Signature's 20th Birthday Registry!
In these difficult economic times, it's understandable that not everyone can make an outright gift of cash to honor Signature's 20th birthday. As a thriving 501(c)(3) business celebrating our 20th birthday this year, we have ongoing office supply and production needs and appreciate the gift of everything from computers, furniture in pristine condition, office supplies, vintage clothing and accessories.

Don't know what to donate? Signature's top wish list is outlined below.

You can have these items shipped to Signature Theatre's Development Office at 4200 Campbell Avenue, Arlington, VA 22206 or hand-deliver them to Signature so we can thank you in person! We will send you a letter acknowledging your donation for your tax records. All gifts in-kind are fully tax-deductible at the fair market value of the item.

If you are interested in learning more about what in-kind gifts can be accepted, please contact Emily Hill, Development Manager at (571) 527-1828 or development@signature-theatre.org. Due to limited storage space, not all items can be accepted, so please contact Development if you are considering donating any item that is not listed below.

THANK YOU for your unique support of Signature!

SIGNATURE'S BIRTHDAY WISH LIST
Please click on the item name below to be linked to a detailed description of the item

Gifts for Under $100

PLAYBILLS and OLD CELLPHONES for [title of show]
Be a part of Signature Theatre's upcoming production of [title of show] with your playbills (in any condition, even missing covers) and old cellphones (do not need to be in working order) gracing the ARK Theatre stage. Please donate these items by March 31, 2010. Contact Eileen Garcia at garciae@signature-theatre.org for more details.

STAPLE "GUN" for the Scene Shop*
Sets have to be put up and taken down quickly, but remain sturdy throughout a 6 to 8 week run of performances – what's the secret? Staples! Drop off your new or slightly used staple guns (1" Narrow or Medium Crown). Heavy-duty staples are also welcome!

OPTICAL COMPUTER MOUSE (Quantity 5)
Roller ball mice are a thing of the past! Keep our computer operations up-to-date and free of pesky lint by donating your new or used optical mice. Multiple items will be readily accepted!

COPY PAPER for Scripts
Sure, everyone uses it – but no one department uses it more than the Production and Artistic Team! Each actor, designer, assistant, and technician needs a copy of every script we do – and some, like the Stage Management team, need more than one copy. Help keep us ahead of the demand by donating reams and cases of paper – it's a little thing that makes a big difference.

MANILA FOLDERS to Archive Sheet Music and Files
Storing 20 years of scripts and sheet music saves Signature money and time by keeping things on site for quick reference. Help us stay organized and keep those scripts within arms reach by dropping off file folders of all sizes and colors. New and slightly used folders accepted!

3-RING BINDERS for scripts and business archives
Heavy-duty 2-inch and 3-inch sizes preferable
These versatile office supplies are a favorite of many departments! The artistic department uses them to bind scripts for actors and designers, our marketing team assembles binders full of press clippings and advertisements, and our business department uses them to archive paperwork. Drop off your new or good-condition used binders today.

PRINTER AND COPIER INK
Want to make a little gift that will be put right to use – try ink! Signature uses cartons of printer ink each year for designs, scripts, and other presentation materials – on a multitude of printers. Please help us defray the cost by buying us the birthday present of ink! Dispose of a printer recently and still have leftover ink? Check the list and see if we match!

HP Deskjet Printer 6940
Black – HP 96
Tri-color – HP 97

HP LaserJet 2420 and 2430 Series
Black – HP 11X

HP Color LaserJet 3600, 3800, CP3505 Series
Black – Q6470A
Yellow – Q7582A
Cyan – Q7581A
Magenta – Q7583A

Compatable Ink Jet Cartridges – Costume Shop Printer for Full-Color Design Printing
Black – HP 10 (C4844A)
Yellow – HP 11 (C4838A)
Cyan – HP 11 (C4836A)
Magenta – HP 11 (C4837A)

HP DesignJet 800 – Plotter for Production Drawing Plans and Large Format Printing
Black – HP 10 (C4844A)
Yellow – HP 82 (C4913A)
Cyan – HP 82 (C4911A)
Magenta – HP 82 (C4912A)

HP LaserJet P2015dn
Black – HP 53X (Q7553X)

HP DeskJet D4360
Black – HP 74XL
Tri-color – HP 75

Canon Compatable InkJet Printer
BCI-3e Black/Color Ink Tanks, 4/Pack

MISCELLANEOUS OFFICE SUPPLIES
While the above-mentioned office supplies are in greatest demand, we also welcome other assorted office supplies from www.staples.com or from your own collection! We always need pens, pencils, post-its, paper clips, Scotch tape, binder clips (of all sizes), and 8.5x11 colored paper.

