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Update #16: The Future!
Greetings, Friends of ColdTowne Theater!
It's been a long time since Arthur, Justin and I have communicated with you regarding the status of the space, and our overall vision for ColdTowne Theater. In 2011, we poured our hearts and souls into the new space project -- hiring architects, engineers, meeting with neighborhood committees -- only to have our plans fall through at the 11th hour. This came as a shock to us -- and to you, who dedicated your time, passion and money to our plan.
To those of you who have been wondering, "What's next for ColdTowne?" and heard back nothing, we apologize. We want to start making that up to you now by letting you in on the exciting developments that we have been working on behind the scenes for the last few months. ColdTowne is about to undergo an exciting rebirth!
We're presently in negotiations for a long term lease in our current space, which will afford us the ability to expand as we have planned. Some of these plans are still up in the air, as we work with our landlords to hash out the details. We are, however, far enough along in the process to begin making several improvements to the space. Beginning next week we will have both a men's and women's bathroom. Soon after that we'll be getting fancy new theater lights. All the while we'll be revamping the decor and atmosphere of the space with an eye towards making it friendlier to both performers and audience members. And this, hopefully, is just the tip of the iceberg!
If you donated money to fund the new space project, rest assured that that money is going towards building improvements as we speak.
Our goal is for ColdTowne Theater to be the central creative hub for comedians in Texas. We want to build a clubhouse for funny people to congregate, trade ideas and to make art. We want to create a permanent and sustainable home for this incredible community that we're honored to be a part of. In short, we want to spend the rest of our lives with you.
Arthur, Justin and I are doubling down and committed to making this vision a reality for all of us. We're busting ass every day to make this dream a reality.There's no way we would have gotten this far without your continued support and assistance. You have had our back from the beginning, and it means the world to us. To everyone who has helped out in huge or tiny ways (from covering an intern shift, to just being funny and working on their craft), thank you.
Sincerely,
Jastroch, Justin and Arthur
Update #15: New Space News You Can Use!
Wow,
It's been a crazy few months. We've looked at several properties -- some more seriously than others -- drawn up plans, called in contractors, met with city officials, ran budgets, created LLCs and generally been engaged in the business of creating a permanent home for our not-so-little-anymore community of artists, performers and comedians.
We haven't been updating you too much, generous donor, simply because the update would be boring and involve a lot of talk of fire codes, taxes and seating capacities. Boring and not-so-hilarious stuff.
There is, however, exciting news on the horizon! We're getting close to making an announcement on a space. We can't tell you where it is until we sign on the dotted line (hint: it might be on the East Side or it might be in Waco), but we can tell you that it'll have a fully functioning bar and cafe, tons of studio space for improv and non improv rehearsals and meetings and a larger, more professional theater.
Check out this floor plan (see below)
We're especially excited about this space, because in addition to the size and location (again, Waco), it fits within our renovation budgets. Still, we'll likely need to raise some more money to make this a go.
1) You can still become a friend of ColdTowne or buy a theater chair at http://donate.coldtownetheater.com
2) Do you know a business who would be interested in donating some premiums? Send them our way (coldtowne [at] coldtownetheater [dot] com)
3) Got any special skills?Willing to donate time? Give us a ring.
Hopefully, we'll have some more information about this space in the coming weeks. Keep your fingers crossed!
Update #14: 10 Hours To Go!
We're in the home stretch. With only 10 more hours to go. Believe me, we're as surprised as you are that we've managed to raise 27.5K already! Let's see if we can push it even more. Every little bit helps us out.
To sweeten the pot, we're giving away 3 FREE level 1 IMPROV CLASSES to the last three people to donate ANY AMOUNT OF MONEY. It's like a radio giveaway, but better.
USA! USA! USA!
Update #13: WE DID IT! (Let's Keep Doing It!)
Wow! Yesterday at approximately 12:00pm, we reached our fundraising goal of $25,000! If you're keeping track (and we were), that's FIVE DAYS EARLY! Our community of performers, students and nerd-do-wells thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
The $25,000 you pledged will go towards a new home for ColdTowne Theater -- lights, sound equipment, sound proofing, AC, seats, a stage and all the wonderful things that make it possible to make you laugh.
We have four more days on the kickstarter, and $25,000 is just a portion of our overall fundraising goal of $100,000! In other words, we can still use more money. There are plenty of bargain premiums left.
