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All donations, large or small, are very much appreciated. Thank you.
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JULY 3, 2020
A Word From Our President, Nancy King:
Dear Members and Friends of New Players Theatre Guild,
I have to confess that this is my THIRD attempt at writing this letter. I had it almost completed toward the end of June and then, realizing that our NPTG Board meeting on June 29 would likely impart information about the next 6 months I held off, started again in a decidedly saddened mood, and have
now changed my way of thinking.
In the week when the New Players Theatre Guild Board of Directors decided that no productions will take place in the theater through the end of 2020, I was deeply saddened that so much of what I love has been “shut down”, and I am one of the people that has had to make that decision!
I love being around our little theater! I love the creative process that Bill McGrath and I share while designing/building/creating sets. I love being backstage and experiencing how the “magic” happens or onstage when the lights are bright and warm. I love (most of) the music of Broadway shows, whether I am singing it at the top of my lungs or listening to it - and today, I listened.
It is true that we have moved our 2020 season into 2021, just as we had planned it for this year. Carolyn Salter has been masterful at dealing with the New York licensing companies. “Run For Your Wife," originally scheduled in March was rescheduled to May, July, and now March of 2021. At least the rights of some of the shows are now prepaid!
With he help of corporate sponsor Workers Credit Union, the patience and support of our theater insurer Marc Babineau, a small SBA grant, and the financial support of many of you who have generously contributed through GoFundMe, NPTG should be good through the fall.
We thank all of you who have contributed to our GoFundMe account and hope that you will continue to help out when you can, or tell your friends about us. Even small amounts help! We will need more.
Jen Knight has been assembling ideas for theater opportunities from many of you on Facebook, while Hal Smith keeps his finger on the pulse of city and state aid.
We apply for any applicable grants; they are preferable to a loan.
While we won’t be IN the theatre for a production in 2020, we are looking into other alternatives, including outdoor and ZOOM performances. We’re looking at other ways of bringing in funds and we will let you know as some of these ideas firm up.
This is the 45th anniversary year of New Players Theatre Guild in Fitchburg and we intend to survive it!
It is an odd “celebratory” year. Hopefully we can come together in 2021 to REALLY celebrate, our 46th
year!
As I said earlier, today I LISTENED.
I tend to take in a lot of news, not too much of which is positive lately. But today, while at work, I didn’t feel much like working and when I want to “get away” I always choose the soundtracks of South Pacific and Camelot. Both soundtracks take me back in time - “Carefully Taught” from South Pacific is particularly apropos for what we’ve been watching happen in the streets; “Happy Talk” lifts your spirits. “What Do the Simple Folk Do?” (to help them escape when they’re blue) from Camelot could help with Caronavirus depression.
What I’ve been forgetting to do is listen to the music I love. It is the music that lifts my spirits, inspires me, fills me with emotion, makes me want to dance, teaches me about life and love - and death. I am filled with hope knowing that so much creativity goes into the music, and the production from which it emanates. Hope and creativity........needed now.
There are lessons to be learned from theater, and I am SO GLAD I LISTENED today!
Good Health and Happy Fourth of July!
Nancy King
===================================================================================================================.
The Covid-19 Crisis is Taking a Heavy Toll on New Players Theatre Guild
June 13, 2020
I hope this note finds you and your families well, as we all deal with the cascading effects of the CV-19 Pandemic.
I am sure we have all had our problems to deal with since the Covid Crisis began. For New Players Theatre Guild, as our major source of income is live performance, there is little we can do but sit and wait for this ordeal to be over. Unfortunately, our financial obligations continue and since we will probably not be able to perform again until the distant "Phase 4," our survival is in question.
As an organization, we had actually prepared particularly well for our 2020 season, This year in particular, with the help of three thoughtful private donations and a corporate sponsorship from Workers Credit Union we had been able to purchase the rights to three productions so that we could announce our season. Although the licensing companies in New York City are working with us as we continue to shift dates into the future, we can show no return on that investment until we can hold performances and welcome an audience.
But as building owners, and because we have not been able to “sell our product”, our funds have had to be used for winter heating expenses, a monthly building improvement mortgage, utilities and extremely expensive building and liability insurance that we are required to carry as a theater.
Obviously, New Players Theatre Guild is suffering greatly during this time as our only source of income stems from public assembly, which of course, is not allowed for the foreseeable future. And when it is allowed, we don't know how soon people will be ready to come.
In the past, we have also raised funds to keep things going by venturing out and entertaining in nursing homes and at other private functions which we were preparing to do, but again, this obviously can't happen. In short, we have no possible source of income until this situation resolves; and even then, people may be hesitant to attend any kind of public gathering for some time.
As I am sure you understand, as soon as we are allowed to do so, we can't simply open the doors and make money. A show requires auditions and weeks of rehearsal; and it again remains to be seen when people will be comfortable with interacting again.
We had been looking forward to celebrating 45 years in Fitchburg, this fall, but we're not sure we will make it.
The bottom line is that we are out of funds and will not be paying our bills. Some of our board members have made substantial contributions, but that can't sustain us in the long term.
