A Decade of Dedication: Help Me Create More at ISF

I’ve worked at Island Shakespeare Festival for 10 years.

10 years. An entire decade. Almost a third of my life, and most of my adulthood. 

When I put it like that, it seems significant. And honestly, it kind of is. To have a full-time job in theatre after all the arts have gone through in the last five years is nothing short of lucky. 

I look back at 22-year-old Angelica. So little, so much to learn. Never in her wildest dreams did she think that getting a summer gig would turn into a decade long career and permanently moving to an island. Truth be told, I don’t think 22-year-old Angelica ever imagined she’d know how to run QuickBooks, either; funny how that happens. Jumping for joy with the other stage managers in 2016. 
It was my first summer at ISF!

Why have I stayed after all these years?

At the very base, I stay because I care that theatre creates empathy in the world. It allows us to see others' stories and see beyond ourselves. It forces us to look at the good and bad in life, ask questions, and take action. Theatre is a catalyst for change.

And at ISF, theatre is for everyone.

We’re Pay What You Will. That means we don't charge a set ticket price, so anyone and everyone has access to the incredible theatre my friends and I work so hard to make. Those who can afford to pay it forward for those who can't. And for just a few hours, regardless of our differences, we all sit in that audience and share a heartbeat; share what can be a life changing experience. 

I am proud to work at an organization where I could actively see the change I am creating. We’re not perfect, and never will be, but we get better at what we do every year. We reflect on things, we listen, and we work our asses off. 

At least once a week I ask myself, how are we still around? Honestly, sometimes I don’t know. It is a constant uphill battle to keep this art form afloat. It feels like just when we’re about to catch up, we run into another roadblock; the government and state cut funding, audience numbers haven’t returned yet, we don’t have enough money to pay the bills this week. This job has taught me incredible resilience, tenacity, and creativity. Somehow, through hell and high water, ISF and I are still here – not only because of me, but because of people like you.

So why are you reaching out?

Because your donation right now will be the reason we are still here.

I personally know that each of those dollars makes a difference. Did you know that 80% of our budget goes to people? Your money is guaranteed to have a direct impact on someone's life!

So in times when many theatres are struggling, please join me in digging deep into your pockets and supporting this incredible company this summer. 

I am upping my match this year. I will match the first $500 in donations made towards my campaign!

Your choice to make a gift now will help launch an exciting season of accessible theatre for all. Let’s create a space together where everyone belongs!