2020 Travel Raffle Winners

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Grant Prize Winner – Marie Matsuno Nash
Two round-trip tickets from Alaska Airlines, $2000 in cash. Value: $4500

2nd Prize Winner – Stan Lujan
On Cloud Nine – Two tickets on Level One or Level Two Helicopter Tours from NorthStar Trekking (subject to availability), a pair of Perseverance Theatre 2020-2021 season tickets, a $50 gift card for Salt, a gift basket from the Canvas, and Growing Up Words print from Kindred Post. Value $1,390

3rd Prize Winner – Julia Nave
Find Me in Fairbanks- A ride for two from Anchorage to Fairbanks on the scenic Alaska Railroad, an Arctic Circle Fly-Drive Adventure for two from Northern Alaska Tour Company, and a one-night stay at the Westmark Fairbanks Hotel. Value $1,360

4th Prize Winner – Lynne Ammu
Capital Sounds & Sweet Sake Staycation – A one-night stay and breakfast for two at Alaska’s Capital Inn Bed & Breakfast in Juneau, a pair of Juneau Symphony 2020-2021 season tickets, a $40 gift certificate to Seong’s Sushi Bar, a Heritage Coffee gift basket, and a $50 gift card for the Sandpiper Café. Value $915

5th Prize Winner – Mary Ellen Arvold
Valdez Vacation – A two-night stay for two at the Robe Lake Lodge and Cabins, and a Columbia Glacier Cruise for two with Stan Stephens’ Wildlife Cruises in Valdez. Value $700

6th Prize Winner – Eldon Mulder
All About Anchorage Art – A one-night stay for two at the Oscar Gill House, two passes to the Anchorage Museum at Rasmuson Center, a $25 gift certificate to Yak and Yeti, and a season subscription for two to Perseverance Theatre’s 2020-2021 Anchorage season. Value $660

7th Prize Winner – Amy Dressel
Skagway Getaway– A railway trip for two on the scenic White Pass Summit Railway, a one-night stay for two at the Historic Skagway Inn, and a $100 gift certificate to Olivia’s Bistro at the Skagway Inn. Value: $55

8th Prize Winner – Janice Hurley
Playing Tourist– A ride for two on the sky-high Mount Roberts Tram, a Stikine River tour for two out of Wrangell, a $100 gift certificate for Taku Smokeries, Pelmeni for two, and a bottle of white wine from the Triangle Club. Value $505

9th Prize Winner – Dylan Proudfoot
A Salty Stay – A one-night stay for two, a bottle of wine, and breakfast at the Baranof Hotel in Juneau, a gift bag from the Nugget Alaskan Outfitter, and a $50 gift certificate to Salt. Value $385

10th Prize Winner – Ariane Dansie
Downtown Douglas Delights – A $50 gift certificate to Douglas Café, a $50 gift certificate to the Island Pub, a $50 gift certificate to Louie’s Douglas Inn, and a pair of “Pick 3” show tickets to Perseverance Theatre’s 2020-2021 season. Value $365

11th Prize Winner – Chris Conder
When In Rome – A one-night stay for two in the fabulous Silverbow Inn in Downtown Juneau, a pair of tickets to any Perseverance Theatre performance in the 2020-2021 season, a $25 gift certificate to In Boca Al Lupo, and a bottle of red wine from the Triangle Club. Value $335

12th Prize Winner – Amy Dressel
Lemon Tree Juneau Jaunt – A one-week bike rental from Cycle Alaska, two yoga class passes with Rainforest Yoga, a $25 gift certificate to Lemon Tree Café in Juneau, Pelmeni for two, and two Perseverance Theatre T-Shirts. Value: $325

13th Prize Winner – Sharon Clawson
Flicks & Fusion – A one-night stay at the Driftwood Lodge, two tickets to a regular feature film with popcorn and soda from Gross-Alaska Cinemas, and a $50 gift certificate to V’s Cellar Door. Value $300

14th Prize Winner – Laura McDermott
Photos, Fajitas & Yoga (Oh my!) – Headshots from Art Sutch, two yoga class passes with Rainforest Yoga, and a $25 gift certificate to El Sombrero. Value $275

PDF of the Winner List

Raffle Drawing Livestream

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Perseverance Theatre will livestream the 36th ANNUAL TRAVEL RAFFLE TICKET DRAWING!  

