We know you’re (probably) preparing to take your celebratory New Year’s dip in the ocean, but before you suit up, we’d like to float some year-end giving ideas past you.

Giving to Thrown Stone is safe, easy, tax-deductible, and unlike the Polar Bear Plunge, has never caused hypothermia. We even have a bunch of different options, so you can give in the way that’s most comfortable for you:

1. Give on Facebook. We list this first because Facebook covers the processing fees for donations made on their platform. That’s great for us, because we get to put 100% of your gift into our productions — in the same way you’ll be submersing 100% of your body in Long Island Sound on Tuesday morning. They also make giving really easy.
2. Give on our site. You can always give at thrownstone.org/donate. It’s quick and painless too, unlike touching 33° water with your bare skin.
3. Shop our #CloseToHome Holiday Wishlist. Whenever possible, we do our shopping with the Ridgefield merchants who so generously support our work. So while you’re out looking for the perfect winter swimwear, throw a gift card in your basket for Thrown Stone!
4. Shop our Amazon wishlist. Some of the gear we need isn’t in the local shops, but we grin and bear it. We also get a cut if you select Thrown Stone as your Amazon Smile charity (more info here). Amazon also allows you to shop with points — a great use of your miles if they’re expiring soon.
5. Send a Check to Thrown Stone Theatre Company, PO Box 731, Ridgefield CT 06877. Did you know you could sponsor an intern this year? $1,750 covers their entire stipend, and you’ll be a guest of honor at Lunch With The Interns sponsored by Dimitri’s Diner! Honestly, this is going to be way more fun than the Polar Bear Plunge, and — bonus! — the ice water is free.

Thank you for remembering Thrown Stone in your year-end giving plans. We’d love to join you on the beach next Tuesday, but… we have rehearsal.

Thrown Stone is pleased to welcome Dean Miller and Robert Trainer to their Board of Directors.

Mr. Miller is a retired financial executive who spent most of his career at GE Capital Corporation, after earning his CPA with a public accounting firm. He graduated summa cum laude from Syracuse University. Dean has been on the board of Meals on Wheels of Ridgefield for the past 7 years, and is currently Board Chair and President. He recently completed a 6-year term on the board of the Ridgefield Library, with the last 2 years as Board Chair. He is also a board member and Treasurer of New England Auto Museum. He and his wife have resided in Ridgefield, CT since 2001.

“I am very excited to join the board of such a great organization – my wife and I have been big Thrown Stone fans from the beginning,” said Miller. “Although I haven’t an ounce of artistic talent, I hope to bring my other talents to help Thrown Stone grow and prosper.”

Mr. Trainer was President of the Munich Re America HealthCare business until his retirement in 2008. Munich Re is the leading worldwide reinsurer, and Bob led the US and United Kingdom healthcare business, managing medical risks for insurance companies and self-insured employers.  He had also served as the Executive Vice President of the Property/Casualty business in the US for Munich Re America. Previously, he was the Chief Financial Officer and Chief Underwriting Officer for The Hartford Steam Boiler Inspection and Insurance Company, then a publicly traded insurance company specializing in industrial insurance. Bob graduated from Vanderbilt University and the Harvard Business School Program for Management Development. He has served on many business and civic boards, including the Hartford Stage Company and the McCarter Theatre Center.

“Thrown Stone is putting on its Big Boots,” said Trainer, “for as Winnie the Pooh said, ‘When you see someone putting on his Big Boots, you can be pretty sure that an Adventure is going to happen.’”

The adventure has already commenced, with Miller recently elected as Thrown Stone’s Treasurer, and Trainer leading Thrown Stone’s newly-formed Strategic Planning Committee.

ABOUT THROWN STONE THEATRE COMPANY

Thrown Stone cultivates artists and audiences through opportunity, education, and mentorship, emphasizing new work and unconventional approaches to repertoire. We are committed to integrity, inclusiveness, and using technology to serve the region with theatre of distinction.

If you are interested in volunteer opportunities with Thrown Stone, we invite you to contact us here.

We’re calling our 2019 season Close to Home, but not just because we’re presenting two new plays about family. Close to Home is an ethos. Whenever possible, we do our shopping with the Ridgefield merchants who so generously support our work.

It is in that spirit that we share with you our —

 #CloseToHome Holiday Wishlist

Many of the things we need for our sets, lights, and costumes can be found right here in Ridgefield. When you purchase something for Thrown Stone at a local business, you’re not just ensuring a successful season of new theatre — you’re helping Ridgefield thrive.

