MONROE - Monroe Theatre Guild (MTG) has a problem, but it's a nice one to have.
So many youths were practicing Tuesday night at the STAGE building that MTG capital campaign volunteers had to move to the public library to attend a training session.
Youth programs are skyrocketing with interest, and youth choir alone has doubled since spring, said MTG's Campaign Chairman Rick Maliszewski. About 190 children participated in workshops, classes, choir and summer theatre from March through July of this year.
MTG is winding up its greatest capital campaign ever to become a significant cultural force in the Monroe area and to ensure a future of quality family theatre for generations to come.
The campaign will provide $750,000 for a new professional performance theatre that can serve the community, even as a venue for dinner plays with food catered by local restaurants.
About 100 people attended MTG's dinner on Wednesday at St. Victor's gymnasium for the final campaign phase.
"We are off to a great start," Maliszewski said Thursday, before dashing off to play practice.
Maliszewski said major gifts, pledges and gifts-in-kind have been accumulating since August to create a significant portion of the total campaign fund. One gift-in-kind provides for part of the sound system, and another gift is a stock transfer.
Board members, committee members and campaign leaders pledged about $94,000 in August.
The Swiss Colony announced a challenge gift of up to $100,000, donating $25,000 each time pledges reach $150,000, $325,000, $500,000 and $725,000.
MTG purchased the "STAGE" building at 910 16th Ave. in 2007 for its permanent home and is creating a 100- to150-seat "black box" flexible theatre space. Renovations will include new walls, building facade, and heating and air conditioning equipment. The facility also will provide much needed storage and rehearsal space. The STAGE building has 25,000 square feet; 12,000 of which still is unfinished.
Once complete, the building will be rentable for meetings or social gatherings or corporate entertainment events, but its focus is theatre and performance using only the talent of the local area.
On Tuesday, Mayor Ron Marsh issued a proclamation in recognition of MTG as an important community arts organization, wishing it a successful campaign and continued success.
"We are thankful for the diverse range of productions the Monroe Theatre Guild is devoted to presenting in their new location near Monroe's Historic Square," he said.
In his statement, Marsh said citizens need to support MTG through their contributions of time and funds to ensure future growth of the arts in Monroe.
"Monroe's vibrant theatre community hinges on the presence of organizations like the Monroe Theatre Guild, which provide artists with the tools necessary to present their works on a stage," he added.
Call (608) 325-1111 to join the ranks in MTG's march to a permanent new home, or visit the Web site www.monroetheatre.com.
So many youths were practicing Tuesday night at the STAGE building that MTG capital campaign volunteers had to move to the public library to attend a training session.
Youth programs are skyrocketing with interest, and youth choir alone has doubled since spring, said MTG's Campaign Chairman Rick Maliszewski. About 190 children participated in workshops, classes, choir and summer theatre from March through July of this year.
MTG is winding up its greatest capital campaign ever to become a significant cultural force in the Monroe area and to ensure a future of quality family theatre for generations to come.
The campaign will provide $750,000 for a new professional performance theatre that can serve the community, even as a venue for dinner plays with food catered by local restaurants.
About 100 people attended MTG's dinner on Wednesday at St. Victor's gymnasium for the final campaign phase.
"We are off to a great start," Maliszewski said Thursday, before dashing off to play practice.
Maliszewski said major gifts, pledges and gifts-in-kind have been accumulating since August to create a significant portion of the total campaign fund. One gift-in-kind provides for part of the sound system, and another gift is a stock transfer.
Board members, committee members and campaign leaders pledged about $94,000 in August.
The Swiss Colony announced a challenge gift of up to $100,000, donating $25,000 each time pledges reach $150,000, $325,000, $500,000 and $725,000.
MTG purchased the "STAGE" building at 910 16th Ave. in 2007 for its permanent home and is creating a 100- to150-seat "black box" flexible theatre space. Renovations will include new walls, building facade, and heating and air conditioning equipment. The facility also will provide much needed storage and rehearsal space. The STAGE building has 25,000 square feet; 12,000 of which still is unfinished.
Once complete, the building will be rentable for meetings or social gatherings or corporate entertainment events, but its focus is theatre and performance using only the talent of the local area.
On Tuesday, Mayor Ron Marsh issued a proclamation in recognition of MTG as an important community arts organization, wishing it a successful campaign and continued success.
"We are thankful for the diverse range of productions the Monroe Theatre Guild is devoted to presenting in their new location near Monroe's Historic Square," he said.
In his statement, Marsh said citizens need to support MTG through their contributions of time and funds to ensure future growth of the arts in Monroe.
"Monroe's vibrant theatre community hinges on the presence of organizations like the Monroe Theatre Guild, which provide artists with the tools necessary to present their works on a stage," he added.
Call (608) 325-1111 to join the ranks in MTG's march to a permanent new home, or visit the Web site www.monroetheatre.com.