Who will win the grand prize of $2,000 and TWO TICKETS anywhere Alaska Airlines flies, and all the other fabulous prizes donated by amazing Alaskan businesses?

Let us entertain you tomorrow, Sunday, April 26th, starting at 2 pm, as we livestream performances (see links below). Artist and PT Board Member Allison Holtkamp will draw the winning tickets at 4 pm!  Raffle tickets are available until 3:30 pm tomorrow!   Call 907-364-2421, ext. 241 and leave a message and Development Director Ben Brown will get right back to you!

In a telethon-socially distanced-style livestream, Erika Stone, Director of Marketing & Engagement and Artistic Director Leslie Ishii will host, enjoying pizza from The Island Pub which is open for business and serving takeout!  They are excited to feature headliners, Allison Mickelson, (Fun Home and PT Power Hour: Virtual Cabaret/Cocktail Concert–May 2nd!), Gary Busby, Musical Director (Fun Home and PT Power Hour: Virtual Cabaret/Cocktail Concert), Margeaux Ljungberg (Silent Sky, Next To Normal), Irene Martinko (Silent Sky, PT Staff), Taylor Vidic (Chicago, Nude and Rude Review, and Quarantine Corner Series), Stephen Qacung Blanchett (Pamyua, Juneau Arts and Humanities Council), with hopes of performances from Lewis Chapman (Artist, Improvisor, PT Staff), Allison Holtkamp and other possible surprise guests!

This will be two hours of fun and entertainment and of course, watch to see if you have won the grand prize!!! 

Tune in to the live stream here:

Check out Perseverance Theatre’s Facebook Page!

Check out our Youtube Livestream

Our Voices Will Be Heard Streaming Now

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Pictured from left to right:  Leetta Kaxwaan Diane Gray, Rob Vestal, Erin Tripp, Erika Stone, Jane Lind and Dylan Carusona
Photo credit: David Bedard

In honor of Child Abuse Prevention Month, we are thrilled to offer a streaming, online version of Our Voices Will Be Heard, written by Tlingit/Dena’ina Playwright-in-Residence, Vera Starbard, and directed by Larissa FastHorse, who is a member of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe. This production was part of Perseverance Theatre’s 2015/16 season. The show is a powerful mother – daughter journey that reveals how generations face the choice of continuing to perpetuate—or disrupt—family violence. Through the lens of fiction and the palette of Alaska Native Storytelling, Vera tells the true story of her mother’s strength against impossible pressure. Our Voices Will Be Heard weaves together legend and truth in a fierce call for healing and forgiveness.  

You can listen online here: https://www.nv1.org/our-voices-will-be-heard/, or stream the recording through the Native Voice One app. Here is the pathway to the NV1 app:

  1. Go to your App Store icon—tap it
  2. Search for NV1 (Native Voice 1)
  3. Tap on “Download”
  4. Once downloaded, scroll down to the category Specials.
  5. Scroll over to “Our Voices Will Be Heard” and ENJOY!

The recording is free and open for anyone to enjoy. If you are able to make a donation to support Perseverance Theatre during this health crisis, it would be immensely helpful to us. Like most arts organizations across the country, without our regular stream of revenue, we need your support now more than ever! It’s quick and easy online here: ptalaska.org.donate-now.

About the Playwright, Vera Starbard:

After graduating from East Anchorage High School in 2000 as the editor of the school newspaper, Vera began editing newspapers professionally. She was editor of the Anchorage Native News for six years at Southcentral Foundation, and was a contributor to the University of Alaska Anchorage’s Book of the Year, “Alaska Native Culture and Issues: Responses to Frequently Asked Questions.”

