Happy Birthday Darin!

Dear Friend,
 
It’s truly hard to believe I turned 50 on March 13th, because I feel as if my journey on this planet is just getting started. As you know, I’ve spent the past two years putting my biggest, boldest dream into motion – the nonprofit American Theater for Puppetry Arts (ATFPA).
 
I have long believed the possibilities puppet-centric theater provide both artists and audiences are limitless. When trained puppeteers skillfully breathe life into their puppet actors, audiences are transported to a world where anything is possible – where imagination takes flight and time, space, scale and reality no longer matter. Most importantly, puppetry requires its audiences to embrace their imaginations and believe in the theatrical experience from beginning to end.
 
So how will my American Theater for Puppetry Arts achieve its bold vision of advancing puppetry in the United States and introducing the art form and vocation to broader and more diverse individuals, audiences and communities?
 
First, each year ATFPA will develop, build and present an original puppet-centric play, musical or immersive theatrical experience that brings an intimate or epic story to life. I am excited to share that ATFPA is currently developing a ghost-inspired, puppet-centric production that will premiere in the Berkshires this October 2021. In addition, we just kicked-off development of a new puppet-centric musical about the life, literature and art of cowboy artist Will James.
 
Second, ATFPA is dedicated to inspiring and training a new generation of puppet directors, writers, designers, builders, puppeteers and theater administrators through educational, hands-on residencies, internships and workshops. In June 2022, ATFPA will launch its summer puppetry arts camp where 40 high school students will conceive and present puppet productions, as well as learn from master puppeteers and theater-makers. ATFPA is also developing a three-day master class that will ensure undergraduate and graduate directing majors understand the intersection of puppetry and theater.

Lastly, ATFPA will incubate and advance puppet-centric productions created by independent puppeteers and artists, as well as nonprofit theater companies by providing them with grants, pro-bono workshop and development space, and artistic guidance.

As you can imagine, starting a nonprofit, puppet-centric theater company requires significant resources to develop, build and present original productions; support stipends and housing for puppeteers-in-residence and college and high school interns; advance the puppet-centric works of independent artists and nonprofit theaters; and provide aspiring teen puppeteers and theater-makers with a once-in-a-lifetime educational camp experience.

So in lieu of birthday cards and gifts celebrating my milestone birthday, I’m asking family, friends and past colleagues to make a tax-deductible donation to my American Theater for Puppetry Arts. My aspiration is to raise $1,000 for each year of my life – a goal of $50,000! I’m happy to share that because of the generosity of friends and family, I’ve already raised $21,000 -- putting me nearly halfway to my $50,000 goal! To make a tax-deductible donation, click the "donate now" button or mail a check payable to the American Theater for Puppetry Arts which enables our nonprofit to avoid paying GoFundMe's 2.9 percent service fee.

Thank you in advance for supporting my big puppet theater dream. Most important, thank you for your unconditional love, support, encouragement and friendship over the years!

Darin

PS – ATFPA is also seeking two additional philanthropic producers for our fall, ghost-inspired outdoor production – it’s a $25,000 tax-deductible contribution. If you or someone you know might have an interest, please email me.


NOTE – ATFPA is incorporated as a nonprofit organization in the State of New York. Once ATFPA receives its 501(c)3 determination letter from the IRS in the coming months, ATFPA will send letters to all donors recognizing your tax-deductible donation.