Mirrorbox Theatre Launches In New Direction
Since March of 2018, Mirrorbox Theatre has produced seven Iowa-premiere plays at CSPS Hall in the vibrant NewBo District of Cedar Rapids.
We've done plays in verse , plays based in Cedar Rapids, seen an aerobics teacher start a fight club , and seen a hipster come back from the dead. We love the stories that we bring to the stage!
In order to continue producing high quality contemporary theatre, Mirrorbox needs to become an independent not-for-profit.
Most theatres only get about 60% of their revenue from ticket sales. The rest is through donations, sponsorships, and grants.
Mirrorbox had a standing agreement with Legion Arts to be our fiscal sponsor, so we could raise money though them and offer tax-deductible benefits to donors. Unfortunately, the funds we raised, as well as some of our ticket sales have not been distributed to us. The largest donation was received 11 months ago.
That Legion Arts was unable to fulfill their part of our agreement has seriously inhibited our ability to raise further funds that support our productions, as well as our ability to bring in amazing outside artists who help raise the artistic level of our community. We are in the process of working to secure those funds from Legion Arts' new leaders, but we need funding now in order to keep producing.
We are looking for donations between now and October 22.
The funds will go toward establishing Mirrorbox Theatre as an official not-for-profit entity, as well as supporting the production costs for "Orange Julius," running November 14 - 16. Once we are an independent not-for-profit, we will begin planning a regular annual campaign and other fundraising activities to support our 2020 season - which will be far and away our largest yet!
The biggest expense for "Orange Julius" is also the most exciting one - Ellie Desautels, a groundbreaking star of NBC's show "Rise," is coming to Cedar Rapids to star this powerful and poignant tale of a transgender person caring for their dying father.
We are so grateful for your support, and grateful for the faith you show in what we bring to our community. You are part of celebrating diverse authors, inclusive stories, equitable performance opportunities, and the very best of contemporary theatre.
Every donation of $25 or more will be recognized in our programs and online for the remainder of the 2019 season, as well as the 2020 season.
Thank you so much for taking the time to consider a donation. Every great theatre city deserves a company devoted to producing new work, and Cedar Rapids is that great theatre city. We are honored to be here.
Sincerely,
Cavan Hallman
Artistic Director
Mirrorbox Theatre