Saving the Magic Theatre isn't just about retaining one of San Francisco's most valuable historic landmarks and cultural institutions--it's about saving modern theater itself. For 42 years the Magic Theatre has stood for what's new, ground-breaking, and yes, magical, about the stage and its stories, about the possibility behind the curtain.
The theatre's impact isn't just on the Bay Area. It extends into the national theater community and beyond. The Magic has acted as a haven for playwrights that rose to the forefront of the artistic world: Sam Shepard, Nilo Cruz, and Paula Vogel are among the four Pulitzer prize winners whose voices came to life here. The Magic Theatre is one of the places that makes San Francisco a cultural destination rivaling cities like New York and Chicago.
Now, due to the economic turbulence wreaking havoc across the world, the Magic might be forced to cancel the rest of its current season and close its doors for good. In order to continue with their current season, stop a staff shutdown, and keep on the right side of creditors, the Magic needs to raise $350,000 by January 9th--this upcoming Friday. The Magic has always prized artistic risk over money-making, and their admirable, barrier-breaking history proves just how much that choice has influenced contemporary theater. Beyond all this, the Magic employs over 200 artists annually and changes the lives of countless audience members with every performance. If we allow the Magic to shut its doors, we're turning our back on the artists that make the Bay Area such a vibrant place.
Financial losses have hammered the Magic, and this 43rd year might be the theatre's far too early end. The theatre has already enacted drastic budget cutbacks and begun a rigorous campaign to increase revenue despite the recession. This season is the inaugural year with new artistic director Loretta Greco, and the first two shows under her leadership, The K of D: An Urban Legend and Evie's Waltz, won much critical praise. Loretta Greco and the rest of the staff have been working without pay since December 19th.
The rest of the season promises to be equally stunning, featuring new works by some of the most talented and creative writers around. Without the Magic, it's hard to imagine work by luminaries like Theresa Rebeck (Mauritius, slated to run April 18-May 21) or Craig Wright (Mistakes were Made, May 23-June 21) finding a suitable space to run in the Bay Area. Especially since three major Bay Area theaters have either closed on or been on the brink of closing in the last month. Shakespeare Santa Cruz was in a similar plight back in December, but thanks to over $400,000 in pledges that theater will make it through another season.
The season has four plays left, and without our help these plays might never see an audience in the Bay Area. In a recent San Francisco Chronicle article, Loretta Greco says, "This $350,000 appeal, the third prong, is more grassroots. We're sending it to our colleagues and friends here and around the country. We've raised about $170,000 so far, and no gift is too small. That's where we are. We've got to get back in rehearsal."
You can help. No donation is too small. To contribute to the Magic Theatre and help keep its doors open CLICK HERE. Help us save the Magic and everything it stands for!
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