Shakespeare in the Parks

For many years, Montana Shakespeare in the Parks has been performing at least one (and often both) of its summer productions behind Flathead Valley Community College in Kalispell. We have always enjoyed the positive response and warm reception we have received and hope to do so for many years to come.

I'm sure that by now nearly everyone knows that these productions are offered free to the public, making them accessible to everyone. Some people may not be aware, however, that Montana Shakespeare in the Parks does charge a sponsorship fee (generally raised by a local tour coordinator) and that these fees comprise approximately 15 percent of our overall budgeting strategy. As such, they are critical to our ongoing commitment to offering free performances all across the state and region.

In Kalispell, our local tour coordinator is Dan Short who has worked tirelessly for many years in his attempt to raise the funds to pay this fee. Unfortunately, during the last few years, fund raising efforts have fallen short of the amount needed and without additional funding assistance, Shakespeare in the Parks' continued performances in Kalispell may well be in jeopardy.

A similar situation developed in Butte prior to the 2004 season and once residents were made aware of the funding need, the community rallied. In fact, not only did members of the community raise the necessary funds for the sponsorship fee, a local hotel offered to donate rooms and two restaurants donated meals for the acting company. The 2004 Butte performance also attracted a larger crowd that ever before. It is my hope that by writing this letter and alerting all of our loyal Kalispell audience members, you too will step forward and help your local tour coordinator raise the funds to pay for the remainder of last year's fee as well as the fee for the 2005 season.

Any amount would be much appreciated and will go directly toward the costs of bringing our performance to Kalispell. On behalf of all of us at Montana Shakespeare in the Parks, thank you for considering this request. We hope to see you this summer and for many summers to come. Dan can be reached at 755-6838.

Joel Jahnke

Artistic Director

Montana Shakespeare in the Parks

Bozeman