Stage Set

Stage Set was created as an organization with the vision to “promote, assist and sustain the programs of Theatre Memphis through volunteer service.” Based upon an idea of Ms. Charlotte Abbott, developed and organized by Ms. Maureen Overman, this auxiliary organization has played a major role in the Theatre’s growth since 1965. Through these years Stage Set accomplishments in support of its mission to support Theatre Memphis have been many: one of the first women’s club in the city to offer membership open to everybody; has sponsored fundraising trips to some European countries as well as to various cities in the United States, including its regular theatre trips to New York City; initiated a Community Relations Project to produce traveling productions on family life that performed at local clubs and organizations; created a School Theatre project that produced children’s plays and sent them on tour to local schools. Today this is our ShoWagon school and education program.

For many years members of Stage Set helped with many events, including lunch and dinners for the cast and crew of the Theatre’s productions. Stage Set has provided catering, flowers and servers for opening night receptions, for ShoWagon benefits, and for many other special occasions. Stage Set’s financial contributions to the Theatre have been a major factor in its success. Through the years Stage Set has raised over seventy thousand dollars for the building fund for our present building and its expansion. It has also provided funding for new play competitions and has co-sponsored three musical productions, at a cost of thousands of dollars each, until our corporate sponsorship was created.

Stage Set has supplied the Theatre with much-needed equipment, including a hydraulic lift and other furnishings for the Theatre’s survival and success. Stage Set members have helped make costumes and sets, have searched for props and furniture for the plays, and have also helped with many office and administrative tasks. Stage Set is proud of its many accomplishments in securing the future of Theatre Memphis and we invite you to join us.