Generic is my HEART!

I volunteered with Generic Theater way, way back when. While the Va Pilot did a good job of highlighting how important it is to me, personally, to see Generic finally find a home of our own, there are many folks who have given much more to Generic than have I.  Ron Stokes, our original founder poured his heart and soul into bringing Generic into being with help and support of the Director of Park and Recreation, at the time, Shurl Montgomery.  Terrance Afer-Anderson, Marty McGaw, Pamela Riley, H. Rick Hite and his delightful wife, Bobby, [who we just lost this week] were all critical to the success of our 1st season, with 5 shows.  That was all back in 1982.  From the conference room on the back side of Center Theater, to the old elementary school warehouse on 21st Street, to the Little Hall Down Under Chrysler Hall, every place where Generic has planted it's seed, the area has blossomed.  We are so excited to be able to move to the Masonic Temple, on Granby Street.  For the 1st time in almost 20 years we won't have to share our space with anyone!  We can rehearse, build sets, hang lights and run sound without having to plan on how to move everything out of the way to accommodate another event/tenant in the middle of our runs.

Generic and I have been through a lot in the last 45 years. In spite of all the marbles under our feet; the set backs that would have made it so easy to just give up; we are like Bozo, the little guys' boxing toy.  We just keep bouncing back for more.  We need your help to underwrite this move and help us keep moving forward.  Please be generous.  Thank you.

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 dedicated 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.

A generous matching gift 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