A big "Thank You" to all that have so quickly sent in your dues for 2010!
Special thanks to the Plant and Bisson families for sending in their dues with a generous donation!
Yet another donation today from Terry Lynch. Thank You!
Thank You Kevin and Nancy McGuinness! (All the way from Forida!)
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
A Letter From the Board
Dear Friends and Members of NPTG,
We thought it was time for you all to be updated on the building and our situation, moving forward.
First of all, now that the Cabaret is over, we are getting back to work at the building. Unfortunately, (or fortunately) many of the big quick fixes are done and there aren’t as many obvious projects, but we can always use help.
After the cabaret, there was clean-up from the rehearsals that were held there and an organization of all of our "tech" stuff that was returning from the Elks. Bill has stored all of the lighting and sound gear away in the closet off the "Memorial Room," and it fits quite nicely.
Jon is continuing work in his "Jon-John," and that is coming along, slowly but surely.
The upstairs bathroom is in nearly finished condition, thanks to Monica and Jane.
Nancy has put in many hours stripping the wainscoting in the activity room and much of that has been primed.
Thanks so much to all of "the workers," that have done so much, so far!
But, sooner, rather than later, our progress is going to come down to money.
As you may know, we received a "Facade Grant," from the city of Fitchburg. That means that we have a design firm working on planning and improving any part of our building that can be seen from the street. They will pay 75% of the costs, but we need to come up with the other 25%. It is a GREAT opportunity, but if we can’t allot much to the project, the scale of the improvement will be proportionate. We can apply for the grant again in the future, but there are no guarantees that we will be selected again.
The Cabaret, thanks to the cast, directors and the able business sense of the Storrs family, did well once again. But, the reality is that the phenomenal money that we raised with that, only paid the oil bill for the building this winter.
We also recently paid the invoice for the building and liability insurance and that came to another large sum.
It appears we will soon receive our equity line, which will pay for our major code improvements, but that of course, will result in another monthly bill.
None of this comes as any surprise, but we MUST survive to that point where the building can help us MAKE money!
Yes. Your money will always be accepted and we know it is not a good time for many of us to be giving it away, but you may be able to help in other ways as well.
Give us your ideas. Do you have any fresh ideas fund raisers, money making, raffles, etc? We are always looking for new ideas.
Give a service. We could use help with electrical stuff, plumbing, drywall, etc. If you have some particular ability, could you give some time?
Goods. This is a tough one, as we don’t want to become a repository for "stuff," but we could use building supplies, (lots of drywall) paint, etc.
Think about your connections. Do you know someone who could help us in any way? Does your company need to spend any amount of local grant money? Do you have a "matching gifts" program at your company? Do you have a good relationship with a merchant that might donate supplies?
NPTG now has over 70 members. That’s great and we are the biggest group we’ve been in years.
But, truth be told, 15-20 people work tirelessly to keep NPTG afloat. All we are asking is that the rest of you think about how you can help.
If you would like to make a donation, simply send it to:
We will send you a receipt for you tax records.
If you would like to help in any of the ways mentioned earlier or have other ideas you could share with us, either respond to this e-mail, contact a board member or send your ideas or comments to: nptg@hotmail.com
The bridge we need to build to an operating theatre is a relatively small one. We will appeal to the general public as well, but it is only right that we start that appeal with our members and supporting friends.
If we can cross that bridge and just make it to the exciting day that we open the doors of that building to the public, we all believe we can become a self-supporting presence in our community.
Thanks again to all who have worked at the building, supported the Cabaret or already made some financial contribution. But, clearly we need more support. Please find YOUR way to help.
New Players Theatre Guild is state and federally recognized 501(C) 3 organization. All donations are tax deductible.
We thought it was time for you all to be updated on the building and our situation, moving forward.
First of all, now that the Cabaret is over, we are getting back to work at the building. Unfortunately, (or fortunately) many of the big quick fixes are done and there aren’t as many obvious projects, but we can always use help.
After the cabaret, there was clean-up from the rehearsals that were held there and an organization of all of our "tech" stuff that was returning from the Elks. Bill has stored all of the lighting and sound gear away in the closet off the "Memorial Room," and it fits quite nicely.
Jon is continuing work in his "Jon-John," and that is coming along, slowly but surely.
