Support Our South Brooklyn Shakespeare At Their Annual Gala Fundraising Event On March 28
Not many neighborhoods can claim a classical theater company of their own. And even fewer neighborhoods can claim a classical theater company of their own that offers Shakespeare for free.
But we can.
South Brooklyn Shakespeare will be offering up its fourth year of free Shakespeare in the neighborhood. The season is expanding, and plans are already being made for their summer productions.
“Our mission statement is about bringing free Shakespeare to Brooklyn,” says co-founder Paul Molnar.
And in just a few weeks, you have a chance to support, celebrate with, and spend an evening with the company at The Old Stone House, 336 3rd Street (between 4th and 5th Avenues).
The gala fundraising event will take place on Monday, March 28, so put this one on your calendar, purchase your gala ticket, and make sure to let the community know about this opportunity to help support the company during their 2016 season.
South Brooklyn Shakespeare already began its season back in November, when it presented a reading of Macbeth at BrooklynWorks at 159. At the time, Paul Molnar told us the company was looking for an opportunity to keep SBS alive during the winter. Their past productions have been A Midsummer Night’s Dream (2013), Romeo and Juliet (2014), and Much Ado About Nothing (2015).
Paul Molnar — in collaboration with his wife and SBS co-founder Dee Byrd-Molnar — have more than fulfilled their promise of making the community better. The two are familiar faces if you stop by their beloved South Pub (629 5th Avenue between 17th and 18th Streets), which they’ve owned for over six years.
“We’re very appreciative that Kimberly Maier [Executive Director, Old Stone House] has donated the space for our fundraiser,” says Molnar. “We’ll also have the chance to have three performances later this summer at the Old Stone House.”
Local restaurant Prospect Bar & Grill will be providing food for the gala. Other sponsors include the Park Slope Fifth Avenue BID, Kerry Quade, Smuttynose Brewery, and South.
The silent auction will offer VIP passes to one of SBS’ performances this summer, which includes a reserved area set up in front of the stage, a picnic basket, a bottle of wine or champagne, and food to go along with it.
“This is going to provide close to 50% of our operating budget. That’s a big chunk, especially since we are expanding what we are doing,” says Molnar.
Molnar, Byrd-Molnar, and the rest of SBS are extremely deserving of our support and attention. The company has already begun working with students at Sunset Park Prep. They’ve been coaching 8th graders who are preparing for auditions and interviews.
“We’re hoping to soon provide opportunities during our season for the 8th graders to intern with our company,” says Molnar. “Whether they’re interested in acting, sound, lighting, or costumes — we want them to get more experience.”
Molnar tells us that they’ll be expanding their working relationship at Sunset Park Prep next Fall with a six-week workshop with the 7th graders. “We’re excited to be expanding the company into teaching,” adds Molnar.
The summer performance schedule will begin with the opening al fresco performance on July 23 on 5th Avenue between 17th and 18th Streets. They’ll then move to the Old Stone House, where they will perform August 4-6.
In addition, SBS will be collaborating with the Gallery Players and The Rogue & Peasant Players on a series where they will read the entire Shakespeare canon during 2016.
And don’t forget that when you attend the gala, you’ll be on hand when the company announces the show they will produce this summer.
Care to take bets on which Shakespeare it will be?
Here’s a sure bet: we’re anticipating engaging theater in our neighborhood this summer.
See you at the gala on March 28.
The Gala Rundown: 2nd Annual Gala Fundraising Event for South Brooklyn Shakespeare
Where: The Old Stone House, 336 3rd Street (between 4th and 5th Avenues)
When: Monday, March 28. 6:30pm: Doors Open / 7:30pm: Producer’s Presentation / 8:30pm: Silent Auction closes.
Gala Ticket: $50. Purchase your ticket here.
Attire: Cocktail Attire
Can’t make it but still want to support the company? Make a donation here.