For Immediate Release

December 27, 2019

Contact:
Susan Goes, Executive Director, 541-942-8001

Cottage Theatre holds new script contest for summer youth production

Cottage Grove, OR —  January 31 is the deadline for local writers to submit entries to Cottage Theatre's first new script contest. The theatre is seeking a playwright collaborator to help craft its 2020 summer youth production.

For more than a decade, Cottage Theatre has provided a unique opportunity for local youth to participate in a summer theatre camp where they learn singing, dancing, and acting. This has been accomplished through technique classes, where students learn the craft of those three major elements of theatre, coupled with producing a full-length production with lights, costumes, props, etc.

Since 2007, Cottage Theatre's summer youth production has been an original melodrama written by Cottage Grove resident Keith Kessler. But since Kessler is directing both Arsenic and Old Lace and Elf the Musical for Cottage Theatre in 2020 it seemed like the perfect opportunity to let others take a crack at writing an original script for CT's talented 12 to 14-year old performers.

Scripts are to be approximately 40-50 pages, with roles for 25 young actors. Further details and submission requirements may be found on the theatre's website at www.cottagetheatre.org/new-script-contest or by calling 541-942-8001. The winning playwright will receive an honorarium of $500 as well as tickets to the July 2020 production. 

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For Immediate Release

December 9, 2019

Contact:
Susan Goes, Executive Director, 541-942-8001

Cottage Theatre awarded $75,000 grant by Oregon Community Foundation

Cottage Grove, OR — On Sunday, December 8, Oregon Community Foundation volunteer Jackie Lester presented Cottage Theatre (CT) with a $75,000 grant in support of the theatre's ACT III Theatre Expansion project. The presentation was made prior to the theatre's matinee performance of Lionel Bart's Oliver!, the final production of CT's 37th season, which continues on stage through December 22.

This grant will help Cottage Theatre remodel its facility to add 50 additional seats and make technical and safety improvements in the building. "We are extremely grateful for this generous investment by the Oregon Community Foundation," comments Cottage Theatre Executive Director Susan Goes. "The ACT III Project will enable CT to serve a larger audience, as well as improve the theatre-going experience for our patrons and volunteers. This is an exciting and ambitious project for a small organization like CT, and we deeply appreciate OCF's support of our efforts." 

The entire ACT III project is expected to cost approximately $2.5 million, with a target completion date of 2021. Cottage Theatre began work in the summer of 2019 by replacing its existing seats (which were more than 40 years old), repainting backstage spaces, and installing some fire sprinkler piping. The bulk of the planned improvements have been deferred until 2021 to allow CT time to raise additional funds after the cost of the project jumped unexpectedly from $1.5 to $2.5 million this past spring. Once the remodel is complete, the 50 added seats will allow CT to serve 4,000 more patrons each year.

This grant comes from the Fred W. Fields Fund of the Oregon Community Foundation, which was established in 2012 with a $150 million gift from the estate of Fred W. Fields. The gift, given to support education and the arts, is the largest single gift in the history of Oregon Community Foundation. Born in Alexandria, Indiana, Fields studied engineering at Indiana University and Purdue University. After getting a job at the Coe Manufacturing Company in 1947, Fields worked his way up until he purchased the company in 1976. Fields headed the company until 2000, when he sold it and retired.

Oregon Community Foundation (OCF) puts donated money to work in Oregon – more than $100 million in grants and scholarships support Oregonians annually. For nearly 45 years, OCF grantmaking, research, advocacy and community-advised solutions have helped individuals, families, businesses and organizations create charitable funds to improve lives for all Oregonians.  Impactful giving — time, talent and resources from many generous Oregonians — creates measurable change.

The Foundation makes grants through an application process that involves local citizens in the review and evaluation of requests for funds. Application materials are available through the Foundation’s Portland office. Individuals or businesses interested in establishing a fund may contact the Eugene OCF office, 440 East Broadway, Suite 160, Eugene OR 97401, (541) 431-7099, or visit www.oregoncf.org.
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Cottage Theatre, founded in 1982, is a community theatre that presents a year-round schedule of plays and musicals and offers summer theatre camps for children. CT is located at 700 Village Drive in Cottage Grove. For tickets or more information, call (541) 942-8001 or visit www.cottagetheatre.org.

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