When Bradford Little Theatre stages a larger production or musical at a bigger venue, it takes upfront money to purchase everything from scripts to props.
A large production that BLT plans to stage next season, “Frozen Jr.” is an example of a show that will need extra funds to get off the ground, which are hoped to be raised through a fundraiser at the end of this month.
Kristin Asinger, president of BLT, said the fundraiser will be held from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. April 27 at the Bradford Club on Boylston Street in downtown Bradford. The fundraiser, which is the first such event conducted by the non-profit theater company in a number of years, will include raffles, silent and live auctions, food and a comedy improv show in the style of “Whose Line is it Anyway?”
Admission is $20 and includes food and entertainment. Tickets may be purchased at the door, the Bradford Club, Graham’s Florist and Togi’s Restaurant.
“We’re going into our next patron and sponsor drive in May, but in order to begin advertising for our shows for next year, by law you don’t have the rights (to a show) until you pay for it,” Asinger explained. “So starting this year, we need to have a big fundraiser about this time of year.”
She said the funds will be used to produce “Frozen Jr.,” which is a condensed, one-act version of the hit Disney Broadway musical “Frozen.”
She said fundraisers, such as the upcoming one, are needed for BLT to produce named shows, as well as give local talent the opportunity to participate in these types of performances.
“I think what a lot of people don’t see when they come to the shows is the behind-the-scenes personal growth for every single person on that stage,” Asinger shared. “To me, community theater is such a beautiful thing, with those relationships that form — that’s why I do it.”
She said the funds raised from the community are critical for staging bigger musicals. For example, the costs involved in producing a named show and paying for the rights to use the music can run approximately $3,000 to $4,500.
Asinger said Frozen Jr. will include more than 30 local actors ages 18 years and younger.
“There will be many special effects and amazing costumes,” she continued. “We are working hard to ensure we have the money to do these shows right as well as to cover our overhead expenses.”
In comparison, smaller plays without music cost approximately $80 per show to produce and are much more cost-friendly.
“So when we do a big musical, it’s only one a year,” she added. “And because of that, we can’t rely on ticket sales alone — we look for our businesses in the area to become sponsors. And whatever our patrons are able to give. We appreciate every bit.”
On a final note, Asinger said people who would like to donate items for the live and silent auction or raffle gifts, which are still needed for the fundraiser, may contact her at (814) 598-8127.
