Theatre Nova Launches New Indiegogo Campaign

Theatre Nova, Ann Arbor's professional playwrights' theatre, launched its Indiegogo-based membership drive late Wednesday night (https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/theatre-nova-new-plays-new-voices/x/8766562), with the goal of rallying enough memberships to raise $15,000 to finish its fundraising effort to renovate The Yellow Barn, a 2,500 square foot space located at 416 West Huron, into a unique, 85-seat "micro-theatre" and launch its six show season in March. Just three days later, on Saturday morning, the group had already reached its 20% mark with over $3,000 in memberships and donations secured.

Artistic Director Carla Milarch is thrilled with the group's strong start. "I was nervous at first, because you never know how an Indiegogo campaign is going to go. But then a groundswell of support came in on Thursday that launched us well past $1,000 in just 12 hours. They say that successful campaigns raise the first 1/3 of contributions in the first 25% of their campaigns. We're not there yet, but we are well on our way!"

Like many Indiegogo campaigns, Theatre Nova's is both a sale and a fundraiser. Thanks to its unique membership-based admissions model, anyone making a campaign contribution of $75 or more receives an annual membership good for admission to all of the shows in the 2015 season (six in all) as a "perk". Special levels above and below the $75 level offer fun and unusual perks like handmade Theatre Nova confetti, an autographed photo from Cooper Barnes (star of Nickelodeon's "Henry Danger"), a custom-written song by Ann Arbor based composer R. MacKenzie Lewis, live dedications from the stage before performances, as well as handmade items from local Etsy artisans Lynn Fiorentino and ChicalooKate (in addition to tickets and memberships to Theatre Nova.)

Funds raised through the effort will support the installation of two (2) ADA compliant bathrooms in the space, provide lumber and supplies to install the portable seating units, which will allow the space to convert from a theater to an open space for dancing and music events. In addition, lighting and sound equipment, curtains, and backstage furniture will be purchased. Funds will also support production costs of the group's inaugural production "Buyer & Cellar" which opens on March 6. Two stretch goals of paying the Directors and Designers and securing Equity contracts provide the incentive for the campaign to exceed its target.

The campaign can be viewed at: https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/theatre-nova-new-plays-new-voices/x/8766562