We did apply for "Non-Profit" Federal Grants, asking for $10,000, but received only $1,000; enough to pay an insurance payment.
We are at least fortunate that we are entering the warmer months, so we can "hibernate" for a bit; but as previously stated, the bills associated with owning a building will continue to come.
We are praying that Covid-19 does not kill our 45 year old history of community theatre in Fitchburg, Massachusetts.
I understand it may be a financially difficult time for many, but can YOU help? Any donation, large or small would be appreciated!
We are a not-for-profit 501(c)3 corporation, so your donations are fully tax deductible.
Thanks for your time and I hope you will consider a donation, if your situation permits.
Sincerely,
Bill McGrath
Treasurer, New Players Theatre Guild
A Word From Our President, Nancy King:
Dear Members and Friends of New Players Theatre Guild,
I have to confess that this is my THIRD attempt at writing this letter. I had it almost completed toward the end of June and then, realizing that our NPTG Board meeting on June 29 would likely impart information about the next 6 months I held off, started again in a decidedly saddened mood, and have
now changed my way of thinking.
In the week when the New Players Theatre Guild Board of Directors decided that no productions will take place in the theater through the end of 2020, I was deeply saddened that so much of what I love has been “shut down”, and I am one of the people that has had to make that decision!
I love being around our little theater! I love the creative process that Bill McGrath and I share while designing/building/creating sets. I love being backstage and experiencing how the “magic” happens or onstage when the lights are bright and warm. I love (most of) the music of Broadway shows, whether I am singing it at the top of my lungs or listening to it - and today, I listened.
It is true that we have moved our 2020 season into 2021, just as we had planned it for this year. Carolyn Salter has been masterful at dealing with the New York licensing companies. “Run For Your Wife," originally scheduled in March was rescheduled to May, July, and now March of 2021. At least the rights of some of the shows are now prepaid!
With he help of corporate sponsor Workers Credit Union, the patience and support of our theater insurer Marc Babineau, a small SBA grant, and the financial support of many of you who have generously contributed through GoFundMe, NPTG should be good through the fall.
We thank all of you who have contributed to our GoFundMe account and hope that you will continue to help out when you can, or tell your friends about us. Even small amounts help! We will need more.
Jen Knight has been assembling ideas for theater opportunities from many of you on Facebook, while Hal Smith keeps his finger on the pulse of city and state aid.
We apply for any applicable grants; they are preferable to a loan.
While we won’t be IN the theatre for a production in 2020, we are looking into other alternatives, including outdoor and ZOOM performances. We’re looking at other ways of bringing in funds and we will let you know as some of these ideas firm up.
This is the 45th anniversary year of New Players Theatre Guild in Fitchburg and we intend to survive it!
It is an odd “celebratory” year. Hopefully we can come together in 2021 to REALLY celebrate, our 46th
year!
As I said earlier, today I LISTENED.
I tend to take in a lot of news, not too much of which is positive lately. But today, while at work, I didn’t feel much like working and when I want to “get away” I always choose the soundtracks of South Pacific and Camelot. Both soundtracks take me back in time - “Carefully Taught” from South Pacific is particularly apropos for what we’ve been watching happen in the streets; “Happy Talk” lifts your spirits. “What Do the Simple Folk Do?” (to help them escape when they’re blue) from Camelot could help with Caronavirus depression.
What I’ve been forgetting to do is listen to the music I love. It is the music that lifts my spirits, inspires me, fills me with emotion, makes me want to dance, teaches me about life and love - and death. I am filled with hope knowing that so much creativity goes into the music, and the production from which it emanates. Hope and creativity........needed now.
There are lessons to be learned from theater, and I am SO GLAD I LISTENED today!
Good Health and Happy Fourth of July!
Nancy King
===================================================================================================================.
The Covid-19 Crisis is Taking a Heavy Toll on New Players Theatre Guild
June 13, 2020
I hope this note finds you and your families well, as we all deal with the cascading effects of the CV-19 Pandemic.
I am sure we have all had our problems to deal with since the Covid Crisis began. For New Players Theatre Guild, as our major source of income is live performance, there is little we can do but sit and wait for this ordeal to be over. Unfortunately, our financial obligations continue and since we will probably not be able to perform again until the distant "Phase 4," our survival is in question.
As an organization, we had actually prepared particularly well for our 2020 season, This year in particular, with the help of three thoughtful private donations and a corporate sponsorship from Workers Credit Union we had been able to purchase the rights to three productions so that we could announce our season. Although the licensing companies in New York City are working with us as we continue to shift dates into the future, we can show no return on that investment until we can hold performances and welcome an audience.
But as building owners, and because we have not been able to “sell our product”, our funds have had to be used for winter heating expenses, a monthly building improvement mortgage, utilities and extremely expensive building and liability insurance that we are required to carry as a theater.
Obviously, New Players Theatre Guild is suffering greatly during this time as our only source of income stems from public assembly, which of course, is not allowed for the foreseeable future. And when it is allowed, we don't know how soon people will be ready to come.
In the past, we have also raised funds to keep things going by venturing out and entertaining in nursing homes and at other private functions which we were preparing to do, but again, this obviously can't happen. In short, we have no possible source of income until this situation resolves; and even then, people may be hesitant to attend any kind of public gathering for some time.
