RC Blog

Redwood Curtain’s eighth annual live radio production and fundraiser Leaps & ZOUNDS! was a tremendous success. Held at the Sapphire Palace at the Blue Lake Casino, the January 24 event combined the radio broadcast along with a catered dinner, a silent auction and raffle. The event drew record breaking attendance of 190 audience members.

Best of all, Redwood Curtain collected nearly $14,000 in donations between sponsorship, ticket sales, buy-a-line along with the auction and raffle. According to Peggy Metzger, RCT’s executive director, that’s nearly 20% of the theatre’s annual budget.

“It’s a common story with community theatres that ticket sales make up just a portion of the revenue they need to operate. We’re very lucky that the Redwood Curtain family turns out big to support us for ZOUNDS! because it means we can focus on producing high quality shows rather than a string of fundraising events.”

“Our audiences are indeed supportive” added Clint Rebik, artistic director. ?“Not only with ZOUNDS, but also assisting with unexpected needs—as we did late last year to help replace the light board that fizzled—so it’s a good position to be in to start our season with a portion of our budget in place.”

Leaps & ZOUNDS! received praise from the live audience as well.

Marlene and Mike Crank are such fans of RCT and ZOUNDS! that they did a sixteen hour round trip drive to be part of the festivities, traveling from their home in Gresham, Oregon. Here’s what they told us about their ZOUNDS! trip this year.

“We have limited time to vacation so we plan our special time around events that are inspirational and rewarding. Redwood Curtain has become an important part of our lives. This was the fourth time we had the privilege to attend the fabulous ZOUNDS! production. The drive to attend and participate in the production is well worth the time and creates memories that we enjoy over and over again. It makes for a quick weekend trip that we look forward to every year.

“The actors and actresses are all so talented that we never know what zany interactions we’ll encounter. They’re funny, entertaining and full of excitement that encourages everyone to join in the fun. We have found many of the participants from the area are some of the nicest and friendliest people one could ever hope to meet and make you feel like family at the first encounter.

“We’re season subscribers to the Portland Center Stage and have been for many years, but there’s something very special about being a part of the performances at Redwood Curtain. The respect and friendship shared by the performers and directors who put together the wonderful shows can’t be beat. Northern California is lucky to have the talented group that call Redwood Curtain home.”

The Leaps & ZOUNDS! cast prepares to go on the air: (from left to right): Christina Jioras, Ron Halverson, Charlie Heinberg, Peggy Metzger, Terry Desch, Julie Angles, Clint Rebik and Bonnie Halverson.

We also heard from Jen Dyke, who was one of the lucky participants in buy-a-line. “It was so fun! I attended ZOUNDS! last year, and based on what I saw I made a promise to throw down a $20 and buy a line this year. So, I had to keep my promise to myself! And it paid off! Buying a line for me made me feel like I could contribute something small to a very big ordeal. It elevated my experience from observer to participant. Totally worth it! Thanks to the coaching by Clint and James, I pulled it off and didn’t even mess up. What a treat to be part of a live radio show. I am so in next year!”

Redwood Curtain would like to thank everyone who attended, as well as those who donated to the auction and raffle. And a huge thanks, once again, to the evening’s sponsors: Aalfs, Evans and Co, LLP, Arcata Property Mgmt, Black Lightning Motorcycle Café, Brant Electric, Chapala, Coast Central Credit Union, Eureka Main Street, Finnish Country Saunas, Good Relations, HealthSPORT, Humboldt Creations, Kinetic Koffee, Leon’s Car Care Center, Mazzotti’s, North Coast Repertory Theatre, North Coast Coop, North Coast Knittery, OLLI, Plaza Professionals, Professional Consolidated Property Management, ReMax Humboldt Realty, SEE Engineering, Siren’s Song, and Uniquely Yours Catering.

The audience mingles before showtime in the Sapphire Palace at the Blue Lake Casino.

Leaps & ZOUNDS! audience members place their bids and raffle tickets for the auction and raffle.