Artbeats
R A I S O N D ' E T R E
Oscar Wilde phrased it perfectly when he said “I regard the theatre as the greatest of all art forms, the most immediate way in which a human being can share with another the sense of what it is to be a human being.” Theatre is the bridge that connects us to each other and allows us to explore different perspectives that we may not have contemplated before. By experiencing dialogue, characters, and situations outside of ourselves, we are able to flex our empathy muscles. It is through this empathy and connection that our lives become more enriched and meaningful. This belief is at the heart of everything Emerald Coast Theatre Company does and everything it seeks to bring to the Emerald Coast Community.
ECTC’s mission is to “enrich and entertain the Emerald Coast community through professional and educational theatre.” Enrichment through the art of theatre happens in so many ways within our community. Nathanael Fisher, Producing Artistic Director and Co-Founder elaborates on this by stating “What we really do is community. We just do it through the art of theatre.” It happens through the entertainment that is offered at ECTC year round, but even more so in the hundreds of tiny “artbeats” that ripple through our beautiful region. Associate Artistic Director and Co-Founder, Anna Fisher, highlights her perspective on the heart of theatre being that of community as well. “Being able to provide audiences with professional theatre performances that create a sense of community can be a safeguard against isolation. It’s a cultural event that happens in real time with real people.”
Volunteer engagement is a perfect example of this, as more and more people discover the joy of coming to gather at this very special place. Volunteers at ECTC have often said that they feel a greater sense of purpose when they give of their time and skills to help support the theatre. Others have made dear, lifelong friends who have enriched their everyday lives outside of ECTC. Still others have expressed gratitude at having a place where they belong and are appreciated for all that they have to offer.
The Emerald Coast community has embraced ECTC wholeheartedly as evidenced in the 45% increase in audience attendance during Season 10. So many returning patrons and new patrons have come to appreciate the real time benefits of live theatre. There is something about being in the moment and breathing the same air as the actors and people around you that creates an unforgettable experience. It is an ephemeral one time event that can only happen that way, during that time, and in that space. It is a magic of sorts that can never be recreated.
ECTC’s educational programs hold a magic of sorts as well, contained in the hearts of every child who walks through the doors. What started as an after school class of ten students in 2013 has grown to a thriving program of over 500 student registrants between the ages of 5 and 18 years old. When surveyed, between 80%-90% of parents cited the biggest reason for enrolling their children in ECTC’s theatre programming was because of the self-confidence they have seen develop and grow from this experience. As ECTC’s co-founder, Nathanael Fisher, so passionately shares, “in a world that is driven with screens, peer pressure, and bullying, if 90% of the parents are seeing their kids grow their self confidence, that’s what I want, that's what ECTC is here for...” There are so many benefits for children who are involved in theatre, including positive emotional maturity, a deeper understanding of their studies, higher literacy rates and test scores, and a more developed ability to imagine a bright future for themselves. Being able to create a world and express emotions and actions through speech, movement, song, and dance helps to develop both self-confidence and empathy for others. Our junior high and high school theatre programs are intentional about shaping our society by creating a place where children can learn how to be empathetic, work well with others, and have the confidence to change the world. These benefits extend beyond the theatre classroom and reach our young audience members through the field trip program as well.
ECTC’s Theatre for Young Audiences (TYA) productions not only provide a safe and unique family experience that is both interactive and “smartphone free,” but also inspires children to learn more about the world and themselves in the process. Some of these shows bring the pages of popular children’s books to life on stage, while others introduce new and inspiring material for children to experience. When children are exposed to live theatre they enjoy many of the same benefits as they would while participating in a theatre class. They see a story from another viewpoint and learn empathy and understanding from multiple perspectives. Teachers are often able to connect learning materials to the eld trip shows and create teachable moments that extend seamlessly into the classroom. This is just one more artbeat that reaches into our community through ECTC.
ECTC exists because so many have felt these artbeats in our community and have responded with generous support of their time and resources. Our VIP members, sponsors, donors, patrons, and volunteers have all created a strong foundation upon which ECTC will thrive for many years to come. Please consider joining this generous group of people and supporting the artbeat of ECTC in your community. Here are some of the ways to help and be a part of this unique gem on the Emerald Coast.
You can become a VIP member. Your VIP Membership support allows us to offer a variety of high-quality professional productions for audiences of all ages as well as reach hundreds of children through our educational theatre programs and field trips. Benefits include tickets to the show, first access to booking or buying tickets to any ECTC event, invitation to private VIP events, and other perks (like free wine!) Upper levels of VIP Membership includes all the benefits of the regular VIP Membership and more! The additional donation levels for the Silver, Gold, Platinum and Legacy Membership include a greater, tax deductible financial donation in support of ECTC’s professional and educational programs.
You can become a sponsor through your business. Business sponsors enjoy marketing opportunities in the program, on the website, through the ECTC newsletter, social media, and various other platforms as well. We value everyone’s contribution to our mission at Emerald Coast Theatre Company and feel that no donation is too small! You can pair your support with your tickets by making a meaningful donation to ECTC as you plan ahead for a fantastic season of performances. Adding a donation (no matter the amount: $5, $50, $500) to your ticket purchase will go far in helping ECTC serve our community.
We depend on our donors each season to join us in enriching our community with the kind of poignant, heartwarming, funny, and thought provoking shows and educational theatre that have become Emerald Coast Theatre Company’s signature. No matter how you are involved, we are here because of you! Thank you for partnering with us to continue sending artbeats to the community we all love and live in.
