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November 2008

Dear Theatre Family,

Recently a variety of performing artists across the state of Minnesota were asked to respond to this question... “What is the function of the performing arts?” What became surprisingly clear for everyone who answered is that all performing artists struggle everyday with how best to make a difference in the world that we all occupy.

The performing arts exist in the world, about the world, and for the world. Too often, however, discussion of the performing arts in public and private treat the subject as though it were a world unto itself. As financial institutions crumble, we continue to fight wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, and Americans lose faith in the future, how can it possibly be important to continue to create and support performing arts?

Will you consider this question as well? “What is the function of the performing arts in our community?”

What difference has it made to you, your children and grandchildren? Do you believe that performing arts make a difference in the world we occupy?

Since 1936, Topeka Civic Theatre & Academy has been very fortunate to have had thousands of talented actors grace our stage. We have been equally fortunate to have had dozens of directors, choreographers, musical directors, designers, crew and thousands of support volunteers working in all aspects of our theatre program through the years.

We are very proud of our rapidly growing youth theatre program that trains, inspires and showcases the next generation of aspiring actors, directors, designers, playwrights and backstage volunteers.

Did you know that your thoughtful gift helps to ensure that TCTA artists have a chance to develop their talent and express their creativity? In addition, your gift ensures that our audiences will continue to be delighted and challenged by outstanding, quality theatrical experiences. We are grateful to each of you for sharing the belief that the “performing arts give each of us the opportunity to make a difference in the world we all occupy.”

“It is especially heart-warming to discover that our donors support us through thick and thin – even through hard economic times such as we are currently experiencing. Thanks for remembering that what we offer our community, reasonable priced, great entertainment and a place for volunteers to make a difference and find a home, are needed even more when times are tough. Thanks!”

Carole Ries, President & CEO.

Last year TCT informed you of The Pension Protection Act of 2006 that allowed individuals of 70½ years of age and older to make tax-exempt charitable contributions up to $100,000 directly from their IRA assets to an eligible charity. Qualified charitable distribution monies are excluded from adjusted gross income and, therefore, tax-exempt. Married couples may donate up to $200,000, provided each spouse owns at least one IRA and can make a $100,000 qualified charitable distribution.

This tax incentive has been extended through December 31, 2009. Contact your financial advisor for help in taking advantage of this legislation referred to as the Emergency Economic Stability Act - 2008 Charitable Gifts.

Thank you for supporting your community theatre and your enthusiastic support of our mission – entertaining, inspiring and building dreams for 73 seasons. Happy Holidays on behalf of the TCTA Staff and Board of Trustees.

Sincerely,

Carole Ries
President & CEO

Shannon J. Reilly
Artistic Director

Scott Nellis
Chairman, Board of Trustees


Download a PDF form to mail in with your gift or click the 'Donate' button to make your donation through PayPal!

In an effort to reduce printing/postage expenses and paper consumption in our effort to continue to “go green”, TCTA will only send end of year statements by request. If you would like an end of year statement, please e-mail Lynda Denton at Lynda@TopekaCivicTheatre.com or call her at (785) 357-5213. Thank you.

In spite of our wonderful history and current success, we struggle each year to make our budget. Our mission is carried out through a variety of programs that do not pay for themselves. We receive no city or county funding. Ticket sales and other earned income provide only 60% of our budgeted expenses, and we must raise an additional 40% of funds through contributions, both corporate and individual, each year. That means we must raise $400,000 annually for the basic needs of the theatre: artistic and technical expertise and leadership, sound fiscal management and accountability, lights, water, electricity, insurance, repairs and maintenance. This ensures that our actors, volunteers, and audiences have a safe, creative place to work and be inspired.

Can you imagine if we didn't receive these funds? We would have to cut 40% of our programming...we might have to cut our children's production program altogether, not to mention our classes for kids and adults. There would be no Les Misèrables, School Edition or Stuart Little for our young people to stretch their artistic muscles, as there would be too many costumes and the royalties would be too expensive. All our mainstage shows might have to be chosen from plays with 2-4 characters, eliminating a classic like Inherit the Wind, and we could never afford to costume shows like Camelot or Hello, Dolly!

Your gift means the fiscal health of TCTA now and in the future. Please give generously to support our programs.

Topeka Civic Theatre & Academy is a 501(c)(3) non-profit. We receive no funding from the United Way or from city or county tax dollars. Your support of our programming allows us to entertain, educate, and inspire thousands of audience members and hundreds of adults and youth every year. All donations to TCTA are tax deductible.

In an effort to make it as easy as possible for donors to make their gifts, we’ve teamed up with PayPal, the largest internet-based payment network, to accept charitable gifts. If you would like to use your checking account or credit card to make your gift, you may proceed using this service. If you would like to make your payment via monthly bank draft or another method, please contact us at 785-357-5211.

Click on the button below to make your online 'E-Donation'. And thank you for supporting the mission of Topeka Civic Theatre & Academy!

Types of Donors

Donations of $100.00 or more receive FIVE-STAR PERKS! By being a donor, you help build a future for TCTA and change the lives of children and volunteers.

Season Member Donor...with your purchase of a season membership and with a donation of $100.00 or more you become part of our donor family!

Bravo Society Donor...this is a multiple year giving commitment of $1,000 or more that will secure our future by continuing to fund all of our programs and education classes for children, adults, and seniors. Bravo Society members will receive all membership perks.

Endowment Donor...you can choose from

  • TCTA Endowment Trust Fund
  • Long Range Capital Needs Fund
  • Gage School Historical Preservation Fund
  • Etzel & Stauffer Endowment Fund

Five Star Perks for Donors

  • Your name is listed in every Playbill
  • You can reserve the entire season in advance with choice of performance dates & seating
  • Donor wine and cheese receptions
  • Reserved parking for donors who give $1,000+
  • Permanent recognition for donors who give $5,000+