A fixture in the Ann Arbor and Southeast Michigan theatre community now for three years, The Penny Seats Theatre Company recently announced the launch of their annual fund raising campaign with a new youtube video directed by Russ Schwartz and written by Schwartz and fellow Penny Seat board member and board secretary Jacqui Robbins. You can view the video on the group's website at www.pennyseats.org or at http://youtu.be/r0hLG95sggQ

Penny Seats president Lauren London writes, "Yes, to be blunt: we need your support, and this is the only time we'll ask for it all year. We perform high-quality, inexpensive, outdoor theater in the summertime. We play at the West Park band shell on Summer evenings, and we partner with other local companies-theaters, restaurants, non-profits, caterers, and others-to bring you stirring, interesting theatrical experiences throughout the rest of the year."

The group has three main stage shows under their collective belt now: Ann Marie McDonald's play GOODNIGHT DESDEMONA (GOOD MORNING JULIET) and the Jerry Bock/Sheldon Harnick musical SHE LOVES ME, both at Ann Arbor's West Park, as well as Jeffrey Hatcher's farce What Corbin Knew at Performance Network's "Mosh Pit" space. The group has also been an active participant in 826Michigan's Five Bowls of Oatmeal fundraiser and has performed a number of cabarets in the region, including one to benefit Ann Arbor's Senior Center.

"We're kind of on a roll, and we can't wait to do it again. This year, we continue our growth spurt. Spring will bring our first ever staged reading of a new work by a local playwright. We will partner with a local restaurant for a one-night-only event, complete with a talkback with the illustrious playwright himself...who happens to be my talented brother Russ!" London adds. "And yes, broadswords will be involved! Summer will find us back at West Park for our biggest show ever, running throughout July, complete with a delicious catered picnic dinner for pre-order."

Fellow board member and former chair Roy Sexton notes, "And the best part stays the same: tickets will still be really really cheap, so you can see first-rate live theater without breaking the bank. But we can't do it without your help. We keep ticket prices low because we are funded entirely via private donations. That means that you--not ticket prices--keep us going. You make us exist. We're so grateful and excited at our continued growth. Let's keep it going."

Donations can be made online via the link on The Penny Seats website - www.pennyseats.org - and, as always, a $100 gift gets the donor two free tickets to both shows. Donations can always be mailed to The Penny Seats at 2720 White Oak Drive, Ann Arbor MI 48103-2371.

The Penny Seats Theatre Company, founded in 2010, are performers and players, minimalists and penny-pinchers. We think theatre should be fun and stirring, not stuffy or repetitive. We believe going to a show should not break the bank. And we find Michigan summer evenings beautiful. Thus, we produce dramas and comedies, musicals and original adaptations, classics and works by up-and-coming playwrights. We also provide cabaret shows, acting classes, and wacky improv evenings. And you can see any of our shows for the same price as a movie ticket.

For more information about The Penny Seats call at 734-276-2832 or visit www.pennyseats.org.

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