DONATION CAMPAIGNS
Sponsor-A-Seat
Since 1996, VYT's Sponsor-A-Seat program provides a special day of theatre, food and fun to under-resourced Valley children. VYT partners with dozens of social service organizations to attend a free VYT performance at the Herberger Theater Center and enjoy a complimentary lunch with the cast and crew.
Your tax-deductible gift of $50 sponsors a seat and lunch for one child -- having a direct impact on the lives of these children. With 1,500 seats to sponsor, consider sponsoring more than one!
Thank you for helping us continue the magic that is Valley Youth Theatre!
General Support
Donations contributed to General Operating Support help fund the following internal programs:
Fee-Free Participation in Productions, which is a cornerstone of our theatre. Our cast members do not pay fees to participate. They don't have to rent or purchase costumes and there are no requirements for them to sell tickets. They also aren't required to have any previous theatrical experience or formal training. We just strive to recognize each child's potential and to match their talent and skill level with the needs of each role. That means, our open casting gives every child in the Valley an opportunity to participate in our shows – regardless of their social or economic backgrounds. During our 2019-2020 season, an extremely diverse group of 362 young people auditioned for 161 roles.
Fee-Free Participation in Productions, which is a cornerstone of our theatre. Our cast members do not pay fees to participate. They don't have to rent or purchase costumes and there are no requirements for them to sell tickets. They also aren't required to have any previous theatrical experience or formal training. We just strive to recognize each child's potential and to match their talent and skill level with the needs of each role. That means, our open casting gives every child in the Valley an opportunity to participate in our shows – regardless of their social or economic backgrounds. During our 2019-2020 season, an extremely diverse group of 362 young people auditioned for 161 roles.
HopeKids Dress Rehearsals allow VYT to bring families of children with chronic and life-threatening illnesses to a free performance, immediately preceding opening night. Not only does this allow our casts to perform in front of a live audience for the first time, it also gives these extraordinary audience members the opportunity to see brave young people – who are often their own age – pursuing their dreams. Last season, we facilitated 546 of these complimentary seats to these appreciative families.
"Valley Youth Theatre is one of our most valued event partners. The laughter, joy and hope they bring to our HopeKids is immeasurable. VYT takes our HopeKids off to magical places and gives them an escape from the daily struggles living with a life-threatening medical condition. Thank you for giving our HopeKids something to always look forward to. We appreciate your constant support of HopeKids." - HopeKids Program Manager, Angie. During our 2019-2020 season, we facilitated 314 of these complimentary seats to these appreciative families.
Reduced Weekday Field Trip Tickets provide a way for teachers to supplement under-funded school arts programs by purchasing tickets at half price. For every show, our cast, crew and orchestra set aside designated daytime performances to facilitate these teachers and their students. During our 2019-2020 season, 1,432 students were able to see a VYT show for a reduced price.
Literacy and the Arts
Improving literacy among at-risk youth is one of the most direct and viable routes out of poverty and critical to the future of our community. We created the Literacy in the Arts (LTA) program in 1993 to give K-8 students from two inner city school districts - Roosevelt and Phoenix Elementary - the opportunity to develop an enthusiasm for reading and enhance their reading comprehension and literacy through live theatre. Every year 3,000 to 5,000 students have had the wonderful opportunity to enjoy the benefits of this program.
During our 2019-2020 season, 3,755 Title 1 school students benefitted from this program.
Outcomes of the program are to motivate students to read more and, subsequently, to improve their reading comprehension and literacy skills.
Artistic Director's Circle
VYT's ARTISTIC DIRECTOR'S CIRCLE (ADC) is an exclusive group of supporters who have decided to increase their level of support for VYT and receive exclusive and exciting rewards. This helps to ensure and increase the reach of our unique programming.
Invitation to private ADC events and advanced notification of special VYT productions
All of the benefits above, plus:
Through your investment, our young actors who perform fee-free will continue to receive extensive training in the theatrical arts, bolstering their chances for success in life through higher self-confidence, elevated leadership standards and public speaking skills.
ADC members receive exclusive and exciting rewards for their support of VYT and the fostering of its mission. As a member, you will be among the first to know new details about VYT happenings, get early access to events and join a social group of people who truly believe in what we do!
We would be honored to have you join the Artistic Director's Circle and help us continue to INSPIRE the youth in our community.
ADC Levels of Giving & Associated Benefits
Applause $1,000
Invitation to private ADC events and advanced notification of special VYT productions
Two Season Memberships (2 tickets to 6 shows)
Two Individual Performance Tickets
Priority Seating and ticket services
Behind-the-scenes tour
Recognition in playbills and theatre lobby signage
Bravo! $2,500
All of the benefits above, plus:
Four additional Season Memberships (6 total)
ENCORE! $5,000
All of the benefits above, plus:
Two additional Season Memberships (8 total)
***Note: Please indicate in the notes field which level of membership you are joining today***
Nigel Ross Educational Scholarships
To commemorate the special talents and unique spirit of Nigel Ross, a victim of domestic violence, on Christmas Eve 2017, Valley Youth Theatre and United Surgical Partners International (USPI) created the Nigel Ross Scholarship Fund. This fund enables other young performers to attend the summer theatre workshops that Nigel enjoyed so much as well as classes throughout the year who might not be able to otherwise.