Frequently Asked Questions

Who exactly is NJR?
NJR is an new theater company dedicated to entertaining audiences.

What do you mean by "outwards-oriented" theater?
In short, outwards oriented theater is theater where the audience is the foundation of the performance.  All choices, artistic and non, are made with the audience's entertainment as the primary factor.  We believe that the highest form of theater is one that is centered around the audience's enjoyment.  Outwards oriented theater is an idea that we refer to frequently to remind us that we are performers first and actors second.  As performers our job is to entertain the audience, as actors our responsibility is to the piece.  To entertain an audience and to perform a piece well are not mutually exclusive goals, but our experience has shown us that far too many off-off (as well as off-Broadway and Broadway shows) attempt to satisfy their own creative needs before asking the question, what would people enjoy?  Have you ever been asked by a friend to come see a new show in a blackbox theater?  Did you quickly try and think of an excuse as to why you couldn't go?  Were you intrigued, but the thought of sitting through a two hour bad show kept you from going?  We believe that audiences shouldn't have to spend the money, time, and energy it requires to see a show if there is a more than likely chance that they will not enjoy the product.  If you did not like the show, we have failed.  We cannot, and will not, hide behind the idea of artistic merit and pretend that it absolves us from not being entertaining. 

Why can't NJR rely on ticket revenue to produce shows?
Unlike Broadway shows that have the house capacity to seat hundreds of audience members for a single show, NJR's mission is to emphasize and maximize the audience's experience without having to charge Broadway prices, which results in smaller, more intimate spaces that rarely have the capacity to seat anything above 100 audience members (if that many) and severely limits the amount of revenue the show can make.  Besides the general production costs of rehearsal space, performance space, props, costumes, setting and lighting design, and insurance, we also remain committed to paying our performers and stage help - an area that many off-off Broadway groups neglect to keep costs low.  All of this is compounded by the fact that Manhattan theater space is drastically shrinking due to realstate development. 

Is my donation tax-deductible?
No.  Currently we are not a group with 501(c)(3) status, so any donations are a "gift" in the truest sense of the word.  We are looking into the process to become a registered not for profit organization, but this will not be applicable for any gifts made in the '08 year.  Gifts are only used to help defray production costs, and are vital for NJR to be able to produce quality performances.

What do I get for donating?
Depending on the amount of the gift, there are a number of benefits for the No Jacket No Problem Giving Society members, including free tickets, advanced reserve seating, access to NJR readings and workshops, and printed recognition of your efforts in our programs.

Who can I talk to about making a gift?
You may make secure gifts to NJR online through our donation system (monitored by PayPal) here.  If you would like to speak to one of NJR's administrators about making a gift, please email us at: abridgedshakespeare@gmail.com with "Gift" in the subject line or contact us at 419-320-1399.

How do I find out more about NJR?
Join our mailing list or send us an email at abridgedshakespeare@gmail.com.