Keep The Lights On at IBSEN COSTUME GALLERY
Donation protected
Anyone who's ever worn a Dwayne Ibsen costume or been part of an Ibsen production knows they're in something pretty special. Something rare, something unique, something handmade and full of love.
Dwayne has directed over 400 shows.
Costumed over 3,000 productions.
Created over 15,000 costumes.
Touched an innumerable amount of lives.
Ibsen Costume Gallery is coming up on its 40th year of business, and with a goal of being completely transparent, as I write through tears, we need your help to make it there. It's taking all of my courage, and swallowing my pride, to say that the financial strain on our business caused by COVID-19 could soon close our doors.
Whether you've been an Ibsen customer, performer, student, employee, friend, or family, please consider helping us keep this special place alive by making a donation, and by sharing this go fund me page.
My dad has instilled many things in me and so many others - a great appreciation for the arts, the joy of performing, a way of fostering relationships and appreciating the differences in all people. He is a wonderful director, and expects nothing but the best from his casts, because he knows the potential is there.
He works tirelessly on his business, to provide the very best for local theaters, high schools, and colleges. He creates invaluable relationships with directors and teachers and has been a big influence on many students and performers over the past 50+ years in the Omaha area.
LOVE SONG, Omaha North High School
Dwayne was a high school Drama and English teacher for 18 years at Omaha North High school before opening his own business, his first baby, Ibsen Costume Gallery. Many of his former students have become second family. To say my Dad had a positive influence on his students would be a large understatement. He provided opportunities to his kids over those 18 years that sparked appreciation for art and literature that many have never forgotten. He was the teacher you wanted to have.
DRACULA, Norton Theater
In 1981, he left North High to open the costume shop. A dream that began after many years of creating and accumulating costumes for shows at school and at the Norton Theater, which he also assisted in bringing to life. The business flourished and grew to the point of moving to our current home at 4981 Hamilton.
42ND STREET, Lincoln Southwest High School
HELLO DOLLY, B&D Productions at Chanticleer Theater
Our main source of income is the costuming and rentals for theatrical productions at high schools, colleges, and community theaters around the metro area and beyond. During a great season we could be working on 10 different shows at a time. Unfortunately, this simply has not happened this year.
The shows that were rented out were unable to be performed. We still have full racks of costumes sitting in theaters and schools that have been closed since March. We had a show returned last week, costumes never even worn.
Every single show we costumed, or was on our schedule, was canceled.
It didn't feel right to ask for payment from many of these schools, who were struggling just as we were, that never even got to use the costumes. Therefore, there is virtually no money coming in.
BEAUTY & THE BEAST, B&D Productions at Chanticleer Theater
We truly do not know when business will return for us, and it's becoming difficult to stay afloat.
Our average monthly expenses total around $9,500.
We are asking for help to make it through the remainder of 2020, and hopefully into a Spring season full of wonderful theatrical productions.
We think this will take a minimum of $50,000, our goal, to keep the lights on until business returns to usual.
Ibsen Costume Gallery is not only my second home, my safe place, my joy, it is my father's life's creation and livelihood.
To see it disappear would quite simply break my heart.
It would be a significant loss to our theatrical and small business community.
And with that, I am asking:
If my Dad has been an influence on you.
If you have been in an Ibsen directed show that brought you joy.
If you want to continue to come in to rent a costume, order stage makeup, or simply say hello.
If you have it to spare, we could really use your help. Any donation will help. Please also share this page with your theater family and friends.
From my heart of hearts, and with all my love and gratitude,
Ariel Ibsen. Proud Daughter of Dwayne.
#SaveIbsens
#SmallBusinessRelief
Dwayne has directed over 400 shows.
Costumed over 3,000 productions.
Created over 15,000 costumes.
Touched an innumerable amount of lives.
Ibsen Costume Gallery is coming up on its 40th year of business, and with a goal of being completely transparent, as I write through tears, we need your help to make it there. It's taking all of my courage, and swallowing my pride, to say that the financial strain on our business caused by COVID-19 could soon close our doors.
Whether you've been an Ibsen customer, performer, student, employee, friend, or family, please consider helping us keep this special place alive by making a donation, and by sharing this go fund me page.
My dad has instilled many things in me and so many others - a great appreciation for the arts, the joy of performing, a way of fostering relationships and appreciating the differences in all people. He is a wonderful director, and expects nothing but the best from his casts, because he knows the potential is there.
He works tirelessly on his business, to provide the very best for local theaters, high schools, and colleges. He creates invaluable relationships with directors and teachers and has been a big influence on many students and performers over the past 50+ years in the Omaha area.
LOVE SONG, Omaha North High SchoolDwayne was a high school Drama and English teacher for 18 years at Omaha North High school before opening his own business, his first baby, Ibsen Costume Gallery. Many of his former students have become second family. To say my Dad had a positive influence on his students would be a large understatement. He provided opportunities to his kids over those 18 years that sparked appreciation for art and literature that many have never forgotten. He was the teacher you wanted to have.
DRACULA, Norton TheaterIn 1981, he left North High to open the costume shop. A dream that began after many years of creating and accumulating costumes for shows at school and at the Norton Theater, which he also assisted in bringing to life. The business flourished and grew to the point of moving to our current home at 4981 Hamilton.
42ND STREET, Lincoln Southwest High SchoolHELLO DOLLY, B&D Productions at Chanticleer TheaterOur main source of income is the costuming and rentals for theatrical productions at high schools, colleges, and community theaters around the metro area and beyond. During a great season we could be working on 10 different shows at a time. Unfortunately, this simply has not happened this year.
The shows that were rented out were unable to be performed. We still have full racks of costumes sitting in theaters and schools that have been closed since March. We had a show returned last week, costumes never even worn.
Every single show we costumed, or was on our schedule, was canceled.
It didn't feel right to ask for payment from many of these schools, who were struggling just as we were, that never even got to use the costumes. Therefore, there is virtually no money coming in.
BEAUTY & THE BEAST, B&D Productions at Chanticleer TheaterWe truly do not know when business will return for us, and it's becoming difficult to stay afloat.
Our average monthly expenses total around $9,500.
We are asking for help to make it through the remainder of 2020, and hopefully into a Spring season full of wonderful theatrical productions.
We think this will take a minimum of $50,000, our goal, to keep the lights on until business returns to usual.
Ibsen Costume Gallery is not only my second home, my safe place, my joy, it is my father's life's creation and livelihood.
To see it disappear would quite simply break my heart.
It would be a significant loss to our theatrical and small business community.
And with that, I am asking:
If my Dad has been an influence on you.
If you have been in an Ibsen directed show that brought you joy.
If you want to continue to come in to rent a costume, order stage makeup, or simply say hello.
If you have it to spare, we could really use your help. Any donation will help. Please also share this page with your theater family and friends.
From my heart of hearts, and with all my love and gratitude,
Ariel Ibsen. Proud Daughter of Dwayne.
#SaveIbsens
#SmallBusinessRelief
Fundraising team: Ibsen Fundraising Team (20)
Ariel Ibsen
Organizer
Omaha, NE
Dwayne Ibsen
Beneficiary
Allie Mulberry
Team member
Amanda Biller
Team member
Amy Lillethorup
Team member
Connie Lee
Team member