When I was asked to pen a paragraph directed towards the members of the theatre I was not sure how I would go about putting into words the importance of this wonderful group of people. Our members are our backbone.

There are times throughout the planning season when I personally think of certain members; would they like this play? What reaction would Mr. Jackson have to this production? Would Mrs. Winters laugh at this line? Would Sue Briscoe be thrilled and call Joan McNeil to chat? These members are just a few of the people that constantly amaze me with unconditional support. They come forward with their pledges and their verbal commitments to our seasons long before the seasons are even planned. They commit to the level of professionalism, to the dream, the vision and the love of the arts that John and I throw ourselves into each and every year.

It has been a difficult road to travel. Hanging in my bathroom athome is a saying:

                Throughout the centuries there were men who took first steps down
                new roads armed with nothing but their own vision. ~ Ayn Rand.

I read it everyday. It is what helps me get up in the morning, what helps me keep going when the audiences are slim, and the dollars are even slimmer (almost transparent). The members are like family - they show up, support the theatre, laugh with us and cry with us and listen to our pleas and successes. The members of the theatre are truly the unsung heroes. The American Members are a bit different. They have unlimited theatre available on the other side of the Niagara Straight. The American members support many theatres and seem to have adopted Gypsy Theatre along the way. A play wouldn't seem right without Mr. Hart sitting at table 7 or Sandy and Deborah laughing form table 18.

As you can see I become attached to our members, as they become attached to Gypsy Theatre. It is a place of comfort, a special home that allows people to share and experience life and art together. Gypsy Theatre's members are priceless. It would be a never-ending note if I were to mention all the members - and none is more important than any other - they are a force to be reckoned with. I applaud you - each and every one of you.

Thank you for your support and your continued presence.

Bernadette Dalingwater

· Community Contributions ·

Throughout the season Gypsy Theatre is approached by many clubs, organizations and groups asking for support for their worthy causes. It is imperative to me that Gypsy Theatre supports its community. We believe that by supporting each other our community becomes a stronger more viable town. We are honored to support the following groups:

· Niagara College Foundation
· Bluewater Summer Playhouse
· Niagara Employment Alliance
· Garrison Road School
· St. John's Lutheran Church
· WNED TV Auction
· Victoria Playhouse Petrolia
· St. Paul's Anglican Church
· Lung Association
· CdLS ( Cornelia de Lange Syndrome)
· Economic Development Tourism Corp.
· Fort Erie Chamber of Commerce
· Uncle Sam's Bingo
· Delta Bingo
· Rotary Club
· Big Brothers, Big Sisters of Greater Fort Erie
· The BOF Steelmaking Member's Children Help Fund
· Fort Erie Housing Help Centre
· Niagara Falls Tourism
· Pen Centre
· Pine Grove Public School
· Community Outreach
· St. Michael's Catholic Women's League
· Campfire Marketplace
· Rods and Relics
· St. Philomena
· Orchard Park Public School
· Ridgeway Girl's Hockey
· Salvation Army
· Friendship Festival

· Donations ·

Theatres cannot survive on ticket sales alone. There are many components to staying alive in the entertainment industry. Theatres are always looking to raise dollars in creative exciting ways. There are the productions, the main stay of our work, there are special fundraising events such as; concerts, galas, dinners and raffles. Most theatres in Canada are not for profit companies with charitable status. The mission statement of these companies usually include the words "to bring cultural structure and educational programming to our community"�: Gypsy Theatre is no exception to this guideline. Gypsy Theatre was established in 1989 and became incorporated as a not for profit company in May 1990. We received our charitable status in 1996. Throughout history theatres have approached corporations and individuals for their charitable support.

Gypsy Theatre issues a charitable tax receipt for any donations made in excess of $25.00.

There are levels of support in sponsorship that also include a tax-deductible receipt. Please understand that all donations go directly into programming for the artistic season.

To support the theatre with a charitable donation please contact the theatre directly and arrange for your donation to go specifically into an area of your choice.

Areas in need for 2007 are as follows:


Workshops of new works by Canadian playwrights
Volunteer programming
Children's educational programming within the schools
Children's programming at the theatre
Children's camp

Phone: 905 871-4407 ask for me, Bernadette, and I will gladly assist you in helping Gypsy theatre.