Letter from Artistic Director, Genevieve Aichele
  

December 2008

Mighty oaks from little acorns grow…      

Dear Friends of New Hampshire Theatre Project,

As NHTP celebrates our 20th Anniversary Season, this simple but eloquent adage comes to mind. Who would believe the dream of creating a meaningful theatre project that encourages personal transformation, education, and community building could grow and flourish for 20 years? The roots of New Hampshire Theatre Project are strong and deeply woven into the fabric of thousands of lives – students and audience members of all ages. Our future is bright with promise, as the young people who have “grown up” with NHTP move out and bring their many gifts into the world. 

Despite the very difficult economic times we are currently going through as a nation and despite all the hard work ahead, I am filled with hope. Organizations like NHTP, deeply rooted and constantly working to build new connections with corporate, educational and community partners, are vital to the global vision of this new world era. The gifts that theatre offers – affirmation, healing, responsibility, discipline, communication, cooperation, tolerance, creativity and passion – are essential tools to empower global citizens and stimulate new ways of thinking.

Let me share some of the profound experiences of those who have participated in NHTP programs this year:

We all absolutely LOVED The Primary Primary!  It was incredibly well written, performed, funny and true!  Thank you for a wonderful evening!

Thanks for your faith and trust in giving us the opportunity to perform, for your generosity of time, talent, and spirit, for everything you have taught me, and for everything I know I will learn from you in the future.

Someone Who’ll Watch Over Me was an amazing performance...NHTP at its very, very best.  The story, the acting, the staging....all were superb.

Thank you again for a heartwarming and wonderful session.  I grew more in touch with people and with my feelings as a result.

On behalf of the NH Air National Guard, I want to thank NHTP.  The donation of scholarships for our Air Guard youth was greatly appreciated… and will help to boost the morale of our members and families that have been mobilized and/or deployed.

Congratulations on your extraordinary production of Bertolt Brecht’s Mother Courage. As artists you fulfilled Brecht’s ideals of theatre. How sad that his topics are more valid than ever, but how wonderful that we have idealistic and courageous artists that speak up, teach and entertain, all at the same time.

Having NHTP in our lives has been a blessing. Both of my children have grown as actors through its programs and made many friends. (They) have never experienced the sense of accomplishment, personal growth and joy they do at NHTP.

Riveting, funny, heartbreaking, and disturbing, all at the same time. Each time I see a new NHTP production, the bar of excellence gets raised higher and higher.
 
I just want to say again how much I appreciate NHTP's excellent Youth Repertory program, and am so grateful you all are there giving so much. It is so wonderful that you offer meaningful theatre experiences, and not just "fluff" – but theatre as a catalyst for critical thinking and questioning the world we live in. You make the world a better place, which is the best compliment in the world!

How has NHTP grown and flourished for 20 years? With your help. All of you. Your donations, your time, your dedication and your support. And we can only journey forward to reach our vision this year and years to come with your continued contribution of spirit and financial patronage. We value your partnership in the work we bring to New Hampshire and the world.

On behalf of all the artists, staff and board members, I want to thank you for making the past 20 years of NHTP possible and for contributing to its success. We have earned a wealth of respect from the community, our colleagues around the state, and most importantly, you. As we take a moment during this 20th anniversary year to look to the past, just imagine what the future of NHTP can be with your continued support. I invite you to join us for the next 20 years by making a donation today to NHTP’s Annual Appeal.

Sincerely yours,

Genevieve Aichele signature

Genevieve Aichele
ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

How does your donation help NHTP?

A donation of $5,000 covers the cost of:

  • Health insurance for one employee annually. Offering benefits to artists helps NHTP attract and retain professionally trained teachers, designers and performers;

  • Costumes, set and lighting costs for the Senior Youth Repertory Company spring production, offering young people the opportunity to perform in a full-length, classical play with professional support and production values;

A donation of $1,000 allows NHTP to:

  • Print posters and flyers for one professional production, spreading the word about exciting community projects like the Book Discussion collaboration with Portsmouth Public Library;
  • Offer work scholarships to two Youth Repertory Company members training in all aspects of theatre, like Hannah Feintuch who is running lights for class performances, and Colby Senior, who is Assistant Stage Manager for NHTP professional productions.

A donation of $500 pays part of the fee for:

  • One professional actor, choreographer or musician in the premiere of The Primary Primary!;
  • Royalties and scripts for the production of Mother Courage and Her Children.

A donation of $250 helps NHTP:

  • Offer tuition scholarships to students attending our summer theatre camps;
  • Place a professional artist for one day in a local elementary school, offering students who may not do well in traditional academics the opportunity to shine.

A donation of $100 helps NHTP to host:

  • Special guest artists like Dev Luthra and Kent Stephens to work with the Youth Repertory Company;
  • Workshops for adults who want to become better public speakers.

A donation of $50 covers the cost of:

  • One ink cartridge to print souvenir programs for Youth Repertory Company members who carry the work of NHTP to colleges all over the world;
  • Supplies for Story Theatre Camp, where ensemble performance and teamwork is emphasized.

 

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