Submitted by the San Juan Community Theatre

San Juan Community Theatre’s record-breaking production of “Chicago” this spring has prompted the creation of a new fundraising campaign dedicated to the future of musical theater at SJCT.

When part-time islander and longtime theater supporter Suzy Wakefield first saw the play in the Whittier Theatre, she was so “blown away” she saw it again the next night. She then contacted SJCT trustees to suggest that something is done to acknowledge Director Margaret Hall’s “extraordinary” work and to ensure future musical theater productions are just as stellar. Wakefield pitched in $10,000 to start the new Margaret Hall Musical Theatre Fund.

“It just came from the heart,” said Suzy. “Coming from somewhere else and seeing the quality of the productions [that are made up of volunteers, not professionals], I just feel someone has to acknowledge it.”

Additional donors came forward to bring the fund balance up to $15,000, which prompted the SJCT board of trustees to start up a challenge campaign to provide the opportunity for the entire island community to participate, with a goal of $30,000 by Sept.30.

Funds will be used for production equipment, including more wireless microphones, video monitoring equipment, and stage lighting. “These are just some of the things that would improve the quality of our plays and enhance the theatre experience—not only for the audience, but also for our many volunteers, both onstage and behind the scenes,” noted Hall, who has directed or assisted directed in more than a dozen musicals at SJCT since moving to Friday Harbor in 1992.

Donations (all sizes welcome) to the Margaret Hall Musical Theatre fund may be made at www.sjctheatre.org (click the “Donate Now” button and look for the fund in the list) or contact Julie Hanks, director of development at donors@sjctheatre.org.