By Elizabeth Dunn
A new year at the Commonweal always brings new changes. Working for a non-profit theatre organization usually means you get to work in many different areas creatively and administratively. Since 2015, I have been a video editor/producer, assistant to the company manager, designed props, worked as a box officer, and much more. This year being no exception, I found myself in a new position: last fall I took on the role of the Development Manager for the company.
First thoughts? I was apprehensive. My primary focus had been on videos and marketing up until then. The extent of my knowledge of the development world was “uh…those are the people that do fundraising,” and it didn’t go much further than that. Fortunately, I’ve had a huge support system behind me. Barb DeCramer, who has served on our Board of Directors since 2010, has over twelve years of experience in the Development field. Being able to utilize Barb’s knowledge and have her guidance has been indispensable. The Commonweal also gifted me with development courses up at St. Thomas University in Minneapolis, along with the guidance of another development consulting guru and friend to the Company: Dana Gillespie. I am grateful for the investment Hal Cropp and Adrienne Sweeney have made in me with these supporting resources. It’ll still be a bit of bumpy road ahead, but I feel equipped with the tools to help manage our development office.
And one of our latest development endeavors is already upon us! Over the past thirty years, the Commonweal has accomplished some pretty amazing things in: we’ve launched 25 world premieres, hosted the works of Henrik Ibsen for two decades, engaged more than 430,000 audience members, and so much more. All this was made possible because of YOU! The generous and passionate support of our patrons has sustained us through the early years, given us strength to grow, and gives us confidence as we look towards the future. And now, we invite you to help us reach the next level. The Opening Day Giving Campaign celebrates the start of Commonweal’s 2019 season.
Thanks to the work of our Board of Directors, the first $10,000 in donations—between now and April 13th—will be matched, doubling your gift! Please help us launch our 31st season by donating to our 2019 Opening Day Giving Campaign today. Here’s to you and our next 30 years together!