Vera completed a historical fiction book in 2010 with an Individual Artist Award from the Rasmuson Foundation, and has received numerous awards for writing and editing from the Public Relations Society of America, Alaska Professional Communicator’s Society, Alaska Press Club, and the Alaska Federation of Natives. She has also received the Juneau Mayor’s Individual Artist Award, and the Alaska Literary Award.

Following her passion for journalism and communications, Vera became Editor of First Alaskans Magazine in 2013, a position she continues to hold.

Our Voices Will Be Heard, Vera’s premiere play, was produced at Perseverance Theatre in 2016, playing in Juneau, Hoonah, and Anchorage, with a revival showing in Fairbanks. It was published the following year in the anthology textbook “Contemporary Plays by Women of Color.”

Vera was selected for the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation National Playwright Residency Program in 2016. She is the first Alaskan and first Alaska Native/American Indian resident in the history of the program. In 2019, her residency was renewed for an additional three years, so she will continue her employment and commission with Perseverance through July 2022.

Vera’s first play commissioned through the residency, Devilfish, premiered at Perseverance Theatre in Juneau on Sept. 20, 2019, and in Anchorage Oct. 25 to packed houses.

Vera is a writer for the PBS Kids animated children’s program “Molly of Denali.” The show premiered in July 2019, and Vera wrote several episodes, including New Nivagi, Turn On the Northern Lights, Canoe Journey, and Eagle Tale.

Workshop: Write With the Voice of Your Ancestors

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What does an Indigenous ceremony have to do with a commercially successful stage play? What part does traditional Alaska subsistence practice play in creating a popular national cartoon? Why does knowing your genealogy help in producing a print magazine? Find out with this two-part online workshop on April 20 & 22! Each session will last one hour.

Vera Starbard, accomplished playwright, magazine editor, and MOLLY OF DENALI writer will go over deconstructing her process of creativity and inspiration, as well as applying your heritage to your artistic efforts.

Make a suggested donation of $50 at ptalaska.org/donate-now, (but more OR less is great!), select “Write With the Voice of Your Ancestors” in the “How would you like to direct your gift?” drop-down menu, and we will forward the Zoom information to you.

Take advantage of this time of social distancing, and hone your skills as a seasoned or burgeoning writer!

Please contact Erika Stone at erika@ptalaska.org with any questions.

Building Community Awareness During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Lewis ChapmanFeatured, News

From the desk of Leslie Ishii
Artistic Director, Perseverance Theatre

Many are concerned that our Pan Asian and Pacific Islander/Native/Indigenous and Middle Eastern, North African and Arab communities continue to be at risk due to anti-Asian sentiment that is becoming more wide-spread since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. (PA/PI/N/I/MENAA=Pan Asian/Pacific Islander/Native/Indigenous/Middle Eastern, North African, Arab)

As top federal and local leadership continue to refer to COVID-19 utilizing anti-Asian rhetoric such as the “Chinese Virus” or “Wuhan Virus” or the “Kung-flu” or “Hong Kong Flu-y”, reports of racism in the form of verbal and physical attacks against PA/PI/N/I/MENA identified community members persists throughout Alaska, the US and globally. Understandably, members of the PA/PI/N/I/MENA Diaspora are reportedly fearful to go out to get even the most essential goods to take care of themselves throughout this Stay Home/Save Lives Mandate.

During this time of great uncertainty where our health and well-being is threatened due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Perseverance is working to create awareness so that while we focus to target a fight against this pandemic, our communities do not fight and target each other by stereotyping marginalized groups. Perseverance sees this as an important opportunity to learn so we can live and work successfully together during these challenging times and well into our futures.

