With the pandemic surpassing the one year mark last month, we’ve all officially had at least one COVID birthday. Some of us were lucky enough that our special day didn’t fall in the midst of especially strict lockdown restrictions, but by and large, we’ve all logged onto a Zoom call and found ourselves celebrating a birthday with themed backgrounds, takeout and our uncle with the glitchy internet who still can’t find the mute button. The intention might be nice, but the experience? Not so much.
That said, if I had to bet on one place that could turn the dreaded Zoom birthday into a month-long extravaganza featuring live performers, a worthy cause and a $4,000 grand prize (at least), my money would be on Edmonton’s Grindstone Theatre. Oh wait, that’s exactly what it’s doing.
This April, the Grindstone Theatre is marking its three-year anniversary with a month-long fundraiser aimed at raising $20,000 to support the theatre’s future operations. In a year that has hit live venues like the Grindstone especially hard, continued support throughout the pandemic is crucial to ensuring there is indeed an entertaining life after the pandemic.
But the Grindstone doesn’t intend to leave fans with nothing but full hearts and achy cheek muscles. Fans will also have the chance to win up to $10,000 in the 50/50 giveaway, with the winner set to be announced during the fundraiser’s April 30 live stream. Fans can buy tickets to the giveaway throughout the month on the Grindstone’s website or give directly to the fundraiser.
In a year that has often felt light on laughs, why not pencil in a few more at the Grindstone Theatre’s third birthday party? Better yet, why not invest in future belly aches by giving to the fundraiser? Either way, it definitely beats staring up your uncle’s nose on Zoom. Now if we could only hide the camera button, too…
