Skills on auction for Endstation’s new theater festival

From staff reports
Published: May 15, 2008

At Endstation Theatre’s upcoming fundraiser, everything from a day of rock climbing instruction to having a square dance with a professional caller at your house will be up for grabs.

The Amherst-based theater company is holding a Skills Auction from 3 to 5:30 p.m. Sunday at the old livestock market, now the Amherst Farm and Vineyard. It’s located on U.S. 29, just south of Virginia 151.

All the proceeds will help pay production costs of the first Blue Ridge Theatre Festival, a joint effort from Endstation and Sweet Briar College. Scheduled for July at Sweet Briar, the festival will feature two productions: “The Bluest Water,” directed by Endstation Artistic Director Geoff Kershner, and “Romeo and Juliet,” directed by Bill Kershner, who heads the Sweet Briar Drama Department.

The auction will be held in two segments, with the music of area band FAST in between. The entrance fee is $5 per person and $12 per family, including children and grandparents. A plate of barbecue from Daddy Bim’s Barbeque will be $6.50.

In addition to the rock climbing lessons and square dance, the more than 40 skills include lessons in quilting, knitting and cross-stitch; holding a dessert reception for 25 people at the winning bidder’s house; garden advice from garden designer Donna Meeks; yard work and lawn mowing; painting instruction by Mays Painting; valuation of three antique items by Lou Ogden of Lou’s Antiques; and a haircut at Elkwood.

Lynn Kable, an Endstation board member, says they’re raising money for the festival’s production to keep ticket prices low, so local residents and their families can attend.

“Everyone around here is so talented,” said Kable. “It’s amazing what people know how to do and the information they are willing to share.”
For more information on the items, visit http://www.amherstauctionservices.com.