Artistic Director, Ray Hogg, instructs during last year’s rehearsal for ‘The Producers’.
For over 60 years, Rainbow Stage has been producing first class musical theatre; not a small accomplishment for a not-for-profit organization.
People understand not-for-profit means just that, not for profit. Many of these types of organizations do not strive to increase their bottom line each year.
However, with an erratic economy and a Canadian loonie struggling to measure up against the American dollar, the cost to produce stunning and elaborate shows is rising. This, in turn increases the need for donations, to keep ticket prices reasonable.
Every year Rainbow stage employs hundreds of actors, musicians and trades people to help put on some amazing shows. In the off season, though, to keep office budgets to a minimum, they employ just seven permanent staff. (Talk about the magic of theatre at work!)
Through donations and gifts received, Rainbow Stage is able to present shows like last year’s The Little Mermaid. In addition, the theatre company helps distribute School Awards and Scholarships to students who are training in theatre, as well as awards to high schools and middle schools that are staging musical productions throughout the city.
Rainbow Stage has also developed a Creative Mentorship program that invites professionals at various skill levels, to apply and learn as an apprentice to their directors, choreographers, music directors, stage managers, lighting and sound designers and other available positions, in order to learn the ins and outs of staging a musical theatre performance. These kinds of activities would not occur without the generous support of individuals and corporations.
As Rainbow receives donations, the company tries to give back to the community as much as possible. They do this by holding student matinees, making donations to other non-profit entities, staging a community support performance where more than 90 organizations are invited to better the lives of others, from foster children to handy, capable people who need a little extra helping hand.
One of the ways Rainbow Stage strives to ensure their shows are accessible to the community is through generous media sponsorship. For example, the Family Pack ticket offer for the August family show is partially supported by Rainbow’s media sponsors.
This year features a season of large casts, elaborate costumes and impressive sets, for what promises to be an amazing summer of entertainment under the covered outdoor 2,300-seat theatre in Kildonan Park, Rainbow Stage’s home for the past six decades.
Upcoming shows in 2015 include West Side Story running from Jun. 4 – 19, Les Miserables from Jul. 9 – 24, and Sister Act which goes from Aug. 13 – Sept. 1.
Every donation made to Rainbow Stage exceeding $20 receives a tax receipt. Donations, which help further this tradition of fabulous live theatre, can be made in person at the Rainbow Stage administration office at 200- 180 Market Ave., over the phone at 204-989-5261 or online at http://www.rainbowstage.ca/.
Rainbow Stage is one of more than 170 charitable organizations that has an Agency Fund at The Winnipeg Foundation. An Agency Fund provides a sustainable source of income for a charity. Click here to learn more about organizations with agency funds.
