Move RuBarb Productions & School

Moose Jaw's professional theatre company and school of performing arts NEEDS YOUR HELP to move to a new space. #RuBarbFamily

I am Evie Koop Sawatzky, a teacher,  Artistic Director, volunteer, actor, and advocate for the arts. 
I believe culture, theatre and music make a community vibrant and strong. 
I am honoured to serve Moose Jaw through RuBarb Productions and at the RuBarb School of Performing Arts. 
I have created this fundraiser to assist RuBarb Productions in the costs associated with an unbudgeted organizational move and increase in rent.

On May 28, 2018, the Moose Jaw Cultural Centre took their proposed renegotiated lease off the table and informed us that RuBarb must move our operations (Box Office, Rehearsal Rooms, Props & Sets) out of the building by June 30th. 

The money raised by this "Go Fund Me" campaign will help RuBarb Productions to continue offering uninterrupted  services during our busiest time of year (June - September) by assisting with:
*Moving costs (Information will be updated when we find a space to move into and discover the renovations needed to make the new space usable for group musical theatre, acting and dance classes, private voice, violin, guitar, piano, bass lessons, costume and prop storage, Box Office ticket sales as well as professional rehearsals.) Renting moving trucks, changing phone lines, setting up internet, street signage, damage deposit and potentially flooring. We will move spaces using volunteers and complete as many renovations as possible on our own to keep costs down. 
*The RuBarb website and advertising materials will need to be updated, printed and distributed.

Please also purchase your tickets for our upcoming shows. Advance ticket sales assist charities greatly when unexpected expenses occur.
-Lion King Jr & Aristocats Kids (June 7-9)
-RuBarb TheatreFest 2018 including: Mary Poppins, Sunshine Sketches of a Little Town, Yellow Brick Road, Opera in the Park, Broadway in the Park, Summer Theatre Camps (July 27-Aug 19)
-Registering for Fall 2018 group & private lessons at the RuBarb School of Performing Arts. 

Donations, ticket purchases and volunteer time are all welcome and much appreciated. 

If you require a TAX RECEIPT please make your donation through the RuBarb Box Office (306) [phone redacted] or online at www.rubarb.ca.
All donations received through the RuBarb Box Office will be added into this "Go Fund Me" page total. 

RuBarb is transparent and exists to serve the people and guests of Moose Jaw and area. 


Some background:
RuBarb Productions Inc. is a registered charity and non profit organization serving Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan and area through professional theatre and arts education (Music, Dance, Theatre and Arts).
RuBarb is a full member of the Professional Association of Canadian Theatres, SaskCulture, Tourism Moose Jaw, Tourism Saskatchewan, Moose Jaw Downtown Revitalization Commitee and the Saskatchewan Association of Theatre Professionals.

July 2006 - RuBarb rented the Mae Wilson Theatre for our first production - Phantom. Since then, we have produced more than 35 productions (plays, musicals and concerts) at the Mae Wilson Theatre with artists from across North America and 5 full seasons of professional theatre.

September 2014 - RuBarb opened the year-round RuBarb School of Performing Arts to build confidence and excellence in the next generation of arts patrons and artists. 

May 2017 - RuBarb signed a 5 year tenancy lease with the Moose Jaw Cultural Centre and was pleased to contribute our monthly tenancy money to their mission. RuBarb also invests $15,000 in unbudgeted moving costs to move into and improve the lower level of the Moose Jaw Cultural Centre.
 
June 2017 - RuBarb was informed that we had 12 months to renegotiate the lease or move. 

On May 28, 2018, the Moose Jaw Cultural Centre took their proposed renegotiated lease off the table and informed us that RuBarb must move our operations (Box Office, Rehearsal Rooms, Props & Sets) out of the building by June 30th.

RuBarb does not receive federal or provincial core/operational funding yet as it is still a new professional theatre and is in a vulnerable position due to this unexpected loss in the 11th hour of negotiations.