As I am sure you understand, as soon as we are allowed to do so, we can't simply open the doors and make money. A show requires auditions and weeks of rehearsal; and it again remains to be seen when people will be comfortable with interacting again.
We had been looking forward to celebrating 45 years in Fitchburg, this fall, but we're not sure we will make it.
The bottom line is that we are out of funds and will not be paying our bills. Some of our board members have made substantial contributions, but that can't sustain us in the long term.
We did apply for "Non-Profit" Federal Grants, asking for $10,000, but received only $1,000; enough to pay an insurance payment.
We are at least fortunate that we are entering the warmer months, so we can "hibernate" for a bit; but as previously stated, the bills associated with owning a building will continue to come.
We are praying that Covid-19 does not kill our 45 year old history of community theatre in Fitchburg, Massachusetts.
I understand it may be a financially difficult time for many, but can YOU help? Any donation, large or small would be appreciated!
We are a not-for-profit 501(c)3 corporation, so your donations are fully tax deductible.
Thanks for your time and I hope you will consider a donation, if your situation permits.
Sincerely,
Bill McGrath
Treasurer, New Players Theatre Guild
Wallace Foundation Awards Grant for NPTG Elevator
We are very pleased to announce that we have been awarded a grant by the Trustees of the George R. Wallace foundation in the amount of $5,000 for the major upgrade of our elevator.
Although that is GREAT news, it has been awarded as a "matching grant" knowing that we will need raise $5,000 to reach the amount needed to repair the elevator and be awarded the grant.
Although our elevator company tried for some time to find parts to "retro-fit" our elevator, they were unsuccessful and an entirely new logic and control system has been quoted to us at $10,000.
The elevator is not simply a convenience. We have had to turn away some elderly and handicapped people from seeing their friends of family members in our shows; which is very distressing and unfortunate; for them and NPTG.
With the cost of productions rising all the time and the size of our theater, this is not the kind of money we can easily raise without your help. Could you consider a donation?
NPTG is federally recognized 501(C)3 organization and your contributions are totally tax deductible. Many people look for a deserving place to make a donation, as we near the end of the tax year; so we hope you might consider us.
Although no plans are finalized at this time, I would hope that we could plan to mount a plaque near the working elevator in the near future, listing the Wallace Foundation and at least all the major contributors.
Donations can be made here or mailed to NPTG, 15 Rollstone Street, Fitchburg, MA 01420.
On behalf of the NPTG Board of Directors, I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving, will soon be having a healthy and Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Sincere,
Bill McGrath,
Treasurer, New Players Theatre Guild
We are very pleased to announce that we have been awarded a grant by the Trustees of the George R. Wallace foundation in the amount of $5,000 for the major upgrade of our elevator.
Although that is GREAT news, it has been awarded as a "matching grant" knowing that we will need raise $5,000 to reach the amount needed to repair the elevator and be awarded the grant.
Although our elevator company tried for some time to find parts to "retro-fit" our elevator, they were unsuccessful and an entirely new logic and control system has been quoted to us at $10,000.
The elevator is not simply a convenience. We have had to turn away some elderly and handicapped people from seeing their friends of family members in our shows; which is very distressing and unfortunate; for them and NPTG.
With the cost of productions rising all the time and the size of our theater, this is not the kind of money we can easily raise without your help. Could you consider a donation?
NPTG is federally recognized 501(C)3 organization and your contributions are totally tax deductible. Many people look for a deserving place to make a donation, as we near the end of the tax year; so we hope you might consider us.
Although no plans are finalized at this time, I would hope that we could plan to mount a plaque near the working elevator in the near future, listing the Wallace Foundation and at least all the major contributors.
Donations can be made here or mailed to NPTG, 15 Rollstone Street, Fitchburg, MA 01420.
On behalf of the NPTG Board of Directors, I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving, will soon be having a healthy and Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Sincere,
Bill McGrath,
Treasurer, New Players Theatre Guild
A lot of great things have happen at NPTG over the last year and a half. We had the new high efficiency "mini-split" heat pump systems installed in the theater, providing quick heating and cooling. We installed new flooring in the downstairs hallway and new LED lighting in the theater and kitchen. Last fall we switched from an ancient oil fired furnace to a new 95% efficiency gas powered boiler and 3 hot water baseboard heated hot water zones in the downstairs.
Although we saved quite a bit over this winter with the new systems, we are coming out of the winter season cash poor and are facing literally thousands that need to be paid to obtain materials for the upcoming shows; "George M Cohan Tonight," "Shrek - Jr." and "Once On This Island." In addition to that of course, the monthly bills - mortgage, insurance and utilities - keep coming.
We are nearing 1200 followers on Facebook and I've often said that if 25% of those could come to our shows, we wouldn't need to ask for money, but I know life is full of distractions and you can be entertained by pulling your phone out of your pocket, but nothing can really replace live theater, so we are trying our darnedest to keep it alive here in Fitchburg.
That being said, as a follower of NPTG, you obviously want us to succeed.
Could I challenge YOU to hit the donate button and donate $10? (More if you like of course!)