The Hopebox Choir, a community ensemble designed to involve adults in the mission of supporting families battling cancer, held a performance on Monday, July 13. Directed by Becca Rhodes, the non-auditioned group uses music to provide comfort and connection for those facing difficult health journeys.
Creating Community Involvement
The choir was established by Rhodes, a Hopebox Theatre board member and liaison for the Wall of Hope recipient families, to provide an avenue for community members who want to participate in the theater's mission but may not be able to audition for mainstage productions. As Davis County News reported in July, the initiative was created because audition numbers for theater shows had grown so large that the stage could not accommodate everyone.
Rhodes, who also teaches choir at Farmington High School, proposed a schedule that utilized Sunday rehearsals when the theater was empty. The board initially approved a three-year trial for the program. During its first recruitment period, the choir attracted approximately 55 participants.
Tailored Musical Honors
The Hopebox Choir operates with a unique structure compared to the theater's scripted shows. While standard productions follow pre-assigned scripts, the choir selects its own recipient for each concert. Rhodes selects music specifically tailored to the individual or family being honored.
This approach allows the group to honor specific members of the 'Wall of Hope.' The choir’s theme song, 'For Hope Will Light Our May,' was chosen because it reflects the core mission of the theater: providing light and hope so that individuals can find a moment of comfort away from their struggles.
Sustainability and Mission
The choir serves as a sustainable addition to the theater's operations. Singers pay a small entry fee for each session, which covers costs for an accompanist, technical staff, and box office personnel. Additionally, ticket sales from choir concerts serve as a fundraiser for Hopebox Theatre.
The theater itself was founded by Jan, a four-time cancer survivor who serves as President and Artistic Director. According to the Hopebox Theatre website, her mission is to bring hope to families through the performing arts, a vision inspired by her own personal battles with the disease.
Organizational Leadership
Hopebox Theatre has been in operation for 11 years. The organization's leadership includes several community members dedicated to the cancer-support mission, such as Finance Manager Derek and Sponsorship Director Chad.
The theater's programming is supported by a variety of staff roles, including Box Office Manager Natalie and Operations Manager Amy, who has been involved with Hopebox Academy since 2011.