To get started and to create awareness, first read and share this article:
Asian Americans Report Nearly 650 Racist Acts Over Last Week, New Data Says

  • Did you know:
    • What is the difference between coronavirus and COVID-19?
  • Coronavirus is the infectious virus itself (the bug!).
    • COVID-19 is coronavirus the infectious disease (the sickness!)
  • What is a pandemic?
    • It is an epidemic of disease that has spread across a large area, ie, multiple continents or even worldwide.
  • Historic examples of pandemics:
    • The Black Plague of the 1300’s
    • The Influenza of 1918
    • Multiple coronavirus strains circulate regularly and generally cause common cold symptoms.
  • Previous international coronavirus outbreaks include:
    • SARS-Co-V virus in 2003
    • MERS-Co-V virus in 2014
    • Coronavirus/COVID-19 is the most recent strain identified to cause human disease
  • Richard Ebright, Ph.D., Rutgers University, “There’s absolutely nothing in the genome sequence of the virus that indicated that the virus was bioengineered.”

The World Health Organization (WHO) and the
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recognize
that naming COVID–19 by its geographic location or linking it to a specific ethnicity perpetuates stigma, so in 2015, the WHO issued guidance calling on media outlets, scientists, and national authorities to avoid naming infectious diseases for locations to avoid stigmatizing groups of people• Yet, the use of anti-Asian terminology and rhetoric utilized by federal and local leadership related to COVID-19, such as the ‘‘Chinese Virus’’, ‘‘Wuhan Virus’’, “Hong Kong Flu-y”, and ‘‘Kung-flu’’ have perpetuated anti-Asian stigmas and has resulted in PA/PI/I/MENA Americans being
harassed, assaulted, and scapegoated for the COVID–19 pandemic.

  • 23,000,000 PA/PI/I/MENA Americans account for 7 percent of the nation’s population
  • Meanwhile, over 2,000,000 PA/PI/I/MENA Americans are working on the frontlines of this COVID–19 pandemic in health care, law enforcement, as first responders, in transportation, supermarkets, and other service industries
  • Since January 2020, there has been a dramatic increase in reports of hate crimes and incidents against those of PA/PI/I/MENA descent and according to a recent study, there were over 650 reported cases related to COVID-19 anti-Asian discrimination between March 29, 2020. o On February 27, 2020, the Secretary of Health and Human Services stated ‘‘ethnicity is notwhat causes the novel coronavirus’’ and that it is inappropriate and inaccurate to call COVID-19 the ‘‘Chinese virus’’
    • Then on February 28, 2020, Dr. Mitch Wolfe, the Chief Medical Officer of the CDC said, ‘‘Stigma is the enemy of public health’’
    • The Secretary-General of the United Nations called for international solidarity and an end to any ill-founded discrimination of the outbreak’s victims
    • Public officials condemn all expressions of racism, xenophobia, discrimination, scapegoating, or intolerance, and denounce any and all anti-Asian sentiment in any form and recognize that the health and safety of all Americans, no matter their background, must be of utmost priority.

The increased use of anti-Asian rhetoric has also resulted in PA/PI/I/MENA American businesses being targeted for vandalism. There are approximately 2 million PA/PI/N/I/MENA American owned businesses that generate over $700 billion in annual revenue and employ nearly 4.5 million
workers. These communities are major contributors to the US and Global economies. Unaware prejudice and hate crimes to one marginalized group means that the racism will eventually target another marginalized group. Keep learning. Support each other by creating awareness especially when we notice prejudice happening in our communities. Share this information widely and be sure the context is to create understanding to dispel misinformation and stereotypes. Together we can keep each other safe and healthy!
If needed, report an incident: Stop AAPI Hate

To continue learning, go to:

  • www.ptalaska.org to support Perseverance Theatre and to receive local and state-wide programming updates!
  • www.caata.org to support national Pan Asian/Pacific Islander/Native/Indigenous/MENA artistic communities and to learn more about racial equity.
  • A presentation about the Coronavirus by Alvin J. Glasky, PhD:
  • Japanese American Citizens League, Alaska: www.jaclalaska.org/
  • View this website for more information on anti-Asian sentiment put forth by the National Japanese American Citizens League.

