Whidbey Children’s Theater launched an unprecedented “crowdfunding” campaign designed to take the beloved local performing arts institution into the 21st century.

“As we mark our 30th anniversary and enter an exciting new era of our growth and development, we have some financial and facilities housecleaning to do,” Artistic Director Rose Woods said in a press release. “The IndieGoGo Forty Bucks for the Future Fund will help us to bring our theater space up to date in facility function and technology, to continue the upgrades to our public and performance spaces, to expand our presence and sophistication in social media, marketing and public outreach, and to move forward to improve and expand our teaching curriculum, programs and productions for a new generation of Whidbey youth.”

“Through this innovative new fundraising technique, costs are kept to a minimum, with a maximum return on contribution to the WCT,” said Debby Elwell, chair of the WCT board of directors.

Crowdfunding uses the internet and social media to pool money and resources to support efforts of mutual interest. This technique has been used for disaster relief to citizen journalism to artists seeking support from fans, to political campaigns, to funding startup companies, movies, or small businesses.

Whidbey Children’s Theater’s strategy is to seek $40 each from a thousand people by Aug. 31.

“When you cut our need into pieces, it seems like a pretty attainable goal,” Woods said.

“With this fund we clear the decks, get up to date — and take our kids into a bright new tomorrow. All with just a thousand people, each with 40 bucks to give.”

Information about Whidbey Children’s Theater’s IndieGoGo fund can be found at www.indiegogo.com/whidbeychildrenstheater.

Founded in 1981, Whidbey Children’s Theater is dedicated to making a difference in the lives of children by creating opportunities for them to discover, experience, and participate in the performing arts.

For more information, contact 221-8707 or wct.operations@gmail.com.