Enjoy an evening out with Theatre on Main, help benefit local arts

Posted: Oct. 31, 2012

Theatre on Main would like to cordially invite the community to its "Same Time Next Year" dinner on Friday, Nov. 9 at Weissgerber's Golden Mast on Okauchee Lake. The evening's Master of Ceremonies will be legendary radio and television personality, Bob Barry.

"We are thrilled to once again have Bob emcee our event. Everyone enjoyed the festivities last year and Bob contributed largely to the evening's success," said theater General Manager Sandy Manfrin.

This is the organization's fourth annual dinner, and marks the eighth anniversary of its existence in the Lake Country community. The evening's events include a social hour with music and free hors d'oeuvres, dinner with wine and dessert, entertainment, silent and live auctions, and a cash prize raffle. Last year's raffle winner received a check for more than $600.

The focus of this year's event will be the upgrade of the theater's lighting system, as well as the continued improvement of the theater and its productions, and the expansion of Stageworks Academy.

"We strive to put on our stage the best shows available in community theater. And in order to successfully achieve this goal year after year we need to continuously upgrade our technology as well as our facility. An all-around quality theater experience for our patrons is of the

utmost importance to us. Whether it's their first time as our guest or we know them by name, we want each performance attended leaving patrons wanting more," said Jerry Springob, president of Theatre on Main.

In September, the theater announced it was in need of a lighting renovation with an estimated price tag of $20,000. Without hesitation, the parents of the "Annie Jr." cast decided to start the theatre's Lighting Fund. They spent the run of the show gathering up contributions and

presented it to Manfrin and Managing Artistic Director, Kimm Mann, at the close of the show on Sept. 30.

The parents had gathered up a total of $800 to start the fund. Patrons also contributed giving donations, just because they loved the show and the work the theater does in the community and for the children said Manfrin.

"We had several patrons give to the fund and it was their first exposure to the theater - that meant a great deal to us," said Mann. "We still have a long way to go, but at least we now have a solid foundation for our goal."

To continue the momentum of the fund, Theatre on Main announced that it would make the Lighting Fund the main focus of this year's fundraising dinner. The goal is to raise at least $10,000 at the event.

In addition, with funding for the arts being cut across the board in schools and the government eliminating grants, Theatre on Main wants to help keep the arts alive in the Lake Country community through the growth of Stageworks Academy.

"It is a known fact that music and arts improves critical thinking and general learning abilities. There are so many beneficial life skills that are learned through the arts, such as team-building, self-confidence, and public speaking and performance skills. We hope the community sees the value in what the arts offer and generously supports our endeavors.

"The dinner is a fun night to socialize with others who share the same passion for the arts. The evening includes fantastic entertainment, great food and the chance to win a nice cash prize raffle just in time for Christmas," said Manfrin.

The event is open to the community, reservations must be made by Monday, Nov. 5 by contacting Sandy Manfrin at (262) 853-7628 or send an email to mainstreettheatre@gmail.com. You may also contact Manfrin for information on business sponsorships and volunteering, to make a live or silent auction item donation, or to purchase raffle tickets.

Tickets for the fundraising dinner are $55 per person ($50 per person for group tables of six to 10) and include hors de oeuvres, dinner with wine and dessert, and entertainment.