What started as a spark (see what I did there?) around a firepit last summer is finally here! We are so excited to begin work with emerging artists, directors, and actors here in the Cedar Valley.
Now, to the biggest question in my mind: How the heck did we get here?
This past summer we had a series of play readings around a firepit, to hear plays aloud and have intriguing discussions about the works. The plays we read weren't being produced in the area; the plays are by new and emerging playwrights, women, people of color, and typically featured smaller casts. They were also about topics of humanity we don't normally see in the theatres in the Cedar Valley. "How cool would it be," we thought, "if we could start something bigger than a backyard gathering? What if we could start a company that invited our artists in the Cedar Valley to try something new, and produce plays we aren't seeing produced, but need to be?"
We looked at each other, we laughed, we had another drink. But we kept that idea in the back of our minds. At the end of the summer, it took on a more serious role in our brains. We could do it. Could we do it? We could do it.
Alan, Anita, Jakob, and I got together to lay out the logistics. We'd want to be a professional company; we already had two community theatres in the area. This would also provide flexibility in the future to pay artists and build resumes; one of our goals is to be a fully funded, resident theatre company. We're also working on our 501(c)3 status, to make us a not-for-profit company, adding more flexibility and stability to the company and our sponsors and partners. We created RFT with the idea that it would be like a store-front theatre: something that has a specific type of work, is engaging the community, and working with artists of all ages and training. We want to expand the theatre that's already happening in the area.
Henry Edsill helped us file the paperwork with the state and make sure our company name was available. Henry, we can never thank you enough.
We drafted our Articles of Incorporation, our by-laws, and made sure we were ready to be recognized as a full-fledged theatre company. Of course, these meetings were more detailed, but I really don't think I need to get into those long hours of Alan droning on, reading-out loud- every page of the by-laws to us and leading a not-so-hearty-discussion.
We divided up the roles: Anita will be our Executive Director, Robin will be the Artistic Director (wait, what?).
Alan will be President of the Board of Directors; Jakob, Vice President; Anita, Secretary; Robin, Treasurer (wait. WHAT.).
*And, we'll all help with social media and be active in campaigning and the productions. Oh, and write one blog a month. (I can handle that. I'll even go first!)
We decided to keep it simple: RFT will entertain, inspire, and challenge our audiences and artists by producing plays not staged by existing theatres in the area. Plays produced, whether by classical or contemporary well-known and award winning playwrights, or by new vital voices needing to be heard, will highlight and explore the issues of modern society.
That truly is our goal. We want to spark conversations with our artists and audiences, and work with shows that are real, visceral creations and responses to our world. This company isn't just for us; it's for every artist and person in the area looking for a challenge, or for a new project to work on that goes a little deeper than a comedic play or a fan favorite musical. Now, that's not to say we won't ever do those shows, but we are exploring the world through plays that connect us to each other in ways that we might not consider.
As we continue to build and grow, we welcome new play suggestions and ideas to consider for future seasons. Our fundraising efforts will be ongoing, and we are looking for partners and sponsors to be a part of our fun. There's more information available on our Indiegogo page, and on the 'Support' page of the website.
I'll wrap this up by leaving you with this: I am so, SO excited for this. We've got a great season lined up, and we've got ideas for the next one. Members of the community have already reached out and shared their excitement as well. I can't wait to see what great theatre we're going to create together.
Reach out to us at risingfiretheatre@gmail.com with comments, questions, suggestions, and resumes. We're always looking for directors, designers, and actors!
Welcome to the backyard! Pull up a chair and get comfy. Here we go!
Robin Kime
-Artistic Director, RFT
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