Getting help and support:·       

  • COVID-19 Resources – Asian American and Asian Studies – DeAnza College, CA: Addressing Anti-Asian Scapegoating has provided some resources for learning about these cases of anti-Asian hostility and discrimination, and addressing race-based scapegoating individually and collectively. There is a list of news sources, how to report a Hate Crime via Stop AAPI Hate and a link to the Santa Clara County health department for mental health resources.  Link here: https://www.deanza.edu/asam/COVID.html

To stay updated on health and safety mandates and recommendations:
CDC: www.cdc.gov/coronavirus, and WHO: www.who.int/

Travel Raffle

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Perseverance Theatre’s 36th Annual Travel Raffle is still happening, and continues to offer a chance to win prizes donated by Alaska’s amazing business community and the drawing will still take place in compliance with relevant Alaska statutes and regulations as scheduled on Sunday, April 26th and will be livestreamed.  You can learn more about what is happening at Perseverance at ptalaska.org and, for raffle tickets, call 364 2421, extension 241, and we will get them safely and securely to you. 

For a list of winners visit – https://www.ptalaska.org/2020-travel-raffle-winners/

Prize List for the 36th Annual Travel Raffle

  1. GRAND PRIZE – Two round-trip tickets from Alaska Airlines, $2000 in cash.  Value: $4500
  1. On Cloud Nine – Two tickets on Level One or Level Two Helicopter Tours from NorthStar Trekking (subject to availability), a pair of Perseverance Theatre 2020-2021 season tickets, a $50 gift card for Salt, a gift basket from the Canvas, and Growing Up Words print from Kindred Post. Value $1,390
  2. Find Me in Fairbanks- A ride for two from Anchorage to Fairbanks on the scenic Alaska Railroad, an Arctic Circle Fly-Drive Adventure for two from Northern Alaska Tour Company, and a one-night stay at the Westmark Fairbanks Hotel. Value $1,360
  3. Capital Sounds & Sweet Sake Staycation – A one-night stay and breakfast for two at Alaska’s Capital Inn Bed & Breakfast in Juneau, a pair of Juneau Symphony 2020-2021 season tickets, a $40 gift certificate to Seong’s Sushi Bar, a Heritage Coffee gift basket, and a $50 gift card for the Sandpiper Café. Value $915
  4. Valdez Vacation – A two night stay for two at the Robe Lake Lodge and Cabins, and a Columbia Glacier Cruise for two with Stan Stephens’ Wildlife Cruises in Valdez. Value $700
  5. All About Anchorage Art – A one-night stay for two at the Oscar Gill House, two passes to the Anchorage Museum at Rasmuson Center, a $25 gift certificate to Yak and Yeti, and a season subscription for two to Perseverance Theatre’s 2020-2021 Anchorage season. Value $660
  6. Skagway Getaway– A railway trip for two on the scenic White Pass Summit Railway, a one-night stay for two at the Historic Skagway Inn, and a $100 gift certificate to Olivia’s Bistro at the Skagway Inn. Value: $550
  7. Playing Tourist– A ride for two on the sky-high Mount Roberts Tram, a Stikine River tour for two out of Wrangell, a $100 gift certificate for Taku Smokeries, Pelmeni for two, and a bottle of white wine from the Triangle Club. Value $505
  8. A Salty Stay – A one night stay for two, a bottle of wine, and breakfast at the Baranof Hotel in Juneau, a gift bag from the Nugget Alaskan Outfitter, and a $50 gift certificate to Salt. Value $385
  9. Downtown Douglas Delights – A $50 gift certificate to Douglas Café, a $50 gift certificate to the Island Pub, a $50 gift certificate to Louie’s Douglas Inn, and a pair of “Pick 3” show tickets to Perseverance Theatre’s 2020-2021 season. Value $365
  10. When In Rome – A one-night stay for two in the fabulous Silverbow Inn in Downtown Juneau, a pair of tickets to any Perseverance Theatre performance in the 2020-2021 season, a $25 gift certificate to In Boca Al Lupo, and a bottle of red wine from the Triangle Club. Value $335
  11. Lemon Tree Juneau Jaunt – A one-week bike rental from Cycle Alaska, two yoga class passes with Rainforest Yoga, a $25 gift certificate to Lemon Tree Café in Juneau, Pelmeni for two, and two Perseverance Theatre T-Shirts. Value: $325
  12. Flicks & Fusion – A one night stay at the Driftwood Lodge, two tickets to a regular feature film with popcorn and soda from Gross-Alaska Cinemas, and a $50 gift certificate to V’s Cellar Door. Value $300
  13. Photos, Fajitas & Yoga (Oh my!) – Headshots from Art Sutch, two yoga class passes with Rainforest Yoga, and a $25 gift certificate to El Sombrero. Value $275

