Oh, The Places You’ll Go!

Tuesday, October 19, 2010 in Issaquah at the Francis J. Gaudette Theatre.
Tuesday, November 9, 2010 in Everett at the Everett Performing Arts Center.

For the first time ever, Village Theatre will host TWO Youth Education Luncheons, one in each of its outstanding theatres, and we want to celebrate with you! Join us and over 400 parents and community leaders who are dedicated to supporting Village Theatre’s unique youth education programs through the act of giving. What is the Youth Education Luncheon, you may ask? These events raise important funds that directly impact our highly-acclaimed youth education programs—KIDSTAGE and Pied Piper.

KIDSTAGE -- Skills for Theatre....Skills for Life
KIDSTAGE is uniquely designed to use theatre to build critical life skills in each participant. In KIDSTAGE classes and rehearsals, our techniques encourage creativity, collaboration, problem solving, concentration, public speaking, and a strong work ethic. While some students are on a path to Broadway, all students are improving their futures and increasing self-confidence through involvement in KIDSTAGE and our Teen Apprentice Program.

PIED PIPER
Theatre strongly believes that an introduction to the performing arts is an essential part of the social and cultural development of young people, and yet, access to arts education in schools is at its lowest point in decades. Pied Piper “Brings Literature To Life” and is an educational theatre program offering a wide range of performing arts, diversity in ethnicity, nationality, esthetic approach and subject matter that support Washington State’s educational curriculum. Given the ever-tightening budgets for arts and the ever-growing need for supplementary arts curriculum in our schools everywhere, Village Theatre provides schools with essential elements of their curriculum and a much-needed extension of classroom learning.

Each year we receive far more requests for scholarship support than can be funded, as many students from low-income families are only afforded the opportunity to participate in performing arts activities through their school. Scholarships ensure these opportunities are available to ALL children, and your gifts support this effort.

The Goals of the Luncheons

• To raise $100,000 in contributed funds that will support Village Theatre’s youth education programming.
• To highlight the contributions of our corporate sponsors and celebrate the important role of corporate philanthropy in our community.
• To give attendees an inside look at what is special about our Youth Education programs.

The Experience
At the luncheons, current and prior students will demonstrate for you how their lives have been positively affected by participating in Village Theatre’s unique programs. The events will be lead by emcee extraordinaire, Dave Ross, and guests will enjoy a delectable lunch, heart-warming entertainment, inspired presentations, friendship, and more between 12-1:00 PM in both locations; suggested minimum donation of $125.

Dave Ross, Emcee
Dave Ross is the host of News Talk 97.3 KIRO FM. Dave joined KIRO Radio in 1978 as a news anchor. He started hosting his own talk show in 1987, and began a daily commentary on the CBS Radio Network in 1993. He also substitutes regularly for Charles Osgood on "The Osgood File." Dave has regularly taken his show into the field. In 2004 he broadcast from the balcony of the Mansour Hotel in Baghdad; listeners could hear the gunfire that would occasionally break out across the Tigris River. In 2003, Dave broadcast from Doha, Qatar, headquarters of US Central Command. Dave's other love is Gilbert & Sullivan and you'll find him most summers playing the comic baritone in the Seattle Gilbert & Sullivan Society's summer productions at Seattle Center, most recently in the title role of the 2007 production of "Princess Ida."

Event Leadership Opportunities
At the Youth Education Luncheons, becoming a Seat Captain takes on a whole new meaning! By committing to this role, you are simply acknowledging that you will invite and confirm as many folks you know would have an interest, as possible. There is no minimum to meet, not table to fill. You can be a group of five if you’d like!

As a Seat Captain, you are filling an incredibly important role as an ambassador to Village Theatre’s youth education programs. We are endlessly grateful for your support, and as such we offer ours in return. We will happily provide you with sample invite emails, and serve as a constant resource for you and your guests, and naturally you will have priority seating at the event.

For more information about event leadership opportunities, please contact Jessica Wright at (425) 392-1942 x151.

Event Sponsorship Opportunties
Sponsoring the Youth Education Luncheon grants you access to a dynamic group of men and women who are professionals, community leaders, and discerning consumers. Sponsorship is unique and powerful business move that combines strategic marking with the ability to give opportunities to local children. Increase your visibility! Your sponsorship is leveraged by covering the cost of the event so that every individual donation made by luncheon attendees can go directly to our programs.

There are several sponsorship levels to consider. Contact Jessica Wright at
(425) 392-1942 x151 or jwright@villagetheatre.org for more information.