“We Do Windows,” say The Friends of the Concord City Auditorium. “Windows and orchestra seats and dressing rooms and stage floors. We sew curtains, polish chandeliers and send event calendars to thousands of area households. And all in three days!”
The 25th annual “Pitch In” on Aug. 24-26, will get the historic municipal theatre ready for its 111th year as the home of Concord’s community-based arts and entertainment. The new season starts with the GALA weekend celebrating “The Treasures of the Audi” with an historic display, Grande Romanza Concert, arts party and ice cream social, and a GALA variety show previewing the coming attractions, all on Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 19 and 20.
The Pitch In crew chief is Joye Olson of Concord. The Olson family has led the Pitch In for 23 years, lining up the job lists and setting up supplies. Each year nearly 100 volunteers “show up and shine up” the city-owned theatre, setting the stage for the coming season.
Volunteers who “Pitch In” annually say the project is fun, a true community-building event with a barn-raising spirit. Running from 9 a.m. to noon and 6 to 9 p.m. daily, the sessions start with light breakfast or supper featuring Panera specialties. Then crews form and the projects begin, with a job available to suit every skill and interest. The Audi’s large cooperative mailing announcing the fall season’s schedule will be assembled at the Monday morning session, and Vincent Bonjorno, the “Postmaster of The Audi” for 25 years, will get 5,000 letters out in three hours.
The volunteers’ maintenance labor helps hold down the city’s costs of operating the Audi, which in turn helps lower production costs and ticket prices. Result: more than 100 public events each season stay affordable and accessible to everyone. It’s a win-win-win!
In the theatre spirit, The Friends guarantee dramatic working conditions, an interesting cast of characters, roles for stars and for the chorus, no heavy lifting, air conditioning, absolutely no pay, good eats and a chance to earn a “sweat equity” card.
