Theatre companies are forever searching for ways to raise money, be it via gala dinners, VIP packages, dedicating wings to donors...one Chicago theatre even auctioned off roles in an all-amateur mounting of Gypsy. Now Portsmouth, New Hampshire's Seacoast Repertory has come up with its own idea: theatregoers can "Adopt A Show."

For $500, a donor can pick a performance during the Seacoast Rep season. He'll receive a personalized "adoption" certificate, four tickets to the performance, an announcement made before the show starts, a poster signed by the cast, listing in the program, and a chance to meet the performers after the show. Seacoast is especially encouraging people to adopt shows in honor of celebrations (birthdays, retirement parties, etc.) or as a memorial to a friend or relative.

Summer shows at Seacoast Rep include Grease and The Rocky Horror Show, while next season will bring My Fair Lady, The King and I, The Crucible, The Compleat Wrks of Wllm Shkspr [Abridged], Master Class and Crazy For You.

For more information call Karen at (603) 433-4793.

-- By David Lefkowitz