Art for Awareness (AFA), a theatre collective based out of Peterborough, Ontario, seeks to produce high-quality theatrical performances with a social message. Since our inaugural production, the musical Next to Normal in the spring of 2013, AFA has won the audience and support of several mental health organizations including the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA), the Schizophrenia Society of Ontario, Lynx: Early Psychosis Intervention Program and the Human Resource and Justice Coordinating Committee.
In the fall of 2013 our first original production, a multimedia dance spectacle entitled Erasing the Stigma, was so well-received that the CMHA requested that we perform an abridged version as part of Clara Hughes’ “Clara’s Big Ride for Mental Health.” It was subsequently remounted 2 months later in its entirety, with the addition of financial support from Team 55 (suicide prevention). Shortly after the remount, AFA was given the incredible honour of receiving the “Champion of Mental Health Award” from the CMHA. In September of this year AFA produced the rock musical Hedwig and the Angry Inch, partnering with Peterborough Pride and CMHA’s ‘Gender Journeys.’ During these productions we have raised thousands of dollars for non-profits working on the front lines of our community, providing help and hope to those who need it the most.
Right now, AFA is gearing up to bring the smash hit musical RENT to Peterborough for the first time. This rock opera focuses on a group of young people living in NYC, struggling with addiction and poverty amid the AIDS crisis of the late 1980s/early 90s. Working with the Peterborough AIDS Resource Network (PARN), the Youth Emergency Shelter (YES) and Gender Journeys, we aim to educate, entertain, and normalize the stories of those living with HIV/AIDS, addiction, poverty and sexual identity. The show will hit the Showplace stage February 20-28, 2015.
Although nearly everyone involved in AFA’s productions are volunteers, there are still many costs we incur when mounting a production, from tech equipment, to script rental and rights. In order to meet financial challenges and keep ticket prices affordable, we rely on the generosity of friends in the community.
Companies: We ask that you consider placing an advertisement in our program as a corporate sponsor, knowing that your company name and message will be viewed by thousands of people. Business card-sized ad - $50, half-page ad - $100, full-page ad - $150. For $500, your company could be a ‘presenting sponsor,’ which includes a full-page ad, 4 tickets to the show, a web presence on our website, Facebook page, and Twitter– reaching hundreds of additional people, in the coveted 18-40 year old range.
Individuals: Show your support for our work by sponsoring our production of RENT. Bronze – donation of $50+ includes one ticket to Opening Night, Silver – donation of $100+ includes 2 tickets for Opening Night, Gold – donation of $150+ includes 3 tickets for Opening Night.
Thank you for your consideration and support of Art for Awareness.
Marsala Lukianchuk – Director of Public Relations
marsionbroadway@hotmail.com (416) 886-3563
www.artforawareness.net