Funds trickle in toward saving SecondStory Repertory; directors hope to keep momentum going

By Mary Stevens Decker • November 6, 2009 4:21 pm
SecondStory Repertory artistic director Susanna Wilson said the theatre company has raised $18
SecondStory Repertory artistic director Susanna Wilson said the theatre company has raised $18

SecondStory Repertory (SSR), the professional theatre ensemble at Redmond Town Center, is valiantly chugging along since its Oct. 28 announcement that it is facing bankruptcy.

It wants to be “the little theatre that could,” raising at least $80,000 by Dec. 31, keeping SSR afloat and making Redmond a destination for theatre and fine arts.

As of Nov. 11, SSR has brought in $18,000 in donations through its Web site, Facebook, and audience members coming to “Bunnicula” and “Split Second Improv” shows. “Bunnicula” was featured on Seattle Channel (21) last Friday and SSR artistic director Susanna Wilson and managing director Caitlin Frances will be interviewed on KING-FM at 10 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 12.

Also, “our fundraiser on Nov. 21 is starting to sell tickets,” said Wilson. “Our teen performers want to do a fundraising cabaret for us — we are trying to schedule that for Dec. 13 — and of course, our first day of Holiday Drop and Shop is being funded by Redmond Town Center so it can be free for patrons. … Most of the donations have been relatively small, with a lot of people chipping in. If we can keep the momentum going, we can make it!”

The SSR fundraiser on Saturday, Nov. 21 is “Vegas or Bust,” from 6-10 p.m. at Starry Nights Catering Company, 11200 Kirkland Way in Kirkland. In conjunction with the event, online auction items include trips to Vegas and the 2010 Tony Awards in New York City, as well as a Mariners shirt signed by Ichiro. For auction information, visit http://secondstoryrep.cmarket.com.

To reserve “Vegas or Bust” tickets, visit http://www.secondstoryrep.org.

Holiday Drop and Shop offers parents a chance to enjoy some uninterrupted shopping time at Redmond Town Center, from Nov. 27-Dec. 19.

On the first day of Drop and Shop, Friday, Nov. 27, the supervised childcare (with crafts and theatre games) is free for two-hour increments beginning at 10 a.m., 11 a.m., noon, 1 p.m., 2 p.m. and 3 p.m.

After Nov. 27, Drop and Shop cost per child (ages 5-12) is $15 for two hours. Space is limited and the service will be available on a “first-come, first-served” basis.

Wilson said SSR board members are encouraging community members to support the struggling theatre in a variety of ways.

You can make a donation of any amount, through Network for Good, at http://www.secondstoryrep.org/supportssr/donate.html.

Or you can buy tickets for upcoming performances — all show information is at www.secondstoryrep.org.

As well, you can volunteer to usher at a performance, donate an auction item for “Vegas or Bust,” volunteer to serve drinks or man a table at the fundraiser, help with an opening night party for SSR’s “Christmas Cabaret” on Nov. 27 or supervise kids at the “Drop and Shop” program during the holidays.

For more information, call (425) 881-6777 or e-mail susanna@secondstoryrep.org.