The Lightboard Challenge
Update
(scroll down for the original challenge)
The Lightboard Challenge
Ever since our first informal reunion in 2000, many of us have asked: what could
alumni do so that today’s and tomorrow’s Mimes & Mummers experience the best of
what we enjoyed during our days on the Collins stage? Well, inspired by the
150th anniversary of the Mimes and Mummers, Mimes alum Ed Lenci (FCRH ’85)
presented a matching gift challenge to us.
With ambitions to play a part in the restoration of our fabled theater, the
Mimes & Mummers Alumni Association committed to raise funds toward a new
lightboard system for Collins, and Ed Lenci agreed to match, up to $12,500, each
dollar we contributed. The result--a total of $28,505 exceeding our fundraising
goal by 12%!
We can certainly afford to purchase a state of the art lightboard now, but the
electrical system in Collins is outdated and cannot handle a new lightboard.
Major electrical work - part of a renovation of the theatre - has to happen
first.
We can now report - The Collins Renovation
Project has begun.
No – there are no workmen in hardhats in the building as you read this,
but as any of you who have ever renovated your homes know, there are essential
steps that must happen before the physical work can begin.
And we know for certain that the following steps have been taken:
The University has approved a budget for the initial work.
A Scope of Work/Renovation Plan is being developed by a theatre consultant. This consultant recently completed the renovation of Lincoln Center’s Pope Auditorium, and is working in conjunction with Fordham’s Facilities Department.
The physical work will begin this summer which means the Mimes can complete their season in Collins. However, the work will be extensive and will not be competed over the course of one summer. The University estimates that this multi-phased project will take upwards of 2 years
We do not know at this time exactly when the physical work will
begin.
We also do not know which jobs will be tackled first, but the University
has assured us that the electrical upgrades that are necessary to accommodate a
new lightboard are a top priority. Be assured - the donation you made towards
the lightboard will be used for the lightboard.
The Mimes & Mummers Alumni Association will be receiving updates on the
project from the Alumni Relations office and we will post those here on the
website as we get them.
This will be a long process. But at least we can finally say – It has
begun!
If you missed out on the lightboard challenge fundraising initiative, you can
still make a difference. If you would like to make a donation and be assured it
will go to the Mimes and Mummers and the renovation of Collins Auditorium,
please click here.
In case you've forgotten, below are pictures of what the lightboard
currently looks like. It is well over half a century old.
The Lightboard Challenge
Ever since our first informal reunion in 2000, many of us have asked: what could alumni do so that today’s and tomorrow’s Mimes & Mummers experience the best of what we enjoyed during our days on the Collins stage? Well, inspired by the 150th anniversary of the Mimes and Mummers, Mimes alum Ed Lenci (FCRH ’85) presented a matching gift challenge to us.
With ambitions to play a part in the restoration of our fabled theater, the Mimes & Mummers Alumni Association committed to raise funds toward a new lightboard system for Collins, and Ed Lenci agreed to match, up to $12,500, each dollar we contributed. The result--a total of $28,505 exceeding our fundraising goal by 12%!
We are grateful to all who contributed. These funds will be used for the sole purpose of purchasing a new lightboard for Collins Auditorium. A renovation of Collins is necessary before a new state-of-the-art lightboard can be purchased and installed. We will keep you apprised of the renovation details as they emerge.
If you missed out on the lightboard challenge fundraising initiative, you can still make a difference. If you would like to make a donation and be assured it will go to the Mimes and Mummers and the renovation of Collins Auditorium, please click here.
In case you've forgotten, below are pictures of what the lightboard currently looks like. It is well over half a century old.