Do you know someone who needs some corporate team building? What about someone in need of personal training? Or an acting class? A custom painting? Or how about a fan of ColdTowne Theater who just wants to chip in and help? Keep spreading the word and together, we can blow these goals out of the water!
(USA! USA!)
Update #12: 7 Days! $4.5K To Go! HELP!
Guys,
Things have been crazy hectic this week, hence the lack of updates lately. With a deadline looming (for fundraising AND finding a new space), we've been running around like chickens with our heads cut off trying to bring this together.
The good news: Arthur, Justin and I have made an offer on a space to purchase (purchase!). There's all sorts of stuff that needs to happen -- we need to secure financing, get inspections, plans drawn up and double check feasibility. So don't get too excited yet (okay, get really excited).
The bad news: We're 7 days away from our deadline and still have $4,500 left to raise through kickstarter. We need your help! Please, continue to help financially where you can and spread the word. There are some nice premiums that have been added recently. Perhaps you or your company might be interested in them? Or perhaps you know someone who would be interested?
Pledge $500 or more
CORPORATE IMPROV TRAINING 5 of 5 remaining
Attn Austin Businesses. Half price 10-20 person corporate 3 hour corporate improv teambuilding, communication, brainstorming seminars! $1,000 value! Read about it here: http://tinyurl.com/377f8jm
Pledge $100 or more
FREE I.T. WORK 4 of 4 remaining
Get 3 hours of computer help or education from an IT professional. Get your computer running faster again, learn Word or Excel, hide your porn with Department of Defense grade security, or impress that nerdy coworker by installing Linux. Tim has been fixing PC's, assembling home media centers, building computers, designing and assembling home and business networks, and securing data and networks for 15 years. Tim can meet you at a coffee shop, in your home, or can provide remote desktop support. Tim supports Windows and Linux computers, but not Macs. 3 hours of on site tech support Get 3 hours of computer help or education from an IT professional. Get your computer running faster again, learn Word or Excel, hide your porn with Department of Defense grade security, or impress that nerdy coworker by installing Linux. Tim has been fixing PC's, assembling home media centers, building computers, designing and assembling home and business networks, and securing data and networks for 15 years. Tim can meet you at a coffee shop, in your home, or can provide remote desktop support. Tim supports Windows and Linux computers, but not Macs.
Pledge $250 or more
PROFESSIONAL FILM ACTING CLASS 1 of 1 remaining
Free Song Class, or Film Acting Workshop with Studio E founder Elizabeth Reeder. Great training for the professional or journeyman performer, a $450 value! http://studioeaustin.com.
Pledge $150 or more
FITNESS BOOTCAMP 2 of 2 remaining
A free fitness bootcamp in November at Work It Personal Training's Northwest District Park location. Tue/Thur at 7am-8am. Class meets 8 times. http://www.workittraining.com/warriors/
Pledge $750 or more
PROFESSIONAL WEDDING VIDEO 1 of 1 remaining
WEDDING VIDEO! Full Production! ($1500 Value) -- Get a full length, professionally produced wedding video for half of what it would normally cost! Andy Petruzzo and Kyle Sweeny have been producing wedding videos since 2001. You can look at their reel here: http://www.youtube.com/watch...
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Backers
$28,597
pledged of $25,000 goal
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Funding Successful
This project successfully raised its funding goal on October 16, 2010.
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FREE PASS to any ColdTowne Theater Show (Must reserve space).
Pledge $25 or more Pledge $25 or more
BOOK OF RECORD -- Your name to be read into the ColdTowne Theater book of record during our dedication ceremony and proudly displayed in our lobby. Pomp! Circumstance! Also, everything that came before!
Pledge $35 or more Pledge $35 or more
Includes everything listed below and 6 Free rentals from I Luv Video and 6 Free Drip Coffees!
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Includes everything listed below AND 2 free rentals at I Luv Video. Limited number of these! Get them now!
