Actors to be Auctioned Off at Thingamajig Theatre Gala; Advance Bids Taken Now

Photo: Actors from Thingamajig Theatre Company’s summer musicals cast — including (L-R) Keenan Pasqua, Dominic Girolami and Justin Autz — will be auctioned off during the exciting Broadway Gala fundraising event. Photo courtesy Carole Howard.

Actors performing in Thingamajig Theatre Company’s brilliant summer musicals will be auctioned off during the Broadway Gala fundraising event next Tuesday, July 30, at 5pm.  The event will include a cabaret-style evening showcasing their talents and the opportunity to bid on unique private events with them.

It’s part of an elegant evening of live music and entertainment at the Pagosa Springs Center for the Arts to raise funds for Pagosa’s only nonprofit live professional theatre.

For the first time ever Thingamajig fans have the opportunity to place advance bids on various actor interactions whether or not you are attending the gala.
“With production costs up by 25 percent, we urgently need your support to cover essential costs and continue our mission of cultural enrichment and community engagement,” said Tim Moore, artistic director and co-founder of Thingamajig with his wife Laura.

“Our theatre is more than just entertainment; it’s a community cornerstone, providing educational programs and opportunities for local artists and youth.”

Tickets are $150 for the dressy gala evening and are on sale now on the theatre’s website at pagosacenter.org or by phoning the box office at 970-731-SHOW (7469).

Unique auction items
A look at just five of the one-of-a-kind live auction offerings gives you a good idea of what remarkable fun will be available to you if you are among the many lucky auction winners.

Actors will come to your home and perform a 45-minute concert for a very special Christmas party hosted by you.

Longtime favorite actor Tyler Price Robinson and some talented friends will come to your home to sing, talk and drink with you and your guests.

At a progressive dinner for 8, the actors will chauffeur you and your friends to stunning Pagosa homes where you’ll enjoy serenades along with wine and cocktail pairings to go with a multi-course meal prepared by the cast.

Join Tim and Laura Moore on a trip for two to New York City as they audition potential actors to perform in next year’s summer musicals. This trip also includes visiting with past Thingamajig performers, enjoying dinners out in the Big Apple and shows on Broadway. (Airfare is not included.)

Enjoy a campfire singalong with voices, laughter and good cheer provided by the actors.

How to advance bid on auction items
Whether or not you attend the gala, you can easily participate in the auction in advance. For a complete list of the auction items, their cost and how to bid, please go to the Pagosa Springs Center for the Arts website.

“Right now, theatres across America are facing a crisis that hasn’t been seen since the Great Recession of 2008,” Tim Moore said, pointing to New York City, Dallas and others struggling with significant layoffs, season pauses and emergency fundraising.

“Our theatre is facing similar challenges, and we need your support to continue bringing the arts to our community,” he said.

He noted that Thingamajig’s small size “provides an intimacy that creates a closer connection between the performers and the audience. But our small size also limits our revenue, as we can’t sell 300 tickets per night like larger venues.

“We value this special aspect of the Thingamajig experience and are committed to preserving it, even as it presents financial challenges,” Moore said. “Despite these hardships, we’ve continued to bring incredible talent to our stage, with many performers moving on to Broadway.”

Gala entertainment and food
Attending the gala in person offers a remarkable experience, with performances by the entire summer cast, and dueling pianos played by actors Dominic Girolami and Zac Mitchell plus other highlights, including a meal catered and donated by theatre sponsor Alley House Grille, served by the actors. There will be a cash bar with tips going to the actors.

Tickets are $150 for the dressy gala evening and are on sale now on the theatre’s website at pagosacenter.org or by phoning the box office at 970-731-SHOW (7469).

Carole Howard

Carole Howard