Dear Friends,
While much of the world reopens as the pandemic improves, those of us who serve children will be the last arts organizations to see earned income return. Schools are not yet traveling to indoor theatre venues, and many venues remain closed to children. Pollyanna wants to welcome our child audience back when it is safe for them to be sitting in theatre seats next to their peers and traveling on school buses without the danger of contracting Covid. We're not there yet. So our income remains limited to what we can create online or what we can earn from the school audiences who are willing to host our actors on their campus. This means your gift is more important than ever.
While Covid kept us out of in-person rehearsal and performance, Pollyanna never stopped serving young audiences during 2021. Through a series of 8 original, interactive performances delivered online, the company kept actors, playwrights, and administrative staff receiving some income while serving over 4,000 children and their teachers and parents. That is an achievement we are proud to report. Gifts from last year’s Annual Fund made that possible. And your gift to this year’s fund remains crucial.
Currently, Pollyanna is touring into area schools and presenting in-classroom performances. Many teachers are eager to host us but also struggle with tight budgets. But, remaining true to our mission, Pollyanna is dedicated to serving at-risk schools that cannot afford our touring fee.
Our plan is to return to mainstage production in the late spring of 2022. We will be ready to perform when our audience is ready to return.
Pollyanna, like all theatre companies, will continue to experience the transformations that began in our organization during the pandemic, but our goal is the same as ever: to create original theatre for young children and engage in meaningful projects that support learning and social development among young people. This may result in fewer productions each season or delivering them in new spaces or outdoors. We will keep our patrons and supporters updated during the 2021-2022 season.
Please click here and give today or mail your donation to P. O. Box 302037, Austin, TX 78703. Your gift is deeply appreciated. As you know, Pollyanna Theatre is a 501(c)(3), nonprofit organization, so your gift is tax-deductible to the full extent of the law as no goods or services were exchanged for your donation. Please consult with your tax professional about how this may apply to your specific situation.
Sincere thanks,
Judy Matetzschk-Campbell, PhD
Producing Artistic Director