Squashs RIDGEFIELD OFFICE SUPPLY

We do all our printing at Squashs. We need 1,000 programs at roughtly $1 apiece, along with postcards, business cards, and the occasional copy order. We’re also buying 10 new light post banners this year, which cost $500.  Simply call Whitney at (203) 438-3635 and tell her you’d like to add a gift in any amount to Thrown Stone’s account number, 5153.

Ridgefield Supply Company

Ridgefield Supply is our go-to for all our lumber and tools, and we’ll need to spend about $3,000 on these materials in 2019. Gift cards in any amount are greatly appreciated, and our account number is 5561.

Ridgefield Hardware Co.

We’re so lucky to have Ridgefield Hardware so close by when we need fasteners, wire, lightbulbs, or just about anything else you can think of. We’ll also need a couple of pairs of these binoculars for Birds of North America. All in, we expect to spend about $500 this year. You can purchase an Ace Gift Card in any amount and ship to: Thrown Stone Theatre Company, 26 Catoonah St #731, Ridgefield, CT 06877.

Audrey Road

We have some stylish characters to costume this year, and that means we’ll be visiting Audrey Road. They offer gift certificates in any increment, which you can leave at the store in Thrown Stone’s name. Call (203) 894-5182 or visit today.

Hutton’s Fine Men’s Wear

We’ll also need some costume items from Hutton’s  this year, including a tailored suit. You can purchase a gift certificate in any amount, with instructions to leave it at the store for Thrown Stone.

Ridgefield Bicycle Company

We need a fancy stroller for Cry It Out, and you can special order the Thule Sleek City Stroller with Bassinet at Ridgefield Bicycle Company for $999. RBC will have it shipped to the store. This item will be kept in like-new condition to donate to a mom in need after the season. Bonus! Thule products are made in Connecticut!

Destination Ridgefield

The Ridgefield Chamber of Commerce offers gift certificates good at all member businesses, available for purchase at the Chamber office, Monday through Friday, 9am to 3pm. There is a $2 processing fee for each certificate purchased.

While You’RE OUT SHOPPING

Stop in for refreshments at any of our partner establishments: The Village Tavern, The Ancient Mariner, Cellar XV Wine Market, Bailey’s Backyard, Nod Hill Brewery, Terra Sole, 850° Woodfired, Gallo, Prime Taco/Prime Burger, Kafo, Millillo Farms, and Nature’s Temptations. Our other merchant partners include: Addessi Jewelers, Craig’s Fine Jewelry, Designs and Interiors by Ursula, and Fairfield County Bank.

Thank you

Thank you for remembering Thrown Stone in your year-end giving plans, and for shopping #CloseToHome. You can make a gift any time at thrownstone.org/donate, or on Facebook.

You remember Aidan Meachem as Ash in Thrown Stone’s debut, the U.S. Premiere of Milk by Ross Dunsmore. But did you know that Aidan was also a talented composer? In fact, Aidan wrote the score for Thrown Stone’s 2018 East Coast Premiere of Where All Good Rabbits Go by Karina Cochran. What’s next for the Berklee College of Music Sophomore? We’re thrilled to announce that Aidan will be back with an original score for the East Coast Premiere of Birds of North America by Anna Moench, opening July 19, 2019.

In 2019, Thrown Stone will begin its first year of the Actor’s Equity Association Small Professional Theatre (SPT) contract.

We’ve always been a professional company and contracted with union actors, but SPT is a contract we enter with the union as a company, which in addition to making us eligible for certain award recognition, stands as a long-term commitment to the highest artistic and operational standards.

This phased transitional agreement with the union will take place over the course of the next three years. We are grateful to Equity for creating this program for nascent professional companies to help grow their capacity and fulfill their obligations to working actors and stage managers.

We’re pleased to announce two post-show discussions, led by Thrown Stone board member and Managing Director of the Sheen Center for Thought and Culture, Andrew Levine.
Read more

Come out and support new theatre in Ridgefield at TownVibe’s Cocktails with Cast on July 21st at the Village Tavern. Enjoy live music, full bar sponsored by Neumann Real Estate, and a late-night buffet — plus your chance to bid on 5 amazing auction selections:
Read more

 Get TicketsMark your calendars for July 21st!  It’s a big day in Ridgefield, and we’re celebrating with TownVibe’s Cocktails with the Cast, sponsored by The Village Tavern and Neumann Real Estate, and featuring a set of Bluegrass and American Traditional music by local sensation Pat Stone and the Dirty Boots Duo. Read more