Pledge $50 or more Pledge $50 or more
Free live show photography with photographer Stephanie Hagemeister. Great performance shots for your improv troupes or bands! 20 web sized pictures, edited (example work at http://www.flickr.com/photos/oob_pics/sets/72157624868332660/)
Pledge $100 or more Pledge $100 or more
Get 3 hours of computer help or education from an IT professional. Get your computer running faster again, learn Word or Excel, hide your porn with Department of Defense grade security, or impress that nerdy coworker by installing Linux. Tim has been fixing PC's, assembling home media centers, building computers, designing and assembling home and business networks, and securing data and networks for 15 years. Tim can meet you at a coffee shop, in your home, or can provide remote desktop support. Tim supports Windows and Linux computers, but not Macs. 3 hours of on site tech support Get 3 hours of computer help or education from an IT professional. Get your computer running faster again, learn Word or Excel, hide your porn with Department of Defense grade security, or impress that nerdy coworker by installing Linux. Tim has been fixing PC's, assembling home media centers, building computers, designing and assembling home and business networks, and securing data and networks for 15 years. Tim can meet you at a coffee shop, in your home, or can provide remote desktop support. Tim supports Windows and Linux computers, but not Macs.
Pledge $100 or more Pledge $100 or more
Improv for Kids, The Birthday Party! -- For a mere $100 donation, three child savvy improvisers will entertain, divert and indulge the youthful group of your choice for one the duration of one hour! That's right! Kate, Kristin and/or Matt will perform a series of hilarious and diverting improvised stories for your guests, then lead them through improv based games and activities that are sure to leave everyone exhausted and amused. In a good way! Perfect for children between the ages of 5 and 10, this is a sure fire way to throw an amazing birthday party. Location to be determined by host.
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CUSTOM ART! Oh, Science's Nathan Livni is offering up some custom artwork as well. His live drawings of improv scenes have inspired hundreds of comedy festival goeers. Now, you too can get a custom drawing done. These are great pieces for posters, group logos or even a tee shirt. They are going for $100. http://bit.ly/9ftMb7
Pledge $100 or more Pledge $100 or more
Oh, Science's Nathan Livni is offering up some custom artwork as well. His live drawings of improv scenes have inspired hundreds of comedy festival goeers. Now, you too can get a custom drawing done. These are great pieces for posters, group logos or even a tee shirt. They are going for $100.
Pledge $100 or more Pledge $100 or more
FRIENDS OF COLDTOWNE will receive our special prize package, including membership in our exclusive mailing list, which will give you access to heavily discounted and advanced ticket sales to special events, festivals and workshops, as well as special invites to private events and parties as well as our special tee shirt. BOOK OF RECORD -- Your name to be read into the ColdTowne Theater book of record during our dedication ceremony and proudly displayed in our lobby. Pomp! Circumstance! Also, everything that came before!
Pledge $150 or more Pledge $150 or more
Free Voiceover Basics Class or Character Voice Workshop with Studio E founder Elizabeth Reeder. Great training for the professional or journeyman performer, a $250 value! http://studioeaustin.com.
Pledge $150 or more Pledge $150 or more
Free 1-hour professional photography session with natural lighting or flash photography, location of your choice with photographer Jon Bolden. Can be family photos, headshots, a party, etc... Includes basic editing on all photos and up to 3 full photo-shopped touch-ups (great for portraits). Includes an online gallery with download links to all hi-resolution final images. Please leave up to 3 weeks before receiving photos. Jon Bolden Photography retains portfolio rights. http://www.flickr.com/photos/jonbolden ** Includes everything from the $100 Friend of ColdTowne Level
Pledge $150 or more Pledge $150 or more
Free professional photography session with photographer Stephanie Hagemeister. Includes basic editing on all photos and up to 4 full photo-shopped touch-ups (great for portraits). Stephanie Hagemeister Photography retains portfolio rights. http://www.facebook.com/pages/Austin-TX/Stephanie-Renee-Photo/159522880728052
Pledge $150 or more Pledge $150 or more
Free professional photography session with photographer Meredith Newell-- a portrait photoshoot in the style of the bidder’s choosing. Includes basic editing on all photos and up to 4 full photo-shopped touch-ups (great for portraits). Meredith Newell Photography retains portfolio rights.
Pledge $150 or more Pledge $150 or more
A free fitness bootcamp in November at Work It Personal Training's Northwest District Park location. Tue/Thur at 7am-8am. Class meets 8 times. http://www.workittraining.com/warriors/
Pledge $200 or more Pledge $200 or more
POSTER DESIGN! ColdTowne Theater's crack graphic designer, Michael Jastroch, will donate 10 hours worth of graphic design! That's about 2-4 show posters. Have a band or an improv troupe or show who wants to look good? Jump on this!
Pledge $250 or more Pledge $250 or more
Free Song Class, or Film Acting Workshop with Studio E founder Elizabeth Reeder. Great training for the professional or journeyman performer, a $450 value! http://studioeaustin.com.
