Save Our Stages - Please Help

SAVE OUR STAGES

Dear friends:

We really need your help in writing to our federal legislators, TODAY.

The Save Our Stages Act, which has been incorporated to the CARES ACT 2, began as a push for funding to save music venues. As the legislation evolved, theaters were added in, but some of the wording remained the same, which precludes community theaters from receiving funding.

Please write our US Senate and Congressional leaders today asking them to change the wording that performers must be paid. More than 7,000 community theaters operate across the country acting as economic engines in our respective communities. And while we offer stipends for directors, musicians etc., our performers are volunteers. A sample draft letter is below.

I've included a sample letter below, with a list of our senators and representatives.
If you have any questions, please write me at ed@phoenixstagecompany.org

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR TIME!

Ed

SAMPLE LETTER

Dear Senator/Representative:
Thank you so much for all your efforts in bringing legislation to help all Americans in these difficult times. One aspect of the Cares Act 2 that is of great concern for me relates to the Save Our Stages portion of the bill.

As you may know, the act originated as a push to save live music venues. As such, wording about not paying artists by tips, or split of the door, remained in even after theaters were added into the eligible pool. This is a direct conflict with the very nature of community theater whereby performers are volunteers. (There are 7,000+ nonprofit community theaters in the US putting millions into local economies...65 here in CT.)

Our community theater, Phoenix Stage Company, is a vibrant and well-respected part of the arts community...in fact, it is the only producing theater in Oakville, CT. and Phoenix Stage Company is one of the most produced community theaters in our region. I can't believe organizations like this would have been specifically excluded from much-needed support. Their $1.2M budget has been decimated by the shut down and they truly deserve your support.

If you need additional information about Phoenix Stage Company, please write Ed Bassett, Executive Director of Phoenix Stage Company: ed@phoenixstagecompany.org

Thank you for your time and consideration.

SENATE
Dick Blumenthal
Chris Murphy

HOUSE
Jahana Hayes
Jim Himes
Rosa DeLauro
Joe Courtney
John Larson