The upstairs bathroom is in nearly finished condition, thanks to Monica and Jane.
Nancy has put in many hours stripping the wainscoting in the activity room and much of that has been primed.
Thanks so much to all of "the workers," that have done so much, so far!
But, sooner, rather than later, our progress is going to come down to money.
As you may know, we received a "Facade Grant," from the city of Fitchburg. That means that we have a design firm working on planning and improving any part of our building that can be seen from the street. They will pay 75% of the costs, but we need to come up with the other 25%. It is a GREAT opportunity, but if we can’t allot much to the project, the scale of the improvement will be proportionate. We can apply for the grant again in the future, but there are no guarantees that we will be selected again.
The Cabaret, thanks to the cast, directors and the able business sense of the Storrs family, did well once again. But, the reality is that the phenomenal money that we raised with that, only paid the oil bill for the building this winter.
We also recently paid the invoice for the building and liability insurance and that came to another large sum.
It appears we will soon receive our equity line, which will pay for our major code improvements, but that of course, will result in another monthly bill.
None of this comes as any surprise, but we MUST survive to that point where the building can help us MAKE money!
Yes. Your money will always be accepted and we know it is not a good time for many of us to be giving it away, but you may be able to help in other ways as well.
Give us your ideas. Do you have any fresh ideas fund raisers, money making, raffles, etc? We are always looking for new ideas.
Give a service. We could use help with electrical stuff, plumbing, drywall, etc. If you have some particular ability, could you give some time?
Goods. This is a tough one, as we don’t want to become a repository for "stuff," but we could use building supplies, (lots of drywall) paint, etc.
Think about your connections. Do you know someone who could help us in any way? Does your company need to spend any amount of local grant money? Do you have a "matching gifts" program at your company? Do you have a good relationship with a merchant that might donate supplies?
NPTG now has over 70 members. That’s great and we are the biggest group we’ve been in years.
But, truth be told, 15-20 people work tirelessly to keep NPTG afloat. All we are asking is that the rest of you think about how you can help.
If you would like to make a donation, simply send it to:
NPTG
PO Box 1653
Fitchburg, MA
01420
PO Box 1653
Fitchburg, MA
01420
We will send you a receipt for you tax records.
If you would like to help in any of the ways mentioned earlier or have other ideas you could share with us, either respond to this e-mail, contact a board member or send your ideas or comments to: nptg@hotmail.com
The bridge we need to build to an operating theatre is a relatively small one. We will appeal to the general public as well, but it is only right that we start that appeal with our members and supporting friends.
If we can cross that bridge and just make it to the exciting day that we open the doors of that building to the public, we all believe we can become a self-supporting presence in our community.
Thanks again to all who have worked at the building, supported the Cabaret or already made some financial contribution. But, clearly we need more support. Please find YOUR way to help.
Sincerely,
The New Players Theatre Guild Board of Directors
The New Players Theatre Guild Board of Directors
New Players Theatre Guild is state and federally recognized 501(C) 3 organization. All donations are tax deductible.
Monday, February 16, 2009
The Cast of "Movie Magic!"
Thanks to the cast and crew of Cabaret 2009: "Movie Magic!" I think it's safe to say that a good time was had by all; audience and cast members. Special thanks to directors Doreen Croteau, Meredith Heimo and Bob Healy.Saturday, January 17, 2009
Cabaret 2009.. "MOVIE MAGIC!"
Enjoy the songs from the soundtracks of the big screen and comedy acts throught the ages.
Directed and Choreographed by Doreen Croteau and Meredith Heimo
Musically Directed by Bob Healy
Co-Chaired by Jeanie and Nick Storrs
Two Performances Only!
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Social Hour - 6:00-7:00
Dinner - 7:00
Show - 8:00
Admission - $35.oo
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Matinee Show Only -3:00 PM
Admission - $15.00
Seniors - $12.00
For reservations, contact Jeanie Storrs
978-537-5100 x28
All reservations must be received by February 9
Cash, checks, Mastercard and Visa accepted
Monday, November 24, 2008
NPTG To Participate in December "First Thursday"
New Players will be participating in Fitchburg's "First Thursday," on Thursday, December 4th. This we be good exposure of us and get us introduced a little better in the downtown community. All are welcome to come and sing. We will provide music books.
