Matthew Baggetta

Theater has been part of my life since I was a little kid—and it has made me who I am today. In high school, I was in a remarkable production of Godspell. The way our cast played off one another showed me how people who trust and care for each other can produce transcendent results. I found that deep connection again in college, where the Pasquerilla East Musical Company became a second family to me. I’m happy to say, I’ve now found another theater community that brings me joy and hope.

I recently joined the Board of Directors of Constellation Stage & Screen--the organization that produces professional theater here in Bloomington, that brings new works to life, that gave my older son a chance to star as Ralphie in A Christmas Story: The Musical, that gives me a chance to perform show tunes with the fabulous Constellation Singers.

Constellation is a nonprofit organization. It lives on the generosity of its supporters, and right now we're in the midst of our biggest fundraiser of the year: The 25th Annual PlayOffs.

Teams of writers, actors, directors, and managers create an original 3–5 minute play and then compete for the coveted championship trophy; may the best play win.

I am directing my team's play--and teams have to go from idea to performance in just 48 hours... unless their friends and family help them out.

You see, every donation that comes through this page not only helps Constellation produce outstanding theater and educational programs, but also gives my team a chance at more time and other advantages for our play.

To be clear, my primary goal for the PlayOffs is to raise a zillion-bajillion dollars. Constellation is a wonderful organization, and I want to absolutely flood it with cash.

But also... I want to win.

I haven't directed in a long time, so if my team is gonna win this thing, I need your help. Please: DONATE. Donate a lot (or a little). Donate repeatedly (or just once). Every donation helps (seriously--we can earn advantages for the number of dollars and the number of donors!).

And the best part is, if I raise a lot, I win no matter what--we all do, because whether or not I bring home the trophy, those funds will help Constellation produce exciting, innovative, educational, inspirational, and downright fun theater. And as they do, they make the space for so many more people to have the kinds of transformative theater experiences that I did.

So, please: donate now! Help me make a play, so Constellation can make so many more.