On the Move With Leila

I'm fundraising for Generic Theater — here's why it matters:

Generic Theater has a culture and community of care. From the moment I stepped foot through their doors, I didn’t feel like a stranger. I was welcomed with open arms, and everyone committed 1,000% to the wild ideas that me and Maryanne could drum up. The dedication and commitment everyone has, for whatever they’re tasked with, feels like a perfectly weighted blanket during a moment of anxiety - safety and comfort. I mean, these things are so important where vulnerability is essential to the work. 

I am honored to be part of The Generic Theater Community and ecstatic to announce that they have granted me, little ‘ole Leila Stephanie, the opportunity to direct my ALL TIME PASSION PROJECT — The Colored Museum by The Legendary G.O.A.T. George C. Wolfe!!!!!! Presented at the NEW Generic Theater home in June 2027!! 😆😆 

Someone please tell this little girl that she’s going to do things she could only imagine.

For 45 years, Generic Theater has been Norfolk's home for bold, unexpected theater — volunteer-powered and sustained by community. And now we're doing something we've never done before: we're building a permanent home.

We're moving to the historic Norfolk Masonic Temple, 7001 Granby Street — a dedicated space for contemporary theater, built by the community it serves. Retirees, students, military, court-referred volunteers, actors, technicians, neighbors, and first-timers — all showing up, side by side, to make it happen.

A larger capital campaign is coming. But first….Give Local 757! This is the community's chance to tell major donors: we're behind this.

The Sherman McDaniel Challenge will double every dollar given by May 5  — up to $5,000. 

• $25 - First stroke — a gallon of paint for our new home.
• $50 - A roll of cable — the nervous system of our stage.
• $75 - Clamps and cables — one light, safely in the grid. 
• $100 - Paint, brushes, drop cloths — one room, fresh start.

Can't give that much? Even $5 buys a moving box — and we have a lot to pack!

Give now, then share this link.

#SaveGenericTheater #GenericTheater #GiveLocal757