those 18 and under accompanied by a paying adult will receive a free groundling ticket to all performances of The Two Gentlemen of Verona.

Santa Cruz Shakespeare (SCS), rooted in Santa Cruz, California, is celebrating its third season as an independent non-profit theatre company. Inspired by Shakespeare, SCS creates and strengthens community by bringing audiences and theater artists together to celebrate stories about our collective humanity. SCS envisions a community where generations are increasingly passionate and knowledgeable about Shakespeare and live theatre, a community that engages in active discussion about language and art and reaches for passion, connection, and empowerment.