November 2020
Dear Friends,
It's hard to believe that it's been over eight months since we closed our doors due to the pandemic and three since the flood we experienced in August threw another unexpected curve ball our way. Yet today we remain optimistic about the future of the Mill, in large part due to the incredible response we have received from our community of supporters, like you!
Since our October update, we've continued to have work done in the Granite Room, Mill Room, and our kitchen to restore what was salvaged from the flood and replace items that were damaged beyond repair.
Thanks to your donations and grant monies we received, we recently completed filming on two productions in our new Young People's Playhouse endeavor - streaming plays for schools and families. You can now watch Chicken Little on the Farm and A Drifty Holiday on demand from any device! We are currently in the planning stages for two more plays that will be filmed in the coming months. We have been fortunate enough to have our friend, two-time Emmy-award-winning filmmaker Martin Montgomery, seamlessly bring live theatre to film, and we know you will enjoy the results!
Many of you have asked when we plan to reopen our doors once again. The truth is that we, like many of you, are still uncertain as to what the coming weeks and months will look like with the virus still impacting the way in which we gather. I can assure that our staff has discussed, in-depth, what reopening safely will look like and the measures we will need to take to ensure the safety of our patrons, artists and staff. Having said that, we, like so many businesses that depend upon people being together in enclosed spaces, must continue to watch and wait. The good news is that, in the midst of the uncertainty of the times, we have thus far managed to not just survive, but to continue to create, and we remain ever hopeful that we will, in fact, be able to reopen in the coming months.
As always, should you have any questions, I hope that you won't hesitate to reach out to us at info@swiftcreekmill.com or by calling 804-748-5203.
In the meantime, in this season of gratitude, we want to take this opportunity to let you know how very thankful we are for your continued support of the Mill and to wish you and your family a very happy and healthy holiday season.
Sincerely,
Steven Koehler, Managing Director
All donations are matched 2-1 by a generous, anonymous donor!
About Us
Swift Creek Mill Theatre is a not-for-profit organization that relies on contributions to enable us to bring quality performing arts and educational programs to the community. Your tax-deductible gift will be recognized in our MainStage production playbills, in print and on our website. Gifts may also be made anonymously.
Please take a moment to review our giving options, below, and feel free to call us at (804) 748-5203 with any questions. Thank you for your interest in supporting performing arts in your community!
Background
Swift Creek Mill Theatre has been a Richmond and Tri-Cities institution since 1965. We currently produce five Mainstage Season shows and three or more Youth Theatre productions annually, including world-premiere musicals and one-of-a-kind children’s shows developed and written by local professionals. The playhouse also hosts youth theatre camps.
We’ve come a long way since the Callahans, the Rubins, and the Richardsons took a 300-year old grist mill and turned it into an intimate space for the production of so many splendid theatrical experiences. More than four decades and 300 productions later, the Mill is still going strong in its historic location.
Producing high-quality professional theatre requires an enormous commitment of resources, and ticket sales cover only part of the costs. It is only through the generous support of individuals, corporations, and foundations that we are able to keep ticket prices affordable. Please consider making a generous contribution to Swift Creek Mill Theatre.
Sometimes community members and business owners offer support in other ways as well, be it volunteering, donating office supplies, printing, services, and other things that simply help make The Mill better.
Please call Jennifer Procise at (804) 748-5203 for more information about corporate giving, our Annual Fund Campaign, and your specific volunteering skills.
Sometimes community members and business owners offer support in other ways as well, be it volunteering, donating office supplies, printing, services, and other things that simply help make The Mill better.