Our Crowdfunding Groups
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Founded in 1955 by a group of students looking for a way to share their unique perspective on the challenges of medical school, the Scope and Scalpel Society is comprised of fourth year medical students who are charged with writing, producing, and performing an annual musical show. Part roast, part parody, the show gives students the opportunity to reflect and celebrate their years at Pitt by turning a humorous eye to the triumphs and tribulations of medical education. It also brings out the hidden talents of our classmates, who make up the cast, crew, and orchestra. It is a fun camaraderie building tradition that we value, and hope you will enjoy with us as well!
In 1955, a medical student was doing research in a lab run by Frank Dixon, M.D. During a “gripe session” at a local pub, the two began to discuss the challenges at Pitt’s School of Medicine. As the discussion progressed, they introduced the idea of a class play. The idea was widely favored and was ultimately presented to the Dean, William S. McEllroy. He was as excited as the students and helped the growing group of over 50 medical thespians in their quest. On May 13, 1955, the premier Scope and Scalpel Society production, PMS IV, was performed to a sold out crowd at the Stephen Foster Memorial Theater. Since then, the show has grown in huge proportions. It has been the largest nonprofessional theatrical production in Pittsburgh and is the longest running annual theatrical production in this area.
This year marks the 61st production of the show and the Class of 2016 is working hard to make it a production you will not soon forget! Show times are on May 20th at 7 PM and May 22nd at 2 PM and will be at Central Catholic High School on Fifth Avenue (they have air conditioning!).
As medical students, much of our time is spent doing rotations or research. As fourth years, we are also frequently traveling for interviews, which leaves little time for fundraising. Although we are working on several events (bake sales, rent-a-med-student, etc), we are counting on this EngagePitt campaign for most of our funding. All money raised through this campaign will be used to cover production costs, including venue rental, costumes, props, set construction, program and playbill printing, etc. Our goal for this project is to raise $15,000 for the show. Any amount helps! We really appreciate your support, and hope to see you at our show on May 20th or May 22nd!
A breakdown of our budget:
Production (set, costumes, props, etc) - $6,000
Venue - $5,000
Tech - $2,000
Graphics/Promo (videos, posters, playbills) - $3,500
Storage/Transportation - $1,500
You've got a long way to go in your education, but you still have something to contribute! $10 can help us print shiny, high-tech posters to display throughout the school!
Yes, you're in debt. Believe us, we know. But you're probably also feeling pretty beat up and could use a few laughs. $25 can help us buy a whole rotation's supply of Elnicki mustaches.
To those of you who've come before and now are on the other side, but not so far removed that you forget about the wonderful days of your medical school education. For just $50 you can purchase some hearing aids for Dr Ferson (or at least the lab coat, glasses, balding wig, and microphone for the student who will be playing him).
Good bye debt, hello check! You're at a great point in life where you can afford things like a nice dinner out, a vacation in Prague, or maybe even a dose of nostalgia. $100 will help us buy the supplies to recreate the ward where you trained oh-so-long-ago.
From cower to power! You're large and in charge. But what will you do with your influence? You could torture poor medical students. Or you could choose a more productive and altruistic outlet. $250 will allow us to rent the speakers for one show so that everyone can hear us loud and clear.
Budgeting and expenses has now become a part of your job, so you know first hand how difficult it can be to adequately supply your team with the equipment they need. But $500 can buy....CHAIRS! And tables, and buckets, and surgical caps, and....basically all the props we'll need in the show.
Who hasn't dreamed of filling these shoes? Now's your chance! $1,000 helps to pay for the comfortable (air-conditioned!) venue where you will enjoy this year's show!
