NCShakes to Kick Off Fundraising Campaign with JACK, 10/25

The North Carolina Shakespeare Festival (NCShakes) has kicked off a special fundraising campaign to help the company return to full operation by the 2014-2015 fiscal year. Called 'Once More Unto the Breach,' the campaign embraces Henry V's famous exhortation to his troops to join once again in ardent battle in order to gain the victory.

"This campaign reaches out to those who have supported NCShakes over the years, as well as to many who have valued our mission but never made a contribution to help support our work," says Pedro Silva, who has been associated with the company for 28 years and now serves as its leader.

On July 30, due to financial challenges, NCShakes limited its operations for this fiscal year to programming that includes conducting its Shakespeare To Gostatewide spring tour, continuing its new youth theatre program, and offering camps, classes and seminars intended for teachers and students.

"Because of its programming over the past 36 years NCShakes has become one of the most recognized arts education resources in our state," says Ashley Hedgecock, NCShakes Board Chair. "We are re-shaping the company to sustain this brand. This will result in more educational programming for all grade levels statewide, and it will include NCShakes' high quality curriculum-based productions that will perform in High Point and then go on a new statewide tour.This fundraising effort is vital to our re-shaping the company for many more years of service to students and citizens."

With a goal set at more than $100,000, NCShakes hopes it can raise funds sufficient to help meet its budget needs this year and seed a return to full operation next year.

Those interested in contributing to the campaign may contact NCShakes at 336-841-2273 or visit its website at www.ncshakes.org.

In addition to the campaign, NCShakes will present two fundraising events:

The first intends to get folks in the Halloween spirit. Jack, a mesmerizing one-man show about Jack the Ripper, created by and featuring Michael Huie as the notorious serial murderer, will play twice on Friday, October 25 at NCShakes Spirit Center in High Point. Tickets are available by calling NCShakes at 336-841-2273.

The second is A Christmas Carol Unplugged, featuring many of the actors familiar to Carol fans over the years. The show will be presented in a Readers' Theatre format, with all of the production's beloved music, at the High Point Theatre on Friday, December 20, at 7:30 pm and Sunday, December 22, at 2:00 pm. Tickets will be available through the High Point Theatre Box Office at 336-887-3001 or www.highpointtheatre.com

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