Local community shows support for ESU theatre department

EAST STROUDSBURG — Local businesses in East Stroudsburg plunged into fundraising efforts to raise money for the theatre department at East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania.

Downtown businesses are supporting the theatre department through a promotion linked to the upcoming production of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, which will be presented from April 22 to 26.

Continuing a partnership that began in 2014, Liztech Gallery on Crystal Street has created A Midsummer Night’s Dream collection of four pins: Celestial Pixie, Moon, Titania, and Moon Dancer. From April 21 through May 2, Liztech will donate 50 percent (minus sales tax) of the purchase price of any pin in the collection to ESU’s theatre department. The pins in this collection range in price from $47 to $75.

To highlight the pin collection, students from ESU’s 3-D design class taught by Darlene Farris-LaBar, associate professor of art + design, created a special window display for the gallery.

“We love being involved with ESU students and jump at the chance to be a part of what they are learning,” Noelle Keller said on behalf of Liztech. “Working with the university allows us to meet a diverse group of students and introduce them to who we are and what we do.”

Three other downtown East Stroudsburg businesses, Strunky’s Pub, also on Crystal Street, and two businesses on Washington Street: Bloom by Melanie, a flower shop, and The Dressing Room, a clothing store, are also partners in the fundraising initiative.

With a special voucher available downtown and on campus, the three businesses will donate 10 percent of any purchase between April 21to May 2 to the theatre department.

Pocono Community Theater on South Courtland Street is also supporting the partnership and production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream by providing special on-screen advertising before each movie.

“I am so thankful to Jill Elizabeth and Liztech for their initiative on Crystal Street and to all the East Stroudsburg businesses who have supported the program,” said Margaret J. Ball, D.M.A., chair of ESU’s theatre department. “Their support is critical in helping our students to attend the regional Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival.”

Curtain times for A Midsummer Night’s Dream are 7:30 p.m. April 22 to 25, and 2 p.m. April 26. All performances are in the Smith-McFarland Theater of the university’s Fine and Performing Arts Center, Normal and Marguerite streets.

General admission for the production is $12; $10 for senior citizens, faculty and staff with ID; $7 for students with ID; and $5 for youth. This play is recommended for ages 8 and above.

Tickets may be purchased in advance with a credit card at esu.edu/theatretickets. Remaining seats will be available at the box office beginning one hour before the performance. Only cash and checks are accepted at the box office.

For box office reservations or more information about the production, email esuarts@esu.edu or call 570-422-3483, ext 4.