Pete Shinn Memorial Fund

Pete Shinn was the Electrics Manager and a frequent Lighting Designer for the Alliance Theatre for 38 years, right up until his untimely passing from cancer in July 2016. Pete began his time at the Alliance as an intern in 1978 and went on to spend the entirety of his wonderful career here designing more than 60 productions for Alliance Stage and Hertz Stage series, while also designing myriad shows for every size theater in Atlanta, and beyond. To name a few, his designs have been realized with Actor’s Express, Horizon Theatre, Theatre in the Square, Georgia Ensemble Theatre, George Street Playhouse, and Delaware Repertory Theatre. Pete was not only a master designer; he was a mentor and friend to nearly every designer in the Atlanta theater community. His dozens of mentees have gone on to design hundreds of shows in an untold number of theaters around the country. He is a true legend of his craft.

Pete believed fiercely in the Alliance Theatre, this art form, and in working until the job was not just finished, but beautiful. Pete’s dedication to consistent excellence contributed to the Alliance winning the 2007 Regional Theatre Tony Award. Because of Pete’s long tenure, when the award was conferred, he was the final person to touch the Tony before it was placed in a glass display box in our theater lobby. He was beloved by all who knew him.

Pete’s passing has left a void in our theatre community. To honor his life’s work and continue his practice of investing in technicians and designers of all ages, we have established the Pete Shinn Memorial Fund. This fund, designed with Pete’s blessing, will offer funding for professional development opportunities for technicians and designers across Atlanta. By doing this, we not only continue Pete’s legacy, but also bolster our commitment to providing top notch, award-winning experiences for technicians, designers, craftspeople, and artisans who will carry our art form forward to a bright future. Pete continued learning throughout his career; it’s what made him such a great asset to our company, and to the community at large. We hope this memorial fund will allow others the same opportunities he had to improve his craft, while improving all of our lives.

Instructions for giving:

» Give online. Be sure you select "In memory of" beside the "Or please recognize this gift" section and place Pete's name there.

» By mail: Note "Pete Shinn Memorial Fund" in the memo line of your contribution and send to the following address:

Alliance Theatre
Attn: Development
1280 Peachtree Street NE
Atlanta, GA 30309

Instructions for applying:

Interested technicians and designers in the Atlanta area may apply for up to $1,000 to help offset professional development training, or to be used toward the purchase of career-related equipment.

Send a one-page description detailing:

1. Theatrical career experience

2. Equipment/training description

3. Total cost of equipment/training

4. How the equipment/training will benefit or improve your work as a technician or designer

5. Amount requested

Examples of fundable projects and trainings include conferences, seminars, master classes, and related travel expenses; or craft-specific equipment & technology needed to advance your career—lighting/sound technology equipment, design software, etc. A very brief final report on how the fund has helped advance your career is requested upon completion of training or equipment purchase.

Email your applications/reports to: trent.anderson@alliancetheatre.org with the subject line "Pete Shinn Memorial Fund application." Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and are open to technicians, designers, craftspeople, and artisans who are currently working in the Metro Atlanta theater community. Applications will be reviewed by family, friends, and colleagues of Pete's.

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