This is Who We Are, This is What We Do
It is part of our Mission to act as ambassadors for the Orpheum. As such, we are occasionally asked by the City to provide an item or service where, for budgetary reasons, the City is unable to do so. Last year, we were asked by the City if we could purchase a number of special assisted listening devices for those with cochlear implants. These devices were needed for the Theatre to remain ADA compliant, and there was nothing in the Theatre’s budget to cover the cost. FOTOT agreed to pick up the $3,300 cost.
Recently, the City received an e-mail from a patron who used one of these devices. The e-mail read (in part): “I wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed the afternoon performance last Saturday. I was not sure if I would need the [listening device]. I picked one up and was delighted to be able to hear the performance clearly. I told my husband that I have not enjoyed a live performance so much and felt so relaxed and not stressed to work at hearing. I have had other individuals with hearing loss tell me how they are delighted that they can now hear [performances] at the Orpheum Theatre. Thank you for your support in making live theater accessible to people with hearing loss.”
The Orpheum will be closed for most of the summer so that the City can perform maintenance work. This work includes replacing the carpeting throughout the Theater, and replacing the furniture in the Green Room. At the City’s request, FOTOT will purchase the new Green Room furniture.
Since its founding in 1993, the Friends of the Orpheum Theatre (FOTOT) has worked at its mission in support of the Theatre. In addition to conducting free public tours, since 2000 FOTOT has “invested” over $75,000 in the Orpheum, indirectly through its Outreach Program (purchasing tickets to events at the Theatre and distributing them to schools, senior citizen centers, domestic violence shelters, and veterans organizations), and directly by purchasing closed circuit TVs, a movie screen, children’s booster seats, in addition to the assisted listening devices for those with hearing impairments. Over the last two years, FOTOT has attracted new audiences to the Orpheum with events such as book signings, ghost tours, and monthly music performances. If you share our love for the Theatre, join us by becoming a member of the Friends; visit our website, friendsoftheorpheumtheatre.org for more information.
What's Coming Up at the Orpheum - Now & Then
Now:
April 1 - Shen Yun Performing Arts 8:00
April 2 - Shen Yun Performing Arts 2:00 7:30
April 3 - Shen Yun Performing Arts 1:00 6:00
April 5 - Shen Yun Performing Arts 7:30
April 6 - Shen Yun Performing Arts 7:30
April 8 - The 3 Tenors (Who Can’t Sing) 8:00
April 12 - Free Public Tours Noon & 1:00
April 12 - China Oriental Song & Dance Troupe 7:30
April 18 - Jazz @ the Orpheum 4:30-8:00
April 23 - Roy Orbison Returns 8:00
April 26 - Free Public Tours Noon & 1:00
April 30 - David Sedaris 8:00
May 1 - Phoenix Youth Symphony Season Finale 3:00
May 10 - Free Public Tours Noon & 1:00
May 10 - Classical Music @ the Orpheum 5:00
May 20 - Dance Motion: “Let’s Go To The Movies”
& “The Show Must Go On” 7:00
May 21 - Dance Motion (Same as above) 2:00
May 22 - Adage Dance Studios Spring Recital 4:00
May 24 - Free Public Tours Noon & 1:00
Then:
April 2, 1960
Already a household name because of his “American Bandstand” TV show, Dick Clark ventured into the movies by starring in “Because They’re Young”, a teen-themed picture starring a number of young actors. He appeared with some of the other stars (Michael Callan, Tuesday Weld, Yvonne Lime, and Warren Berlinger) on stage of the Paramount (as the Orpheum was then called) for the world premiere of the film. In the opinion of the Phoenix Gazette: “Clark Displays Appeal in First Film Drama.” (Ironically, when the movie began its run a month later, it played at the Fox Theatre.)
Support the Friends
Attention Fry’s Shoppers – Donate to the Friends every time you shop at Fry’s, and it’s free. Fry’s is donating $2 million a year ($500,000/quarter) to Arizona non-profits. To participate, go to www.FrysCommunityRewards.com and register your Fry’s VIP card, and select Friends of the Orpheum Theatre as your non-profit of choice. Remember: your donation is free, and this program is separate from the gas program. Last year, the Friends received nearly $700 from Fry’s. Also: if you are already a member of the Program you have to re-register in August. Just go to the e-mail location shown above and follow the directions to re-enroll.
Give Kids a Boost – It’s often difficult for young children to see what’s happening on stage because they are “vertically challenged.” Now you can help the Friends solve this problem by purchasing a booster seat. The purchase price is $25, and each seat purchased will be labelled with the name of the purchaser. Visit our website, www.friendsoftheorpheumtheatre.org for more information.
Support the Friends, Become a “Star” – A unique way to support FOTOT. For $100 you can purchase a brick which will be placed in the “Avenue of Stars” located just east of the Theatre in the City Hall Plaza. You can purchase a brick to honor your family, a friend, someone you admire, or to celebrate an event (graduation, birthday, etc.). For more information, visit our website.
Become a Member of the Friends – Join us as we preserve and illuminate the heritage of the glorious Orpheum Theatre. Visit our website to learn more.
Friends of the Orpheum Theatre
A 501c3 nonprofit whose Mission is:
To support the art, culture, and history of the Orpheum Theatre through outreach, education, and volunteerism.