Gala Event [Feb. – June]
The Gala, which is the annual fundraising event at RFKT, is held on the first Friday in June. Organizing this includes coordinating invitations, payments, refreshments, entertainment, silent auction, set up and cleanup. Invitations go out in Feb./March (can be evite). Can be 2 volunteers.
School Outreach
Recruit students to perform in RFKT productions. Our outreach committee also recruits staff (college and high school) for paid positions and internships in music and backstage jobs. May include scouting at certain area school productions to approach notable performers and staff with RFKT info. Also, connecting with Principals of local NY/NJ/CT schools to let them know about our programs.
RFKT on Tour
Recruit schools with emails and press releases within one hour of RFKT. Set up performances and collect data on interested schools. Assign a cast, be in contact with RFKT staff, email performance reminders.
Publicity
Send press releases out before 2 Mainstages (Feb., Aug.) and 2 Edge (Dec., May) auditions and events and follow up with phone calls. Also, releases for New Kid auditions. Templates for the press releases can be provided.
Edge
Coordinate student and parent committees for shows, oversee publicity and outreach, organize company social outings, meetings, fundraising.
Merchandise
Monitor inventory of RFKT shirts, totes, etc. Create laminated display signs (prices, sizes, etc.) for selling items at shows. Re-order as needed via phone, email with account at area merchant. Organize sellers at RFKT shows and have merchandise brought there and returned to RFKT(does not include organizing volunteers to sell items).
Archiving
Scan RFKT newspaper articles, photos for digital archive. Compile articles and production photos into some kind of sturdy, bound book or album that can be displayed in the lobby of the studio.
RFKT Performing Arts Center Décor Projects
- Wall of Fame: compile production photos, headshots and show logos featuring children from RFKT who have appeared on Broadway; display on wall in hallway between bathrooms.
- Press Wall: compile major RFKT press clippings for display on wall in studio (many clippings already matted and framed – just waiting to be hung); display on wall in hallway between bathrooms (opposite from Wall of Fame) or possibly in main lobby next to window into main studio
Facility Improvements
Paint shelves in costume room white; coordinate volunteers – maybe a pizza party painting extravaganza? Sound proof walls of connecting studio. RFKT will pay for materials.
Scholarship Work-Study programs
Help create volunteer opportunities for scholarship recipients (parents and students).
Donor list
Keep track of donations received onto spreadsheet (either privately or from online registration). Email thank you notes to donors (a template can be provided). Compile donors and submit to person in charge of Mainstage playbill. Look into other ways that donors might be recognized (invited dress, dinner, free tickets, special performance, email announcement/newsletter, etc.)
Performance Spaces
Research local schools and theaters in Westchester County and find out if they might be possible performance venues and record details (# seats, stage details, parking etc.) to compile a working list.
Grants/Fundraising
Work with Ellen Best to research, apply for, and follow up grants for RFKT. Plus other fundraising ideas.
