RISE & SHINE 2020

The decision wasn’t an easy one, but we have decided to re-imagin our Rise & Shine Celebration Brunch at Portland Playhouse next Sunday, March 22.

Because everyone at Rise & Shine is always so full of joy and support, we could not guarantee that folks wouldn’t be breaking the recommended three feet of social distancing with hugs and handshakes as they shared their love and stories about the Playhouse. (See photographic proof of last year’s event above. Photos by Reina Solunaya).

In order to respect everyone’s general health, and the well-being of our staff and volunteers, we are asking that you transfer all that love and excitement into a more private giving event. We invite you to make yourself a nice breakfast, pour yourself a mimosa or a good cup of strong coffee, and think back over the times you’ve spent at the Playhouse. Now put your heart into it and give so that Portland Playhouse can continue to honor artists contracts, provide financial security for all Playhouse staff, and to help us stay ready to run at full strength again when this crisis has passed.

We would like to thank our event sponsors – Colas Construction, The Standard and The Jordan Brand for their continued support of Portland Playhouse. We also want to thank our board members who have pledged to match the first $30,000 raised through this campaign.  

To keep the spirit of connection, we will be posting videos on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube so that you may experience some of the performances that were scheduled for the event. We invite you to share your memories of the Playhouse by replying to this email so that we may share them with our larger community. We encourage you to visit or pick up an order from our Rise & Shine Brunch providers: Pip’s Original Doughnuts, Grain & Gristle, Sandra’s Goodies, Matt’s BBQ and NE Creperie. They, too, need our support during this time. 

We know this is not the same as being at Rise & Shine in person. But, look on the bright side, you can stay in your pajamas, touch your face as much as you want, and know that your support will mean that we will get to keep connecting through the work of the Playhouse and at many more fundraising events to come.

Thank you for your time and consideration.  Stay well and wash your hands.

With sincerest gratitude, 

Brian, Nikki, Ramona, Elena, Alix, Thyra, Sarah, Hayley, Charles, Corinne, La’Tevin, Andrea, Tamera