Jobsite Theater is serving as a collection point for items to be bundled into care packages and shipped to military units currently serving in Iraq and Afghanistan during their run of Embedded, written by Tim Robbins. Embedded runs Aug. 14-31 in the Shimberg Playhouse of the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center, where Jobsite is resident theater company.
Embedded cast member Roz Potenza has a niece and nephew currently deployed overseas. Dana Crigger is stationed at FOB Liberty in Baghdad and her husband Dave Crigger is at HHC/TF Eagle Assault in Khandahar. They spent only about a week together as husband and wife before they began training, and will not come back together again until 2010. Potenza brought up the idea of sending care packages to the directors of the show, who were all for it. Potenza says “My impetus was to reach some of the kids that my relatives are working with every day and to make an impact where it is most needed. I appreciate the political POV of this show but this is where my heart is … divided between these two countries that hold my and so many others’ loved ones. I think this is where we can really make a statement as an artistic community coming together for this cause.”
Here is a list of suggested items that people may bring to the theater on any night, which was provided directly by the troops of these units. These items will be coordinated and shipped by Roz Potenza at the conclusion of the run:
• Easy Mac, Cup o’ Noodles – any foods that are just add water and microwave
• Books, DVDs or CDs (new or used)
• Small games or playing cards
• Greeting/Thank-You cards – there are not a lot of options over there, so it is nice to stockpile some for people to send and for occasions and birthdays
• Magazines for men or women
• Homemade goods (cookies, etc – will be mailed immediately)
• Edge Shaving Gel
• Beef Jerky
• Toothbrushes
• Toothpaste
• Prepackaged snacks (anything, just nothing that will melt – keep in mind it’s 120+)
• Gummy Bears
• Coffee Creamer
• Flavored-water packets (like Propel, Crystal Light)
• Sudoku books and crossword puzzle books
• Gum
It is not necessary to have a ticket to the show to make a donation. A collection barrel will be in front of the theater as of one hour prior to every performance.
One Response
I am really glad you guys are doing this. You may want to make it known that sometimes the care packages are searched and certain, more risque magazines are being confiscated due to the fact that other troops may see them and be offended. I know it sounds crazy, but I’ve heard of it being done. That goes for full magazine subscriptions too. I’m sorry I will miss Embedded, I wish everyone involved broken legs.