There are tree lightings throughout the downtown area and they hope we would sing at all of them. They are looking into getting a small bus for transportation to various sites.
The plan is that the event starts at the Senior Center at 5:45, where there will be a party for children. Then Santa and the mayor travel by trolley, with the high school band and us following to the different tree lightings.
They would like us to sing at each venue and also ‘en route between the bands songs. Here is the route:
5:45 – Senior Center (if we can make it there for that time)
6:00 – Monument square
6:20 – Renaissance Park
6:40 - Upper Common
7:00 - Riverfront Park
7:20 - MART Garage
7:40 - Moran Square
More information will follow, but mark you calendars!
There are tree lightings throughout the downtown area and they hope we would sing at all of them. They are looking into getting a small bus for transportation to various sites.
The plan is that the event starts at the Senior Center at 5:45, where there will be a party for children. Then Santa and the mayor travel by trolley, with the high school band and us following to the different tree lightings.
They would like us to sing at each venue and also ‘en route between the bands songs. Here is the route:
5:45 – Senior Center (if we can make it there for that time)
6:00 – Monument square
6:20 – Renaissance Park
6:40 - Upper Common
7:00 - Riverfront Park
7:20 - MART Garage
7:40 - Moran Square
More information will follow, but mark you calendars!
Monday, November 3, 2008
A Great Meeting Marks a New Beginning For NPTG!
Some 27 people attended last night's meeting and elections at our new building! That's a better turn-out than we have had in a while. It was a diverse group and the discussion was spirited and constructive. It's over used, but, "If you build it, (of buy it) they will come!" We can all feel that the, "pulse" is coming back to NPTG!
Thanks to all of you that attended!
The Current Board Continues In 2009
The membership unanimously approved extending the terms of the 2008 Board of Directors. All were willing to accept the nominations for 2009 terms. It is an exciting time to serve on the board!
Congratulations to all!
2010 will bring many changes, as many of the members will be reaching their term limits at that time.
Friday, October 17, 2008
On-Going Work Parties
Rather than changing this post weekly, here are the general guidelines of when we will be working at the building:
We are generally there on Monday and Thursday nights from 7:00 to 9:30 p.m. and Saturdays for 10:30 a.m., until at least mid-afternoon.
In addition, if you would like to know for sure when people are working, e-mail Bill McGrath and he will put you on the "Workers List." He sends out an e-mail, whenever he knows any keyholder will be at the building for any length of time. Send him a note at wmcgth@net1plus.com
Much has already been done by a few, but all are welcome. Stop by to lend a hand if you get the chance.
We are generally there on Monday and Thursday nights from 7:00 to 9:30 p.m. and Saturdays for 10:30 a.m., until at least mid-afternoon.
In addition, if you would like to know for sure when people are working, e-mail Bill McGrath and he will put you on the "Workers List." He sends out an e-mail, whenever he knows any keyholder will be at the building for any length of time. Send him a note at wmcgth@net1plus.com
Much has already been done by a few, but all are welcome. Stop by to lend a hand if you get the chance.
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Nancy's Still Painting!
It a good thing she enjoys it! There are a lot more projects in store for her!
Saturday, October 11, 2008
Friday, September 12, 2008
Building Progress Pictures
Day 1: Ragweed Capitol of the World!
(Click to expand the pictures.)
There's a window under there!
Tim contemplates the hoop!
The hoop and chicken wire is gone!
Looking a little neater!
New Carriage Lights!
Monday, September 8, 2008
Building Work Party Chronicle
Tim Recko and Bill McGrath have taken it on to chronicle work in progress, future plans and needs at our building. Please read the comments here to find out "where we're at," what we've done and where we hope to be going with the building.
The comments are listed oldest to newest; top to bottom.
The comments are listed oldest to newest; top to bottom.
Sunday, September 7, 2008
NPTG Has A New Home!
The papers were signed at 1:00 P.M. on Friday and New Players Theatre Guild officially has a new home. There are many improvements that will need to be done by contractors, before we can invite the public into it, but there is much that can be done with "sweat equity!" Look for invitations to come and see the building and lend a hand.
