Dearest Friends of MINNESOTA FOLKLORE THEATER

Artistic Director
Fred Rogers

Now over three years old, Minnesota Folklore Theater Theater has proven that we are an unrelenting regional force. We have an undeniably strong track record at the box office and with critics. Our Children’s Theater programs are even beginning to garner regional attention, such as our recent production of PRAIRIE SONGS LAURA INGALLS WILDER featured in regional news papers and THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS which got a visit from the Bemidji Pioneer.

"...little by little, Minnesota Folklore Theater has been turning into the most consistent, most dependable company in the Northwoods." Pat Rall Bemidji Pioneer, 11/21/10

We’re still pushing towards our goals that will give us permanency in the Lakes Area of Walker.   We’re continuing to look for ways to ensure financial stability and to get all of our core staff on salary and our artists the opportunities they deserve. We need the support of our entire community – individuals and businesses – in order to get there.

Every penny made from ticket sales goes to pay for often expensive royalties on the plays we work hard to bring you, rising costs for production materials, advertising to increase our audience attendance and stipends to pay our artists a fraction of what they are actually worth. We do this while offering tickets below the regional average, because we’re dedicated to keeping theater affordable for everyone.

We know the economy is tough right now (believe me, we know.) We also know how easy it is to get discouraged when civic leaders predictably include the arts in their first rounds of budget cuts, despite the evidence that the arts help cities improve and grow.

While our leaders may not always support the arts, one thing is clear: you do. The numbers prove it. Show after show, year after year, Lakes area residents increasingly choose to support an emerging arts community. Minnesota Folklore Theater relies exclusively on the support of you: our friends, our patrons and our sponsors.

If we could get the average number of attendees who visit Minnesota Folklore Theater during the run of a show to donate at least $10 each, we could easily raise $10,000 or more. That $10,000 could be immediately applied to helping cover our rising costs, act as a security in case of hard times and be applied to supplement what we pay to keep the theater and our Children’s programs operating from ticket sales.

You already attend our shows and spread the word for us. We can’t thank you enough for that. You’ve been instrumental in making us who we are. We’re hoping that you can help us become what we can be by becoming a part of our annual campaign and – if you are not already –.

If you’d like to make a donation ,(suggested $25.00-$100.00 individual,  $300.00 - $ 1000.00 Corporate ) we’d love to hear from you. There is truly no such thing as a small gift. We need every bit of support we can get in these critical times. If you’re interested in other options not listed, we can work with you. Feel free to call me at 218 547 4044  or email us at mnfltheater@aol.com .  Minnesota Folklore Theater a 501(c) (3) not-for-profit arts organization and all donations made to Minnesota Folklore Theater are fully tax-deductible to the extent provided by law.

In addition to cash donations, Minnesota Folklore Theater seeks sponsorships from area businesses as well as in-kind trade. We had season sponsors from 2010 that included:  ARVIG Communications, Itasca Mantrap, RDO, and Region 2 Arts Council( $500.00- $3000.00) and have also had relationships with generous businesses like Ace Hardware, Nevis Lumber, Park Rapids Enterprise and Park Rapids Lakes Area Chamber Of Commerce ( in kind -  Discounted services).

We hope you can join us as part of our ever-growing family

Yours very truly,

Fred Rogers
Artistic Director/Chair
the Minnesota Folklore Theater

Individual Membership $40.00 includes 2 tickets to opening night gala and listing in program and reserved seating for the season

Star Membership FAMILY $75.00 includes 4 tickets to opening night gala and listing in program and reserved seating for the season

Curtain Call Membership $125.00 includes three show pass to opening night gala and listing in program

Corporate Membership (up to $2,499)
Levels, Advantages, and Privileges

Headliner - $500 to $1,499

• Invites to have lunch with MFT executive staff and other donors at Minnesota Folklore Theatre Company.
• Name printed in all of next season's playbills and on the MFT donor board located in the Lobby.
• Quarterly MFT updates

Artist - $1,500 to $2,499

• Invitation to technical rehearsal and tour.
• Invites to have lunch with MFT executive staff and other donors at Minnesota FolkloreTheatre Company.
• Name printed in all of next season's playbills and on the MFT donor board located in the Tar Lobby.
• Quarterly MFT updates.

Join the Corporate Theatre Council! For those making gifts of $2,500 and above, membership in the Corporate Theatre Council offers an even wider variety of benefits and privileges.

MINNESOTA FOLKLORE THEATER IS A 501C3 NON PROFIT ORGANIZATION. Any amount contributed over the cost of tickets is tax deductible.