I moved to the Staunton area in 2001. One reason I chose to move here instead of several other cities I was considering was the new theater that was then under construction--the Blackfriars Playhouse. It was to be the home of what was then called Shenandoah Shakespeare, now known as the American Shakespeare Center. The idea of year round rotating repertory just seemed too wonderful, and so I settled here and began to be a regular at the theater. The experience has only improved since then. The ASC and Blackfriars help make Staunton a special place.However, the economic downturn is especially painful for an arts organization already operating on a tight budget. Schools have less to spend on field trips, governments have less to spend on arts grants, corporations have less to spend on sponsorships, and individuals have less to spend on entertainment. As a result, ASC is hurting and has issued a plea for donations. See An Important Message About the Future of the ASC. They need to raise $250,000 by the end of January. I've made a donation and I'll do what else I can to help them reach that goal. I hope you will join me in making a contribution during January to ensure that the ASC, which is an underappreciated treasure right here in Staunton, will continue to thrive.
Buying tickets will help, too. The theater has FIVE great plays that will be opening over the next few weeks. Buy your tickets now and plan to see each of the shows at least once.
Staunton needs the ASC. Virginia needs the ASC. Please help.
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