Mississipppi Theatres for Katrina Relief

Using Your Talents to Benefit Other Theatres

Like many of you, the Mississippi Theatre Association Board has been concerned about those that lost so much during hurricane Katrina. It is almost unbearable to watch the TV these days and see the horrific reports coming from the areas devastated by Katrina. The board knows everyone wants to do something to assist those in need, and we would like to encourage you to do so by giving to the American Red Cross or the Salvation Army. These organizations are doing a great job assisting individuals who need food, water, supplies and shelter.

While those in the northern part of the state did not suffer nearly the amount of damage as those in south Mississippi - we still feel the huge sense of loss and realize that the entire state will feel the after-affects for many months to come.

Like many organizations, the Mississippi Theatre Association has been trying to assess the damage caused by Hurricane Katrina - especially to theatres around the state. We have made contact with a number of theatres and individuals to see how they faired and what type of damage their theatres may have suffered.  As we find additional information about theatres around the state, we will keep you informed through the listserv and MTA website.

Several theatres have expressed an interest in finding out how they can help their fellow thespians around the State. During the summer community theatre workshop, Pattye Archer, vice president for Starkville Community Theatre, talked about her experience raising money and the fact that the best way for theatres to raise money is to do what they do best -- perform. I would like to encourage theatres around the state to consider raising money for hurricane relief by reprising a past production, taking up donations at an upcoming production, donating proceeds from a current production, etc.  As you know, many families have been displaced from their homes and are now living in our communities. They may very well need some type of entertainment or diversion.  Consider giving evacuees discounted tickets, free tickets or holding a special performance just for these individuals.  Or consider taking a production or developing a production for children/youth and taking it to the shelters.  Don't require them to come to you -- they might not have a means -- go to them.  

Certainly the funds you raise can be donated to the Red Cross/Salvation Army, but your MTA Board of Directors would like you to consider donating the funds to a newly established MTA Katrina Relief Fund. The funds collected through this fund will be distributed to Mississippi theatres that are in need as a direct result of hurricane Katrina. Please assist us in raising money to assist our fellow high school, community and college/university theatres in need.

To make a donation to the relief fund send your check/money order to the Mississippi Theatre Association's Katrina Relief Fund at 1247 Bardwell Road , Starkville , MS 39759 .

As we all know -- the arts can have a huge impact on rebuilding and restoring our spirit. Use your talents to assist in improving the lives of those who lost so much. Open your doors to them and provide them with an escape from the reality around them.  You will gain as much from the experience and act of giving as those you seek to help!

Stephen Cunetto, Executive Director

MJ Etua, President

Download Donation Form

For more information contact: Stephen Cunetto, Executive Director