This travel raffle is a fundraiser to benefit Perseverance Theatre, Inc.  The drawing will be held Sunday, April 26th 2020 at Perseverance Theatre in Douglas, Alaska.  You need not be present to win. The chances of winning a prize are approximately 1:160, based on the sale of 4000 tickets.

Fun Home Postponed

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With deepest concern for the Alaska community, we are postponing all live performances of FUN HOME given the recommendations of the CDC and Alaska Department of Health & Social Services in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. We are exploring options to bring this show to you remotely, and are hoping to have FUN HOME on our stage this fall. We will keep you abreast of updates as we have them.

We are so proud of our talented FUN HOME creative team, cast, and crew, and we remain committed to centering the important stories of these communities in the future. We are also proud of our successful 41st season.

This pandemic is not only a critical threat to our health, but to the livelihoods of everyone supported by Perseverance’s operations. About 50% of our revenue comes from ticket sales, which means suspending this show – which we believe is the only course of action – eliminates the income for our final, largest, and most expensive show, after we have already spent the cost of creating it. This situation seriously threatens the livelihoods of our talented staff, artists, and crew, and our existence as an organization.

How You Can Help

Donate: By donating at this critical time to Perseverance Theatre, you will support the salaries of the theatre staff and Fun Home artists, as well as ensure that Perseverance has a future.

Donate Now

Without the revenue from the Fun Home ticket sales, we are depending on the support of our loyal friends and patrons to ensure the survival of Perseverance Theatre through this crisis. We need your support more than ever, and indeed, it is crucial to our organization.

We acknowledge the serious impact the virus has on communities across the state, and Perseverance will do all it can to support Alaska’s recovery and well-being. We look forward to the moment that we can once again raise the curtain at Perseverance Theatre to celebrate our resilience and the power of theatre.

If you have additional questions or concerns, please email us at info@ptalaska.org, or visit our website at www.ptalaska.org. Please note that our administrative and box office staff will be working remotely during this time, and in advance, we thank you for your patience.

For additional information regarding COVID-19 and guidelines to help keep yourself and others healthy, we recommend you visit: https://www.cdc.gov/Coronavirus and https://www.who.int/

Stay safe and healthy, friends.

Anchorage Spring Break Camp

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Monday, March 9 – Friday, March 13
Anchorage SPRING BREAK ONSTAGE (ages 10-18)
10 a.m.-5 p.m. (Friday 7:30 Performance) in Grant Hall Auditorium, Alaska Pacific University
Create your own original work of theatre completely from scratch! Students will be writing, casting, directing, designing, and presenting their very own brand-new short plays. We will dive headfirst into the art of theatre, experiencing it from different perspectives via a combination of pedagogical games, improvisation, lecture, workshops, production process, and rehearsal.
Students will gain knowledge and skills to help them succeed academically, socially, and emotionally.

Tuition is $275. Scholarships are available. Led by teaching artist Katie Strock

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

About the Teaching Artist-

In addition to her work across the country, Katie Strock has performed with Perseverance Theatre, Cyrano’s Playhouse, and Anchorage Opera (where she also served as a music director for several children’s choruses and serves as the head of its Overture Council’s Education Committee). Other credits include originating the role of Eudora Horn in the National Premier of ‘Gold Rush Girls’ and directing both ‘A Wrinkle in Time’ and ‘Alaska: The First 100 Years (1955-1965)’. We can’t wait to see what exciting work is ahead for Spring Break 2020!