Handmade flower donations sought for BEAT Children’s Theatre production
KTVZ – News Team
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — BEAT Children’s Theatre is requesting handmade flower donations from the community for its upcoming production of “The Secret Garden” this May. The artwork will be used to decorate the stage at Open Space Event Studios and will later be featured in a silent auction to benefit the organization.
The play, adapted by Tim Kelly, uses the community-made flowers to represent growth and healing as the garden “blooms” on stage during each performance. The project is open to participants of all ages and skill levels to help create the visual landscape of the show.
Local artists and community members of all ages and experience levels are invited to contribute. The theater is accepting flowers made from any medium, including paper, fabric, ceramic, metal, crochet, painting, photography and illustration.
Each flower must follow specific size and weight guidelines to ensure they can be incorporated into the production. Submissions must be no more than two feet in diameter and weigh less than five pounds. Those wishing to contribute a piece heavier than five pounds are asked to contact theater officials in advance.
Visual guidelines for the project encourage the use of bright colors, though neon colors are not permitted. The theater also specified that no lights or electronic elements should be included in the handmade designs.
The flowers must be designed so they can be hung, mounted or placed directly on the stage. While the focus is on the flowers themselves, the theater will allow the minimal addition of leaves or greenery to the pieces.
The donated artwork will also serve a secondary purpose beyond stage decoration. Audience members will have the opportunity to bid on the flowers during a silent auction held throughout the run of the show. All proceeds from the auction will benefit BEAT Children’s Theatre.
The deadline for flower submissions is Friday, April 24. Donations can be dropped off at the BEAT Studio, located at 1080 SE Ninth Street, Suite 120, in Bend. Community members with questions or ideas that fall outside the provided guidelines can contact Executive Director Bree Beal.