[ This Just In! ]

For Immediate Release
Date:August 10, 2007
Contact: Lee Eddy (512) 474-7886

SVT PRESENTS THE 2007 SALVAGE VANGUARD LABOR PARTY

(Austin, TX) –For the sixth year in a row, Salvage Vanguard Theater is raising funds to provide living wages for local artists with its annual event The Salvage Vanguard Labor Party on Saturday, September 8.

In 2001, Salvage Vanguard Theater set out to change the lives of working artists in Austin by creating its Resident Company Member program. Six years later, the program has four paid artists on its roster; the company is touring its original production, The Intergalactic Nemesis nationally and opened a new theater space in June at 2803 Manor Road.

"This has been the most exciting time in the history of SVT. And managing our growth has become a huge challenge," says Jason Neulander, Artistic Director of Salvage Vanguard.

"Now more than ever, as we launch into this new phase, we need community support. By joining the Labor Party, people really will be making a difference, ensuring that the artists we work with are able to grow with the organization." 

The Resident Company is Salvage Vanguard Theater's way of encouraging promising local artists to stay in Austin rather than move to another city. Presently, SVT's Resident Company Members are paid a stipend of $5,000 to live and work in Austin. This year Salvage Vanguard has set a goal to raise $40,000 and add another Resident Company Member, longtime SVT company member and lighting designer, Diana Duecker.

"Being able to survive off money you make doing only what you love is great.  (At least that is what I claimed at my ten year reunion.)," says Duecker."

"But being able to do more than merely survive is even better. People always tell me how scary it is that I work as a freelance artist, and they're right.  I've gotten fairly used to it, but with this Resident Company Member thing SVT has, it can be a little less scary.  And less scary is always better."

Featuring DJ Manateemann, a cash bar, buffet and a silent auction, the Salvage Vanguard Labor Party will be held in the company's new warehouse located at 2803 Manor. Doors will open at 7:07pm, a brief presentation at 7:27pm. There is no cover, but donations are accepted at the door.  Reservations are not necessary. For more information, visit http://www.salvagevanguard.org.

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