OUR MISSION STATEMENT: Stepping Stone Theater is a non-profit theater program created to celebrate and amplify the creative voices of BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, persons of disabilities, women, and non-POC allies of all ages. We provide affordable and accessible theater programs with a focus on community. OUR CORE VALUES:  Artistic Excellence, Community, Diversity, Integrity, and Respect OUR CAMPAIGN: We want to make our dream a reality! For years, the accessibility for education and opportunities of improvisation and sketch comedy have been limited. While culture has evolved, this artform and its available programs have a long way to go. By bringing more color to comedy and comedy to communities missing out on this impactful artform, we will have a positive impact on the comedy community as a whole.  Our Mission &amp; Core Values ensure accountability and provide full transparency. It’s important that we do our part to introduce and educate the next and more inclusive generation of comedic talent. <img src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/55530736_1616621413827641_r.jpeg" alt="55530736_1616621413827641_r.jpeg" width="100%" media_type="3" /> Your donations will help us kick-start community programs and training, as well as the process of building a physical space for theater.  Our ultimate goal is to create a space with two performance stages, classroom/rehearsal spaces, and a bar and coffee shop.  As a not for profit, this theater would be supported by its donor base, so we want to make sure it is a place where you can work, hang with friends, or just sit back and relax. We want to prioritize programming with your donations and that starts with the 10,000 Hours Program.  10,000 Hours was created by Julia Morales in 2011 for improv students who seek to build their improv skills without breaking their budget. Practice sessions are led by volunteer coaches who help give guidance and feedback to students.  This is just one of many ways that we'll be giving back to our community. Our organization differs from prior comedic institutions in Chicago with details such as: * An Afro-Latina Woman Founder &amp; Artistic Director * A diverse and inclusive faculty and staff * A curriculum with foundation courses taken all at once, exposing students to multiple comedy artforms and mitigating the need for students to constantly pay for beginning classes in each one  * Outreach programming dedicated to educational training and opportunities throughout the Chicago area * A foundation built to create as many opportunities as possible to encourage artistic excellence; i.e. practice sessions through the 10,000 Hours program, open mics and jams for performers, workshops, onsite and offsite classes, mentorship programs, etc. WHERE WILL YOUR DONATIONS GO:  <img src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/55530736_1616976880798680_r.jpeg" alt="55530736_1616976880798680_r.jpeg" width="100%" media_type="3" /> Stepping Stone Theater is a 501(c)3 organization, and any contribution is tax-deductible.  WHY IS THIS SO IMPORTANT? "An improv theater dedicated to seeking diverse talent through outreach programming is not only unique but a vast need in the Chicago community. The art of improv has not only helped me with finding my voice; it has also been incredibly therapeutic and validating because I was given the platform to express myself through my art. I want everyone to have access to the same opportunities." -- Julia Morales, Founder &amp; Artistic Director of Stepping Stone Theater THANK YOU We must thank our marketing partner, Wonderstruct, and all their associate collaborators that have helped us.  “Wonderstruct is a technical writing, research, design, and marketing firm focused on the built environment.”  This company has guided us by organizing our ideas, giving us valuable insight on design &amp; marketing, as well as just being personable people.  They’ve listened and assisted us in so many ways that we’re truly grateful to have them on this journey with us.  You can learn more about them here: <a href="https://www.wonderstruct.co/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Wonderstruct Website</a>  We must also acknowledge all the other comedic institutions that have provided us the experiences &amp; opportunities to understand what this artform can be.  We look to further our relationship &amp; collaborate with you in the future.  And of course, all our friends &amp; family for supporting this huge endeavor.  WE GOT’YER BACK! If you can only donate a few bucks, we truly appreciate it!  And if nothing further, we'd love if you'd be able to just SHARE this GoFundMe campaign.  For more information or to read our full proposal, please see our website: <a href="https://www.steppingstonechicago.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Stepping Stone Theater</a>     Be sure to use #steppingstonechicago so we can find you on social media! Stay Updated! Follow Us! Twitter:  <a href="https://twitter.com/BIPOCcomedy"><a href="https://twitter.com/BIPOCcomedy" target="_blank" class="" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">https://twitter.com/BIPOCcomedy</a></a>   Instagram:  <a href="http://www.instagram.com/steppingstonecomedy">www.instagram.com/steppingstonecomedy</a>   Facebook:  <a href="http://www.facebook.com/steppingstonecomedy">www.facebook.com/steppingstonecomedy</a>

Dawn Womack

Sean Page

James Rich

Anonymous

Karen Lyu

Jerry Gaudet

GoFundMe Team

Pearl Paramadilok

Rory Furey-King

Michelle Aldridge

Adam Pasulka

Joanna Bak

dillon cassidy

Claire Noone

Jon Monteverde

Tyler Garamella

Louie Cordon

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Help Build Stepping Stone Theater

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