Gifts from $100 to $500

MIXER for the Kitchen at Ali's Bar
Enjoy the Signature Salad or the Rafael sandwich? How about the hummus? Help our wonderful chefs at Ali's Bar continue coming up with unique food creations by donating a new or like-new stand mixer. More fresh cookies are on the way!

FINISH NAILER for the Scene and Prop Shop*
Put the finishing touches on Signature's set and furniture items by donating a new or like-new Finish Nailer (16 Gage, 2-1/2"). You may not get to see your donation in action – or the finished product – but you'll know it's holding it all together!

17" FLAT SCREEN MONITOR (Quantity 3)
Help our employees stop squinting at outdated screens and make more room on their desks with these space saving computer monitors. If you've recently upgraded your monitor, drop your old monitor off and you'll receive a donation receipt that can help you save money on taxes. Multiple items will be readily accepted!

COMPOUND MITER SAW for the Scene Shop*
If you have ever installed crown molding, you know how tricky it can be without the right tools! Help our carpenters cut those tricky angles quickly and easily with a heavy-duty double-bevel compound miter saw.

LAMINATOR for Front of House Displays
Help our signage last and last by donating a new or slightly-used laminator like the one linked above. Our house managers will thank you!

Gifts from $500 to $1,000

FLOOR DRILL PRESS for the Scene Shop*
Drop off a new or slightly used floor drill press in good condition and you'll have our carpenters saying "Drill Baby Drill!"

DELL OPTIPLEX COMPUTERS
In business these days, it seems like you can never have too many computers – and theatre is no exception! Drop off your new or used machines that meet the minimum requirements: Windows XP Professional Operating System, 2.1 GHZ or greater processor, 1GB or more RAM (2 GB preferred) and get a donation receipt that can help you on your taxes.

Gifts from $1,000 +

TABLE SAW for the Scene Shop*
A big-ticket item that will make a big impact! Enhance Signature's ability to construct its sets with the Number 1 Power Tool in the Scene Shop – a new Table Saw.

VectorWorks Licenses for PC (Quantity 2)
Ever wonder what software designers use to draw up scenic and lighting designs? Signature uses VectorWorks, one of two of the most popular AutoCAD drafting programs. Licenses for this amazing software are expensive. Help offset the cost by donating one today.

BAND SAW for the Scene Shop*
One of the most versatile saws in any scene shop, the band saw is a one-stop tool – by just changing the blades, you can cut anything from wood to metal pipes, straight lines to curves. Donate a like-new floor standing band saw like the model linked above and the carpenters will be singing your praises!

WOOD SHAPER for the Scene Shop*
The theatres at Signature are so intimate that you can see every detail on the set from any seat in the house. Help the hardworking folks in the scene shop with the fine detailed work, by donating an industrial Wood Shaper.

*For safety reasons only heavy-duty new or used power tools in pristine condition will be accepted. Please use the item links to ensure that your item meets the minimum requirements. We appreciate your understanding.

celebrating 20 years

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Sweeney Todd Funders' Opening Night was a Bloody Good Time!
Signature's 20th Anniversary re-staging of Sweeney Todd – the musical that "started it all" for Signature – opened to a full house on Tuesday, February 16. More than 250 friends and funders attended Signature's third production of the melodramatic and chilling Sondheim musical thriller. Following the performance, supporters enjoyed a special post-show reception with members of the production team and Signature staff. Remarks made by Artistic Director Eric Schaeffer, Managing Director Maggie Boland and Board Chair Sarah Valente warmly acknowledged Sweeney Todd's lead sponsor Helen Henderson, in addition to donors Tony Garro and Scaffold Resource for their support of the production.

If you would like to be a part of Signature's Opening Night celebrations by making a gift of $2,500 or more, please contact the Development Department at 571-527-1828 or development@signature-theatre.org.

Special thanks to J. Watkins and Bradley Frey for providing the Sweeney-inspired décor.


Sweeney Todd Music Director Zak Sandler with Artistic Director Eric Schaeffer.


Sweeney Todd cast, crew, and artistic team.


Signature Associate Director Michael Baron flanked by Sweeney himself, actor Ed Gero, and his wife, Marijke.


Sweeney's young lovers Gregory Maheu and Erin Driscoll with actor James Gardiner and the production's Assistant Director Matt Gardiner.


Signature Board Member Bonnie Feld with husband Kenneth.


Signature Board Treasurer and Vice Chair Deb Gandy with Jill Tannenbaum, Board Chair Sarah Valente, and Sweeney Todd lead sponsor Helen Henderson.


Sweeney Todd ensemble members Katie McManus, Weslie Woodley and Hannah Willman.


Signature Board Paul Wojcik with Sweeney Todd cast member Jean Cantrell.


Donor Brad Frey, Board Secretary Chris Wailoo, Andrea Cecchi and Board members Enrico Cecchi and J. Watkins, and friend Suzanne Masri.

