[usual] Suspects Fund Raiser
Donation protected
[usual] Suspects is a local theater company embarking on our third season of productions and performances. We began as a troupe of people interested in diversifying the theatrical offerings in Rockford, specifically focused on developing an affordable and local theatrical presence in the downtown area, with the mission to provoke and challenge thought through the lens of art. Because we were driven to add to and participate in Rockford’s Downtown culture, we have consistently rented space through the Rockford Public Library at the Nordlof Center.
After two seasons of productions, The Rockford Public Library and [usual] Suspects worked together to create an Artist in Residency contract beginning with the calendar year of 2018. This residency program provides [usual] Suspects with a home, increased access to the Nordlof Center, and storage space for our sets and supplies, all for a set fee. Now, operating with this residency contract, we are able to streamline our production time and costs, and increase the number of our productions per season. Partnering with the Rockford Public Library has given our theater company a home, and the ability to continue offering access to live performances at a low and affordable price point.
Our third season has presented itself with opportunities to change and grow as a company: We have restructured as a business, legally designating two official production directors, Jason Edlén and Bob Reaven-Edlén. We have officially paired with the Rockford Public Library in order to collaborate in providing affordable access to live theater and artistic performances. We are also expanding our season from three shows, as in the past, to at least four shows in the 2018 season, with room for additional offerings. As we look forward to the opportunities that the residency program has offered us, we are exploring potential growth avenues. Potentially offering workshops and educational access to the creative community, and adding more shows are just a few ideas to start with. The residency program provides access to a space for performances and now rehearsal and construction space for a set fee. Our new business plan now focuses on two areas: the individual production costs and the residency fee. We plan to continue self-funding our production costs through sales. However, we are targeting the residency fee through fundraising efforts. Our plan is to fund the residency costs through grants, sponsorships, and donations.
After two seasons of productions, The Rockford Public Library and [usual] Suspects worked together to create an Artist in Residency contract beginning with the calendar year of 2018. This residency program provides [usual] Suspects with a home, increased access to the Nordlof Center, and storage space for our sets and supplies, all for a set fee. Now, operating with this residency contract, we are able to streamline our production time and costs, and increase the number of our productions per season. Partnering with the Rockford Public Library has given our theater company a home, and the ability to continue offering access to live performances at a low and affordable price point.
Our third season has presented itself with opportunities to change and grow as a company: We have restructured as a business, legally designating two official production directors, Jason Edlén and Bob Reaven-Edlén. We have officially paired with the Rockford Public Library in order to collaborate in providing affordable access to live theater and artistic performances. We are also expanding our season from three shows, as in the past, to at least four shows in the 2018 season, with room for additional offerings. As we look forward to the opportunities that the residency program has offered us, we are exploring potential growth avenues. Potentially offering workshops and educational access to the creative community, and adding more shows are just a few ideas to start with. The residency program provides access to a space for performances and now rehearsal and construction space for a set fee. Our new business plan now focuses on two areas: the individual production costs and the residency fee. We plan to continue self-funding our production costs through sales. However, we are targeting the residency fee through fundraising efforts. Our plan is to fund the residency costs through grants, sponsorships, and donations.
Organizer
Charlie Rasmann
Organizer
Rockford, IL
