-Why should philanthropist's invest in Venus and not some other theatre company?   Because NOBODY is doing feminist work, REALLY feminsit work except for co's like Venus...  For EXAMPLE, Venus Theatre was the first prof. company to produce The Anastasia Trials in the Court of Women... This play attracted the attention of the Wash. Post, has gone on to pbulication with French, etc. etc. and is now being done all over the country... but who else would have taken a chance on an audience-interactive play that did not allow the men to vote?  ANOTHER EXAMPLE.... produced Ugly Ducklings (children's cast, adult themes, 17-years lying in a draw, considered utterly unproduceable... and got attention from NPR affiliate, nominated by American Theatre Critics Association for best new play of the year prod. outside NY and the National Lesbian Theatre Award from Curve Magazine, which has led to its being produced in Maine in a production that will be the subject of a PBS documentary...  OBVIOUSLY outstanding plays... but nobody is going to know that unless SOMEBODY takes a chance on producing them.  "Venus Theatre is the first professional company to offer consistent support for my work, professionally premiering two of my plays.  As a result of these productions, these plays have achieved national recognition.  Artistic Directors like Deb Randall and women's theatres with the courage and vision of Venus deserve support from feminist philanthropists, because mainstream theatre is not taking those risks," says playwright Carolyn Gage. -What is the specific value of what is done here? See above. -How has it affected artists and viewers over its short lifetime so far? The exposure I have gotten from Venus has led to significant national recognition, contributed to my being able to secure publication contracts, and both of these factors have led to production opportunities. More to the point, -In your artistic involvement with Venus, in what positive way have you been altered or grown?   See above. -How has it affected your career? Enhanced recognition and opportunity, which has led to improved income, which enables me to continue working full-time as a playwright.