Pledge $250 or more Pledge $250 or more
Can't afford a theater seat? We'll let you put a name plaque on a urinal or a toilet in the bathrooms. Yes. We're serious. Please, don't do this because you're creepy.
Pledge $500 or more Pledge $500 or more
Attn Austin Businesses. Half price 10-20 person corporate 3 hour corporate improv teambuilding, communication, brainstorming seminars! $1,000 value! Read about it here: http://tinyurl.com/377f8jm
Pledge $500 or more Pledge $500 or more
ColdTowne’s Arthur Simone has donated a custom, 18″ x 24″ or 20″ x 20″ portrait for one lucky soul willing to contribute $500 to the cause. In addition to appearing in Big Momma’s House 2, being both the Pun Off and The Air Sex World Champion, representing Austin at the World Air Guitar finals and being voted Best Actor in Austin, Arthur has been a finalist for the Hunting Art Prize. Is there nothing he can’t do? http://arthursimone.com
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THE GOLDEN TICKET In addition to the items recieved by the Friends of ColdTowne, by purchasing a golden ticket for $500, you are guaranteeing free entry to all regular weekly ColdTowne Theater shows for one year.
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Get a special theater seat dedicated to you or someone of your choosing. LIMIT 50 SEATS!
Pledge $750 or more Pledge $750 or more
WEDDING VIDEO! Full Production! ($1500 Value) -- Get a full length, professionally produced wedding video for half of what it would normally cost! Andy Petruzzo and Kyle Sweeny have been producing wedding videos since 2001. You can look at their reel here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p3izMX-iB6k
Pledge $1,000 or more Pledge $1,000 or more
"The SEUFERT" entitles the donor to everything mentioned above as well as a +1 to all shows and access to the private Seufert Booth at ColdTowne Theater.
Pledge $1,750 or more Pledge $1,750 or more
"THE COOK" entitles the donor to everything mentioned above as well as a +2 to all shows and being bowed to and referred to as “Your Grace” by all ColdTowne Theater staff.
Pledge $2,500 or more Pledge $2,500 or more
"The Dearing" entitles the donor to everything mentioned above as well as a private show at ColdTowne incorporating a customized improv and sketch revue tailor-made for the donor’s friends and family.
Project By
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ColdTowne is Arthur Simone, Michael Jastroch, and Justin York.
Coldtowne formed in March of 2005 from members of two Comedy Conservatory student teams in New Orleans, Louisiana. For several months, they performed weekly at one of the Crescent City's premier theater venues, Le Chat Noir, becoming key players in the city's budding comedy improvisation scene.
After Hurricane Katrina, a handful of ColdTowne's original eight members fled to Austin, Texas, living together, begging for food together, and building a group mind that borders on codependence. Performing at Austin's Out of Bounds Improv Festival, Coldtowne established a new existence as relentless and adaptable performers come hell or high water. Since then, Coldtowne has performed long-form improv regularly at Austin's Hideout Theater, won "Best Improv Group" in the Austin Chronicle Readers Poll, and opened its own theater and training center.
The residents of ColdTowne come from a variety of backgrounds: absurdist art, journalism, and business. Together they populate ColdTowne with long- and short-form improv, sketch, stand-up, screenwriting, guerilla film, music, and lots of nerdy blogging.
In addition to their training at New Orleans' Comedy Conservatory, residents of ColdTowne have trained and performed with Improv Olympic West and Chicago, Second City, the Annoyance Theatre, and the Upright Citizens Brigade, and as regular members of New Orleans' charter ComedySportz team. They've also participated in numerous workshops and master classes taught by improv luminaries. ColdTowne has performed at the inaugural Southern Improv Festival, Harrah's Casino, IO West, IO Chicago, ComedySportz (in Los Angeles, Chicago, Portland, and Dallas), Louisiana State University, the Dirty South Improv Festival, Austin's Frontera Fest, and the Phoenix, Chicago, and Toronto Improv Festivals, as well as Dallas' West End Comedy Theater, the Del Close Marathon in New York City, and Austin's Out of Bounds Improv Festival and Miniature Golf Tournament.
Hello Jastroch, Justin and Arthur -
The money I contributed was for a seat plaque honoring a person of my choosing.
When you write "money is going towards building improvements" does this mean the money I contributed is going to be used for "improvements" on a "leased" space and not as I intended; i.e. a plaque in a building to be purchased?
Pray elucidate!
Jon Bond