The Theater Where it Started

This theater was the first stage that reintroduced me to acting post-college. After studying and participating in theater my whole life, I took a break from the stage to begin my career in teaching. Post-covid, I auditioned for Pilgrims Musa & Sheri in the New World and got a role. Since then, I have happily pursued community theater as a hobby in addition to my full-time job. The Hampton Roads theater scene is vibrant, creative, and almost completely run by volunteers. Donations from the community, whether through money or time, is what has kept this local art alive! 

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

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