EDITOR’S NOTE: The following is an edited and consolidated version of a letter that the Daily Planet received around Thanksgiving to “friends” of the Flat Rock Playhouse, regarding efforts to avoid an FRP financial collapse.

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No doubt you’ve heard about the financial crisis of Flat Rock Playhouse, but I just wanted to make sure that you knew about all the things that are being done to make a difference.

In case you haven’t heard, we are having a benefit concert called “For the Rock” on Dec.11 at 7 p.m. This event was inspired from a Facebook group that Playhouse staff members Katie Mooney and Billy Munoz started called “Save the Playhouse!”

It got so popular and widespread that WLOS News picked it up, as did radio stations and the papers, too. In less than three days, a large community of patriotic Vagabonds raised over $10,000. A team of many, from here AND of the virtual world, has been KICKING it by arranging fundraisers, benefits, raffles, and press, etc.

Listen to how contagious good spirits are: Elon University found out about the FRP benefit concert, so they set up one, too. NYC alums found out both Elon and FRP were doing a concert, so they climbed on board and set up their own concert, another past apprentice was looking for a cause to support with their college showcase and (BAM) FRP was it. 

A concert promoter from Bonclarken offered his venue to use and Billy hooked him up with Jim Lauderdale (done – Dec. 7th).  Don Tomlinson arranged, with his friend in Asheville, a restaurant crawl and I am trying to match it in Hendersonville (all proceeds go to FRP).

Neela Munoz is working with Lauren Rogers Hopkins on a Grinch event. Lauren's sister Stefanie is setting up a "31" event; Bliss Salon is doing a CUT-A-THON for FRP; Home Sweet Home will being hosting a DOG-A-THON; NC Stage wants to do an extra show of Complete Works of William Shakespeare with all proceeds going to FRP.  Alyson Gooch donated t-shirt for “Save the Rock,” Chad DiCaprio has designed, manufactured and donated Playhouse Christmas ornaments.  Former Apprentice Mary Kathryn Penley, whose family owns Shuck’s Pearls from Yonderways has offered anyone who shops online at www.yonderways.com using code frp25, now through the end of the year will receive FREE shipping AND the Playhouse receives 25% of the order.

The day after Thanksgiving, a donor who wishes to remain anonymous bequeathed one-third of his estate upon his death to Flat Rock Playhouse, which totals nearly $200,00  — while this doesn't change our immediate need for $250,000, it does affect the long-term goals of Playhouse

There's even more in the works! All sorts of folks are volunteering, or offering their skills. It’s amazing and inspiring!

 Our point is…. the people are rallying. The time is now.  Our goal is to save the Playhouse and then to secure its future! 

Thank you for your friendship and for your nurturing support of Flat Rock Playhouse.

 Sharon Stokes, Neela Munoz and Lauren Rogers Hopkins