PIONEER THEATRE COMPANY CREATES JOBS AND JOY FOR HOLIDAY SEASON

(Salt Lake City, Utah) – Pioneer Theatre Company (PTC), together in a partnership administered by-and-through the Pioneer Theatre Guild, turns attention towards generating some Holiday spirit. Through the creation of the “Holiday Scene Shoppe,” an online bazaar, PTC will be crafting gifts, games, and festive facemasks, just in time for your seasonal shopping.

The “Holiday Scene Shoppe” products are made from repurposed production materials like painted backdrops, stage flooring, and steel, as well as scripts, musical scores, and ground plans. These imaginative creations include wind chimes, table top games, festive handbags and clutches, a plethora of home décor, including votive candle holders, crafted tree ornaments, stocking holders, and a variety of fun accouterments and decorations for the Holidays. Items start at $4 for simple table decorations, and continue through $140 for a library chair that converts into a stepladder. This wide offering of products ensures holiday offerings for everyone’s budget.

Launching today, the “Holiday Scene Shoppe” is the next phase in PTC’s “Second Act” program, an ongoing partnership with the Pioneer Theatre Guild, which was developed this past summer— part of an overarching effort to employ the use of the Theatre’s costume-and-scenic shops to create products ranging from furniture to facemasks. All proceeds from “Second Act” support PTC’s efforts to keep their resident artisans working during the CoVid-19 crisis.

“While we have been unable to produce live theatre, it is these outside-of-the-box projects that are helping our Industry survive. For instance, we’ve just concluded a partnership with Red Butte Gardens creating props for their Bootanical Celebration,” explained PTC Artistic Director Karen Azenberg. “Second Act is all about recognizing the importance of adapting during this time. We’re committed to bringing back our furloughed staff and while we’re at it, why not create some much needed Holiday cheer?”

“The pandemic has prompted a rethink of organizational operations and direction,” added PTC Managing Director Christopher Massimine. “Our first priority was our resident staff. Karen and I were determined to be part of the solution in ensuring work exists in an industry that is now literally decimated. As the official state theatre, it’s PTC’s responsibility to lead by example. Just as Utah leads together, so shall we.”

Since the creation of “Second Act” PTC has returned fourteen furloughed employees back to work. With the number of Covid-19 cases rising, the “Holiday Scene Shoppe” allows patrons to safely support the Theatre in a significant way.

Glen Clayburn, president of the Pioneer Theatre Guild, notes that “Being able to help PTC get back on its feet is something the Guild takes pride in. We’re glad we’re able to help the Theatre in a sustainable way.”

The “Holiday Scene Shoppe” products are sold online at pioneertheatre.org/second-act and at pioneertheatre.org/masks-to-order. Product updates will be published on the website and communicated directly to those who subscribe to the PTC e-newsletter.

ABOUT PIONEER THEATRE COMPANY (PTC): Now celebrating its 59th season, the award-winning PTC is Utah’s Premiere Professional Theatre and a leading arts organization of the West. Led by Artistic Director Karen Azenberg and Managing Director Christopher Massimine, PTC promotes community-building and education though presenting world-class productions; developing new socially resonant and universal work; hosting talks, lectures, and workshops that engage a versatile and inclusive demographic, while celebrating diversity in culture and society; and serving as the connecting bridge between art and scholarship as an affiliate of the University of Utah.

ABOUT PIONEER THEATRE GUILD (PTG): PTG’s purpose is to foster and promote community interest in, and financial support for, the Pioneer Theatre Company. Members meet visiting actors at luncheons and post-show gatherings, participate on the volunteer usher team and organize fundraising activities for PTC.

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Pioneer Theatre Company is utilizing its incredible volunteers and backstage staff to create gifts and masks for patrons to take home and enjoy.

See complete product list and pricing at pioneertheatre.org/second-act or masks at pioneertheatre.org/masks-to-order

WHEN: The Holiday Scene Shoppe will be available now through the end of the year.

Pinecone Ornaments – Made from wallpaper recycled from prop storage.

Poinsettia Ball – Made from recycled sheet music and wallpaper. No two are exactly alike.

Firewood Tote – Remnant upholstery fabrics are transformed into sturdy, firewood totes.

Necktie Pocket Pouch –In classic upcycle style, decorative ties are sewn into pouches just perfect for pens and pencils, makeup brushes, or to hold your spare glasses.

Indoor/Outdoor Star Wreaths – PTC light pole banners take on a second life as beautiful, sturdy, indoor or outdoor holiday wreaths.

Tabletop Paper Trees – Recycled ground plans and lighting plots are folded into our unique table-top origami trees.

Desk Tree or Reindeer Candle Holder – Repurposed steel from the set of Sweeney Todd are crafted into table décor.

Holiday Sled – Recycled steel and Douglas fir are crafted into holiday designs.

Wine Butler — Steel-crafted display for a special wine or sparkling beverage.

Stocking Holders – Display Christmas stockings on the table top or from a floor display.

Fold-over Library Chair – Folding chair with a distressed finish, folds and converts to a 32” high stepladder.

Stockings – Designed and sewn in our costume shop, stockings come in regular and large sizes and a variety of fabrics and prints.

Origami Garlands – Old scripts and musical scores have been turned into unique garlands with holiday messages.

Book Angel – Library books used in The Music Man have been crafted into a charming holiday display.

Wind Chimes – Steel wind chimes with seasonal sails set a musical backdrop for a porch or patio.

Bags and Clutches – Upcycled shopping bags and fashion clutches are crafted from leftover textiles and scenic drops.