I‘m excited to announce Theater Scoop a new, pop-up news site to cover Reno-area theater in summer 2021! Given that the performing arts have been hit particularly hard by pandemic closures, we want to support local stages and performance groups. We’ll preview and review performances, report on the issues that affect the community, and help spread the word about events.

Longtime Reno theater writer Jessica Santina has joined the Theater Scoop team, along with a great group of new and seasoned arts journalists.

Starting June 14, we’ll publish reviews, conversations, a regular feature on children’s theater, and Q+As with both performers and the hardworking people who keep things running behind the stage. (We have a few other goodies up our sleeve, too. If we exceed our funding goal, we’ll announce more offerings.)

Theater Scoop is half community-funded and half sponsor-funded. Here are the top 3 ways to team up with us to help local performing arts groups stay in the spotlight this summer:

1. Contribute to our GoFundMe.

 

 

2. Join the Theater Scoop email list.

3. Follow @theaterscoop on Instagram.

 

 

Why is Theater Scoop a pop-up instead of a permanent news site?

Theater Scoop is intended to cover the Reno-area performing arts for the summer 2021 season. As this community emerges from a year of closures, we want to provide an infusion of support in the form of news, previews, reviews, and productive discussions.

If we gain enough readers, sponsors, community support, and long-term funding, we will absolutely consider continuing Theater Scoop indefinitely.

Why now?

It only became clear in May that COVID distancing guidelines were easing up and the region’s summer theater season would be a go for certain. Normally, we’d plan out this kind of initiative far in advance, but if there’s anything we learned in 2020, it was how to switch gears on a dime.

Why just Reno?

We’re keeping Theater Scoop local to Reno for now so that we can focus our efforts and maximize our limited resources. (“Local” includes Reno, Truckee, Tahoe, Sparks, Carson City, Gardnerville, and nearby towns.)

Will my donation be tax deductible? 

As of May 2021, Double Scoop is not a 501(c)3, so donations are not tax deductible. We’re in the process of becoming a non-profit though. If all goes well, contributions to future projects will be tax deductible.

Where will my money go?

Your contribution will go toward these expenses:

What happens if Theater Scoop does not meet its fundraising goal? 

We’ll scale back the amount of content we publish per week.

What happens if Theater Scoop exceeds its fundraising goal? 

We’ll add a series of radio programs to the mix.

How can I send in my news? 

Email your info to info@theaterscoop.art. Press releases are always welcome, and informal story tips and notes to let us know what you have coming up are great, too. You’ll be able to upload your performance info and other event info on our events page.

Can I advertise on Theater Scoop

Yes. We offer advertisement packages at affordable rates. You can start the process on our self-service ad page.

What will happen to Double Scoop

Double Scoop will proceed as usual, bringing you visual arts reviews, conversations, and events from around the state. And stay tuned for in-person Double Scoop events. They’ll be back this summer, and we can’t wait to see you in person.

If I’m a Double Scoop patron, will my monthly contribution be redirected to Theater Scoop

First off, you’re an angel. We are grateful to our monthly patrons every moment of every day. No, your monthly contribution won’t be redirected. It’ll go straight to Double Scoop contributors so they can keep covering visual arts all over Nevada.

Posted by Kris Vagner

Kris Vagner is Double Scoop’s Editor & Publisher.