FREEWILL NEEDS YOUR HELP!
SUPPORT
These are times of unprecedented change. The Heritage Amphitheatre in Hawrelak Park is closed. Under the current project plan, the park and the amphitheatre will be unavailable as a performance venue until, at the earliest, 2026. Although this project means the improvement and rejuvenation of our beloved space, The Free Will Players Theatre Guild must adapt to this significant departure from our usual model.This page breaks down all of the ways you can help us this year in continuing to bring Shakespeare to life in Edmonton.
DONATE
The Free Will Players Theatre Guild is committed to making theatre arts accessible and affordable for everyone, regardless of age, ability, education, or income levels.
We employ over 50 people at the height of the festival, including actors, designers, tech crew, and so much more! 40% of our yearly budget goes toward paying those artists and professionals a competitive wage.
Donate today to support the future of our festival!
ADOPT AN ARTIST
Choose an artist from our 2024 cast and crew and “adopt” them for part of the festival during our Adopt an Artist fundraiser! Share the love by adopting more than one, or adopt an artist for an entire week of the festival with a gift of $1000.
When you Adopt an Artist, your donation helps the Freewill Shakespeare Festival cover the costs of hiring artists, making costumes, or building props for use in our productions this year. The donation will not be given directly to the Artist.
LEGACY DONATION
Did you know that 'philanthropy' means 'love of humankind'? Share that love of humankind by honouring the legacy of a loved one by donating in honour of them to Freewill or plan for the future by including a bequest in your estate documents, like your will or life insurance. There are 1.5 million Canadians alive today who have planned bequests to charities. If you would like to discuss a legacy gift with us, we would love to hear from you. Please feel free to email Chantelle at dev@freewillshakespeare.com anytime.
If you are interested in including a bequest in an estate document, it is always recommended that you obtain legal advice from a licensed lawyer in your province to ensure that your wishes are properly expressed and will be respected.
You can also set up your very own Endowment Fund to support Freewill or donate to an existing Endowment Fund!
Legal name and address:
Free Will Players Theatre Guild
12122 68 Street NW
Edmonton, AB, T5B 1R1
Canadian Charity Number:
899549083RR0001
VOLUNTEER
The Freewill Shakespeare Festival would not be possible without the support of our generous volunteers.
We are currently recruiting volunteers for the 2024 Freewill Shakespeare Festival. Sign up for a shift here! When you volunteer at the Freewill Shakespeare Festival, you become part of our family; an incredible group of dedicated individuals who bring our annual festival to life. We are increasing volunteer opportunities outside the festival as well. Subscribe to our newsletter and always be the first to learn about upcoming volunteering opportunities!
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Volunteers must be 14+ years old to work on their own. Younger volunteers (ages 10+) can work with an adult buddy.
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We welcome groups and families.
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Volunteers should be enthusiastic, friendly, positive, and willing to help out in multiple roles.
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Each volunteer is required to sign up for a minimum of 4 shifts over the course of the festival.
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Volunteers will receive two complimentary tickets to be used for any day of the festival, a volunteer t-shirt, water and snacks during your shift, and free admission to the show on the days you volunteer.
SPONSOR
If you are interested in sponsoring the Freewill Shakespeare Festival, we would love to partner with you! Please reach out to Chantelle at dev@freewillshakespeare.com for more information about available sponsorship packages.
ENDOWMENT FUND
We are pleased as punch that Mary-Ellen Perley, long-time board member and Friend of Freewill, has set up an endowment fund in support of FWP through the Edmonton Community Foundation (ECF). If you are interested in contributing to the long-term sustainability of our festival, you can donate to Mary-Ellen’s fund through the ECF website.
What is an Endowment Fund?
Endowment Funds are set up in collaboration with the Edmonton Community Foundation (ECF) to ensure their investments are set up for long-term growth. Endowment funds offer permanent investment of charitable gifts to provide ongoing support to organizations in the Edmonton community.
