SPT Theatre Expands Opportunities for Performers and Arts Patrons
SPT Theatre Company fills a unique niche in the arts sector of the Cedar Rapids community.
SPT’s Tales from the Writers’ Room, are must-see productions, occurring every six weeks at the intimate CSPS Theatre. Each of the 10 performances provide a blend of original comedic and dramatic sketches, as well as the music of outstanding performers.
Giving artists opportunities to be paid for their work is part of their mission. SPT provided the first paying gig for a young local guitarist who has now recorded in Branson, Missouri; provided a hometown performance opportunity for a young Cedar Rapids native who moved to New York City to pursue a professional career; and welcomed another Cedar Rapids native who was making a living as a professional performing guitarist in San Antonio, Texas and has now returned to Cedar Rapids.
A multi-year grant from the Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation awarded in 2012 helped SPT achieve its key objectives of creating original, innovative programming; providing paying opportunities for professional creative artists; increasing audience size; and enhancing financial stability.
Funding from the Community Foundation helped SPT contract with an additional guest writer and add a two-production series, the New Play Incubator Series, which encourages the creation and production of original plays and adaptations.
The grant also increased opportunities for performers and patrons. In total, SPT provided 110 paying opportunities for local performers, and served 1,524 patrons – a ten percent increase from the previous seasons.
SPT continues to enhance its financial stability by cultivating diverse revenue streams. The addition of a new fundraising event called After Ours, along with continued individual and corporate support, has strengthened SPT’s operations.
This unique theatre company will continue to provide opportunities for both audiences and performers to share experiences that would not otherwise be available in Cedar Rapids.