The Lux: August 2024
Where did Lumen Rep shine this month?
Welcome to the first edition of “The Lux,” intended to be a monthly check-in from me, Lumen Rep’s Artistic Director. I’ll be reflecting on the ways in which we’ve illuminated our city, our craft, and our communities over the previous month. For this first foray, I’ll include June and July: two phenomenal months filled with bold performances, new audiences, and some exciting developments that will sustain and grow our future.
Spotlight on Slow Burn
Our July run of Slow Burn, featuring the double-bill of Edward Albee’s powerful one-acts, The American Dream and The Zoo Story was successful on multiple levels: we had our largest opening weekend attendance to date; we brought in a nationally known visiting guest artist; we gave the city of Jacksonville something no one else can; and we kept investing in and growing our core group of theatre professionals. Audiences experienced a rollercoaster of emotions, from dark comedy to intense drama, and our talented cast and creative team displayed what theatrical mastery looks like. With Albee’s characteristic poignant social commentary, we were doing something meaningful that clearly left our audiences deeply moved, and provoked thought long after the curtain fell. I’ve been delighted and humbled by the feedback we’ve received about how sharp, profound, and impactful this production was. But I haven’t been surprised by such responses. I know what professional theatre is capable of creating. And I was convinced that by bringing David Alford in as an actor and director, we were elevating and sharpening the realization of our mission and vision. We look forward to doing so again in future.
ShakesBeer: A Brewery Tour Rolls On
In June we launched this season’s incarnation of our original brewery tour ShakesBeer with some performances at Intuition’s Bier Hall. The tour pops up four times in September at three different breweries (Ruby Beach, King Maker, and Intuition), and closes out with performances in October and November at a couple more (Bold City and King Maker). This series continues to be a hit, blending quality Shakespeare scenes with the relaxed and interactive atmosphere of local breweries. In addition to being a singularly unique theatre experience, it has helped us reach new audiences who may not typically attend traditional theatre productions. That’s a big win for culture (and for craft brewers)!
Major Gifts and Support
We are thrilled to announce two significant gifts that will provide us some stability and be the foundation for our growth toward sustainability. Preston and Joan Haskell have generously committed $10,000 annually for the next four years. Their support underscores the importance of strengthening professional theatre in Jacksonville. Additionally, the STAGE Fund has committed to a renewable annual contribution of $20,000, which is the cornerstone of our funding, allowing us to pay the pros! These gifts are vital in helping us achieve our mission of cultivating and investing in emerging and established professionals while maintaining the high standards of our productions.
Community Engagement and Outreach
Our partnership with San Marco Church has flourished, providing us with rehearsal, office, and storage spaces, and a temporary yet beautiful and unique performance space while we continue our quest for a permanent home. This partnership has been invaluable in ensuring that we have a reliable venue to host our productions and engage with the community.
Gratitude for Our Supporters
None of this would be possible without the unwavering support of our patrons, donors, and volunteers. Your dedication to Lumen Repertory Theatre enables us to keep shining brightly. Whether you’ve attended a performance, volunteered, contributed financially, or bought some Lumen Rep swag, your support is the backbone of our success. Be sure to tell everyone you know your story of what you’ve experienced with Lumen Rep Theatre!
Stay Connected
Be sure you visit our website and follow us on social media for info on performances and more. And later this fall we’ll be announcing our 2025 Season in a fun and interactive way! Thank you for being part of this journey. Together, we’re doing something new on the First Coast. Here’s to many more months of creativity, culture, and community that matters!
Until next month, keep shining, Lum(e)naries!
All my best—
BRIAN NIECE
Artistic Director, Lumen Repertory Theatre
