For less than the cost of ignoring those "just $1 a day" commercials, you can be a backstage hero at the Merced Arts Center (MAC). Here's what we’re daring to dream of buying:

• Professional Lighting Equipment: Because seeing the actors is generally considered a good thing. The MAC has borrowed, pieced together, rented a lot of this equipment for years. Our goal is to buy it so the MAC owns it no matter what and get more cool stuff.

• Cables and Gels: It's not as boring as it sounds. Okay, it is, but it's super necessary!

• The Latest Light Board: It’s basically a giant remote control, and everyone loves pressing buttons, right?

And if you folks really get carried away and overfund us (fingers crossed!), we'll splurge on even more shiny things!

Why Donate?

• Skip the Guilt Trip: We won’t tell you that your latte could change the world. But it could change a lightbulb. Maybe.

• All Fun, No Sad Puppies: Your donations go to theatrical lights, not heart-wrenching commercials.

Ready to Play a Part?

Every dollar helps, and unlike that gym membership, you’ll actually see the results.