Operation Face-Lift: The Final Phase
The Capital Campaign for the Sketch Club Renovation Sketch Club Players is the oldest, continuously performing group in South Jersey and nearly self-sufficient having paid 75% of the theatre’s recent upgrades through ticket sales– a cost of $30,000. But those upgrades are only the beginning in the renovation of a building nearly 120 years old.
The members of SCP want to continue the tradition of providing quality community entertainment, but in order to do that there are non-negotiable renovations that need to be done to improve the quality of the venue. Once these have been accomplished, the Sketch Club can enhance its reputation for attracting quality volunteers and organizations and thereby better serve its patrons.
Urgent Renovations
Handicap Accessibility: To date, SCP is limited in those it can serve because patrons with certain disabilities are unable to access the building or once inside the building they have difficulty accessing the restroom facilities.
Central Air Conditioning: To date, SCP has wall units located in the seating area of the theatre and the club room, but in the July heat of 97 degrees they provide little comfort.
Exterior Wall Repair: To date, SCP has made cosmetic repairs, but major repairs need to be undertaken to ensure the theatre’s future structural stability.
Capital Campaign
In answer to the needs of SCP, the Capital Campaign was formed. This campaign wasn’t instituted for every day needs of the theatre, but for an expenditure beyond SCP means. The committee’s purpose is to secure funding through grants, corporate partnership, patron sponsorship and fundraisers. The goal of the committee and SCP is to have the funding in place and a completed project in time for the theatres 75th season in the fall of 2008.
What We Do
Sketch Club is an intimate theatre seating approximately 95 patrons, but that doesn’t stop SCP from producing nearly 15 musical and non-musical shows annually. These include 6 to 7 mainstage productions and more than 6 interactive children’s shows for ages 4 to 12. In addition, SCP holds a workshop for children ages 4 to 7 that is concluded with a performance and a children’s summer camp that will include their performance of You’re A Good Man Charlie Brown in July and an August performance of Seussical the Musical. Sketch Club also opens its doors to the community in support of other local artists and organizations. These efforts include but are not limited to those mentioned below:
Donating show tickets to senior groups and other non profit organizations.
Serving as a venue for local film festivals, Mexican and Venezuelan folk dancing, Night of Illusion and Magic, among others.
Donating the use of the building and grounds to the City of Woodbury endorsed events.
Opening the facilities to other theatre groups for performances; acting, auditioning, directing and production classes.
Supporting local artists by showcasing a different artist and displaying their pieces at each production.
What You Can Do
There are many ways to help Sketch Club, Inc. further its endeavors and SCP values any and all aid it receives.First and foremost, SCP needs volunteers for the Capital Campaign. The theatre needs people to help raise funds and spread the word in promotion of the theatre’s efforts. Additional efforts can be made in the areas of:
Contacting your employer or corporate donation officer about a company contribution.
Contacting the donation coordinator in the church or association in which you belong to make a contribution.
Telling your friends, relatives, and neighbors about making a tax deductible donation to a worthwhile cause.
Forwarding any funding leads or ideas to the Capital Campaign committee.
If you or someone you know is interested in supporting Sketch Club’s capital campaign, Operation Facelift: The Final Phase, please contact the club for information regarding how and where you can make your donation. We have designed sponsor levels specifically for the capital campaign that offer a variety of benefits to the donor. These benefits include but are not limited to season tickets, invitations to sponsor only events, recognition in printed and electronic publications, and a recognition plaque. Keep in mind you don’t have to fit into a sponsoring category in order to make a difference with your donation. All forms of generosity are accepted, acknowledged, and greatly appreciated! For more information or if you have any questions please contact info@sketchclubplayers.org or 856-848-8089.
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