Accidentally on Purpose (AOP) Comedy Improv Troupe will improvise a laughter-filled night at Northeast Arc’s ArcWorks Community Art Center, on Thursday, May 18 at 7:00 p.m. The event will launch the Patronicity crowd sourcing campaign for Peabody’s Black Box Theater.
“Patronicity is unique in that it not only provides the community with an opportunity to bring a new performance space to the City of Peabody, it offers a 100% match for those grass roots gifts through Mass Development,” said Susan Ring Brown, Chief Development Officer, Northeast Arc.
The Northeast Arc, in partnership with The Friends of the Black Box, plans to raise $50,000 by the end of June in order to qualify for a $50,000 match from Mass Development. It is an “all or nothing” process, so the goal must be met in order for the project to receive any funding through the Patronicity Campaign. That $100,000, added to the $200,000 already raised through grants from the Peabody Community Development Authority, local corporations, private grants and individual contributions will allow construction to take place over the summer.
AOP’s performance, an R-rated comedy evening for guests 21 and over, will feature Ted Neary of Peabody along with other North Shore favorites. The unique AOP style is similar to the hit TV show Whose Line Is It Anyway? and is complete with audience interaction. Come and be prepared to offer suggestions for the group, then sit back, watch the laughter and madness ensue as the troupe puts your suggestions to work in hilarious improvisational scenes. Audience members contribute ideas and suggestions to the troupe, and (only if they desire) can also join the comedians onstage to participate. The cast will remain after the performance for a “talk back session” with the audience.
“The Peabody Black Box theater is something that is near and dear to my heart,” said Ted Neary. “This will put Peabody right on the “Theatrical Map” of the North Shore! Please join us for fun, frivolity and help bring this dream to Fruition.”
“We are thankful to Ted and the AOP troupe both for helping to raise much needed funds for the theater and for illustrating one of the many future uses for the space,” said Brown.
Once built, the theater will be available for rent for performances including comedy, dance, film, music, poetry and more, along with special events. Guests at A Night at the Improv will have the opportunity to see drawings for the theater and to log-on to the campaign site atwww.patronicity.com/peabody to make an additional pledge for the project.
ArcWorks Community Art Center is located at 22 Foster Street in Peabody. Doors open and the reception begins at 7 p.m. Adult beverages and light appetizers will be served. Program begins at 7:45 p.m. and ends at 10 p.m. Tickets cost $25 and may be purchased at http://bit.ly/nightatimprov.