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Sweeney Toddy?
While Ali's Bar was preparing for Sweeney Todd, we asked our followers on Facebook and Twitter what curdling concoctions they would like to see at the bar. As usual they did not disappoint. See some of our favorites:

  • A Bloody Toddy, of course!
  • The Judge Turpin slushy.
  • The Johanna - seems sweet enough at first; but the next day, do you ever "feel" her.
  • A red beer, because "everybody goes down well with beer."
  • The Bitter Lovett, and make sure you can light it on fire.
  • A Little Priest --- a short shot of Benedictine.
  • The Demon Bourbon of Fleet Street.
  • Sweeney-Tini!
  • Pirelli's Miracle Elixir… and it should smell terrible.
  • Sweeney Sangria - a blood-red wine concoction with lots of floating goodies.
  • A "Bloody Londoner" - Bloody Mary mix, Beefeater gin, stirred and served with a Slim Jim.

Want to see what landed at the bar? Stop on by and place your order! You can even take it into the theater!

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STG International President and CEO Michelle Lee (third from the left) and staff members at Opening Night of Sweeney Todd.

Thank You, STG!
Signature is pleased to thank one of its most generous partners, STG International. For the past four years, STG International has been a proud supporter of Signature Theatre's productions and education and community outreach programs. It is our pleasure to be able to recognize STG President and CEO Michelle Lee, and the Company's many dedicated employees, as members of Signature's corporate family.

STG International is a woman-owned, minority business, founded in 1997 that provides medical and professional services to federal clients. Consistently recognized as an outstanding entrepreneurial company, provides consulting services in healthcare/medical staffing, human capital management, and professional administrative services. STG International is headquartered in Alexandria, VA, and has offices in San Diego, New York, San Antonio, San Francisco, Atlanta, and Chicago. Visit www.stginternational.com to learn more about this dynamic and community-minded company.

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Special Offers for Signature Theatre Supporters!
Signature Theatre is proud to offer our patrons discounts to other area arts organizations. Read below for great deals to Ford's Theatre and the Gay Men's Chorus of Washington DC.

Photo of Jenna Coker-Jones as Audrey and Christopher Kale Jones as Seymour by Scott Suchman.

Receive 20% off Tickets to "Little Shop of Horrors" at Ford's Theatre
Little Shop of Horrors
By Alan Menken and Howard Ashman
Choreographed by Karma Camp
Directed by Coy Middlebrook
March 12-May 22, 2010

One of the most popular musicals of all time, Little Shop of Horrors tells the story of the well-meaning flower shop employee Seymour Krelborn and his wisecracking carnivorous plant, Audrey II. Seymour delights in the attention his leafy friend attracts, but when Audrey II develops a craving for human flesh, the situation spins out of control. Coy Middlebrook, a key member of the artistic team for Shenandoah and Big River, makes his Ford's directorial debut with this zany American classic. Husband-and-wife team Christopher Kale Jones and Jenna Coker-Jones make their Ford's Theatre debut as Seymour and Audrey.

Signature Theatre patrons can receive 20% off tickets with code SIGNATURE. (Not valid on previously purchased tickets or seats in the dress circle. Cannot be combined with other offers.) Offer expires March 31, 2010.

To purchase tickets, call (202) 397-SEAT or visit www.fords.org.

The Gay Men's Chorus of Washington, DC presents an all-male production of the Broadway musical Grease. It's the musical you know and love, only gayer. In this version of the timeless teenage love story, Danny and Sandy will have more in common than ever before.

March 19-21, 2010 at Lisner Auditorium. www.gmcw.org

Call (202) 293-1548. Mention "Signature" to save $5 off each ticket you buy!

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Spotlight on Signature Staff: Erin Maas, Patron Services Manager
Erin Maas started at Signature Theatre back in August of 2007, just a few months after the new building opened. As Patron Services Manager she oversees almost all things front of house. The box office staff, house management staff, and the volunteer program are all a part of her job. Located in the box office, she has the unique task of taking our patrons concerns and compliments to Signature Senior Staff and provides perspective on decisions regarding the patrons' experience. Her job starts long before you walk through the door and ends when you are happy, comfortable, satisfied and feel a part of the Signature family.

Away from the box office, Erin lives in a small condo in Alexandria where she fosters cats for the SPCA of Northern Virginia and in her spare time photographs the area.  Originally from Jacksonville, Florida, she came to Virginia to attend Mary Washington College and moved into the Washington metro area after graduation. She worked at the sales office for Arena Stage and the subscription office at Studio Theatre until finding her home with Signature Theatre.

After 2 ½ years she says, "I am happy and proud to be a part of this family. We will always find new ways to make Signature THE place you wish to go for a great evening or afternoon out. Yes, the productions are wonderful, but we want Signature to be a second home for you. We want you to feel comfortable and relaxed in the lobby. We want to make it an entire experience rather than just a performance."

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