Monday, August 18, 2008
Jon Wright and America's Got Talent Re-Visited
By Bill McGrath
Congratulations to Jonathan for making it to the Vegas Callbacks with America's Got Talent!
It's a shame that America did not get to hear him sing, but it is pretty clear that America's Got Talent has become, (or maybe always was) more of a "reality drama" than a talent contest.
He did not cry on cue, wasn't born poor and didn't have a accident that left him near death. I also know he was not phony about his life experience. Perhaps that did not make him fodder for this kind of "reality TV." He is a just a great guy with an awesome talent!
It's clear that the producers did not want him heard, since if America heard him they would have wondered why the best talent was passed over. I think he is without a doubt a better and more polished singer and performer than those that were sent to the semi-finals.
If "America" got to hear him sing, I have no doubt they would have chosen him to go to the finals!
Congratulations to Jonathan for making it to the Vegas Callbacks with America's Got Talent!
It's a shame that America did not get to hear him sing, but it is pretty clear that America's Got Talent has become, (or maybe always was) more of a "reality drama" than a talent contest.
He did not cry on cue, wasn't born poor and didn't have a accident that left him near death. I also know he was not phony about his life experience. Perhaps that did not make him fodder for this kind of "reality TV." He is a just a great guy with an awesome talent!
It's clear that the producers did not want him heard, since if America heard him they would have wondered why the best talent was passed over. I think he is without a doubt a better and more polished singer and performer than those that were sent to the semi-finals.
If "America" got to hear him sing, I have no doubt they would have chosen him to go to the finals!
Well, that's my opinion.
If you would like to see for yourself, check out a few of Jon's performances on his new web page: jonathanwrighttenor.com. or search for him on Youtube.
If you would like to see for yourself, check out a few of Jon's performances on his new web page: jonathanwrighttenor.com. or search for him on Youtube.
Thursday, July 17, 2008
An Invitation To View The Church Building
Just when we thought the building issue was dead, it crops up again!
ARC has now offered us the building on Rollstone St. for $100,000 instead of the $200,000 we were looking at 2 years ago. We have arranged a walk through to see its present condition after sitting vacant for 2 years.
We will meet at 15 Rollstone St. next Tuesday, July 22 at 5:00 PM. Anyone is welcome to come and see the building and give us your input as to its condition and potential use.
See you next Tuesday.
Bob
ARC has now offered us the building on Rollstone St. for $100,000 instead of the $200,000 we were looking at 2 years ago. We have arranged a walk through to see its present condition after sitting vacant for 2 years.
We will meet at 15 Rollstone St. next Tuesday, July 22 at 5:00 PM. Anyone is welcome to come and see the building and give us your input as to its condition and potential use.
See you next Tuesday.
Bob
Friday, July 11, 2008
The Rollstone Church Building..Another Chance?
The organization that owns the Rollstone Church we considered buying last year has returned to us with a new offer. They are willing to accept $100,000 to be rid of the building.
We will be scheduling another walk through with the board to see how much the building has fallen into disrepair since we last saw it. At that price, we could afford to buy it, even before doing the many and costly improvements necessary hold performances there.
What do you think? If you have a moment, send us your comments. Drop us a note at nptg@hotmail.com. Thanks!
We will be scheduling another walk through with the board to see how much the building has fallen into disrepair since we last saw it. At that price, we could afford to buy it, even before doing the many and costly improvements necessary hold performances there.
What do you think? If you have a moment, send us your comments. Drop us a note at nptg@hotmail.com. Thanks!
America's Got Talent Update
Although we expected to see Jonathan Wright on America's Got Talent in the first few episodes this year, the format of the show has changed from the previous years and much more air time is being devoted to the early auditions. The word from Jon's producer is, "I can't believe that he will not be aired before the Olympic break." So, keep watching! (Aww.. you probably would anyway..)
Thursday, June 5, 2008
Jonathan Wright to Appear on Amercia's Got Talent
Jonathan Wright will be appearing on America's Got Talent in the next few weeks! He auditioned in front of Sharon Osborne, Piers Morgan and David Hasslehoff at the Hammerstein Ballroom in NYC in April.. After that, well.. we can't say..
Although the format of the show is not clear at this time, he should make his first appearance on Tuesday, June 17th or Tuesday, June 24th on NBC. Watch and root him on!
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