Theatre & Dance

Why Donate to UWL Theatre and Dance?

1. We need you! UW-La Crosse relies on charitable support for 50% of our operating costs. Without it, we simply wouldn't be here.
2. It's easy! Donations can be made by cash, check or credit card simply by contacting the UW-La Crosse Department of Theatre and Dance.
3. It's tax deductible! UW-La Crosse Theatre and Dance is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization, which means your gift is fully tax deductible as allowed by law.
4. It feels good. Philanthropy makes art happen here in the Coulee Region.
5. It's more than the plays! Your gifts not only support award-winning stage productions, but it also goes toward our comprehensive education, guest artists, community outreach opportunities, and student scholarships.
6. It shows your support! There's no better way to show your approval than by making a donation.
7. It's a good investment. UW-La Crosse Theatre and Dance is one of the best managed arts organizations in the Coulee Region. Your dollars will be well spent.
8. Quality of life. The Coulee Region deserves the best in the arts. Your donation makes that possible!
9. You're making the world a better place. One of the best indicators of a civilized society is the development of its arts and cultural life. Think Athens, Florence, Rome...La Crosse.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Donating to UWL Theatre

Thank you to all of our loyal donors who have contributed to UW-La Crosse Theatre and Dance over the past several years. Your friendship and support is invaluable to our success. For those of you who have not donated in the past - or if you're interested in learning more about donating to UW-La Crosse Theatre and Dance, please take a moment to read the following information. Supporting your favorite theatre and dance company with an annual donation is more valuable than you think! Contact UW-La Crosse Department of Theatre and Dance at 608.785.6701 or email lkincman@uwlax.edu for more information.

Aren't I supporting UW-La Crosse Theatre and Dance when I buy a ticket to a production? 

When you buy a ticket to the movies or to a baseball game, the cost of that ticket covers at least 100% of all expenses associated with producing that event. When you buy a ticket to the theatre, the cost of that ticket only covers 50% of the expenses associated with producing the play and dance concert. Theatres are non-profit organizations that thrive off the generosity of their donors.

Why doesn't UW-La Crosse Theatre and Dance just raise the ticket prices? 

A night at the theatre should not be a luxury for the rich and famous! In order to cover the cost of production and administrative expenses without additional fundraising, an evening for two at UW-La Crosse Theatre and Dance would cost $150! Ticket sales would decrease rapidly with such an expensive ticket price and UWL Theatre and Dance would lose many of its current patrons. Although we would earn more money per ticket, we would lose a significant number of ticket buyers and probably end up having to solicit funds anyway!

Is my donation tax deductible? 

YES! After your donation is processed in the office, you will receive a thank-you letter from the UW-La Crosse Foundation, which serves as a receipt for tax purposes.

What do you do with my donation? 

We spend it on the shows in our season! Next time you visit the Toland or Frederick Theatres, just look at the costumes, props, and scenery to see the affect of your generosity. You can be assured that your donation will directly fund the productions in the season. When attending a UW-La Crosse Theatre and Dance production, take pride in knowing your contribution is reflected on that stage.

Donations can also be made to a specific scholarship that assist UWL theatre and dance students cover the cost of their quality education. Scholarship awards are based on a student's scholastic achievement, theatre participation, and financial need. UWL Theatre and Dance provides several scholarships including the Marie Park Toland Scholarship, the Helen Leide Fund, Tinapp/Joyce Scholarship, Robert and Kip Frederick Fund, Music Theatre Scholarship, Peter Talen Memorial Scholarship, and the Children's Theatre Scholarship.

Can I leave you in my will? 

YES! What a wonderful way to ensure UW-La Crosse Theatre and Dance's future for years to come while earning a valuable tax deduction. As Noral "Jake" Jacobs asks, "Why do the organizations we support during our lifetime become any less important after we are gone?" You can leave your legacy in the Performing Arts without compromising your commitments to loved ones. It's easier and more cost effective than you may think. Contact your estate planning attorney, a trust officer, an accountant who specializes in planned giving or call the UW-La Crosse Foundation at 608.785.8489 for more information.

What can I do if I can't afford to donate money? 

UW-La Crosse Theatre and Dance has a long list of items that we can always use. An in-kind donation of any of the following items will help at any time: White or colored copy paper; general office supplies: pens, pencils, paper clips, highlighters, binders, folders, tape, etc.; CD's; labels, etc. Please contact the UW-La Crosse Department of Theatre and Dance at 608.785.6701 for a more detailed listing of items. Gift certificates to Menards, Joann Fabric, Home Depot, Michaels, Hobby Lobby, Target, etc. are always appreciated.      

Ways to Support UWL Theatre and Dance

BRING A BUDDY!

If you’re a regular to the UW-La Crosse Theatre and Dance productions, you already know about the high caliber performances that are created by faculty and students. Why not share the experience with a friend? Make a night of it by inviting your family, friends, co-workers, out-of-town guests, and prospective business clients to a UW-La Crosse Theatre and Dance production.

It’s a chance to experience live theatre and dance in a comfortable, relaxing environment at a reasonable cost. You won’t find a better deal in the area to enjoy award-winning performances by student and faculty artists.

ChairBUY A CHAIR!

The Toland Theatre Seat Campaign is an opportunity for individual theatre-goers, companies, clubs, and trusts to purchase a seat in the Toland Theatre. With a tax-deductible gift of $250, you can support the arts in our community and create a lasting memento by personalizing a seat to a loved one, friend, company, or UWL theatre student or alumni! The choice is yours. An engraved brass plate (4 lines of inscription only) will be permanently affixed to the seat, bearing the name of the person, family or business being honored.

BECOME A CORPORATE SPONSOR

Do you own or work for a local business that might be interested in a corporate sponsorship opportunity? The UW-La Crosse Department of Theatre and Dance has several sponsorship opportunities to fit the needs of any sized business. Sponsor an entire season or a single production in exchange for publicity on theatre posters/programs, complimentary tickets to the production, and opportunities to meet the cast and crew. If you or your business are interested in becoming a corporate sponsor, we’d love to talk to you about the opportunities available at UW-La Crosse Theatre Arts. Please contact Laurie Kincman, Chair, at 608.785.6690 or email lkincman@uwlax.edu. 

DONATE!

You can make a real difference to a UW-La Crosse Theatre and Dance student by donating to one of our several scholarships including the Tinapp/Joyce Scholarship, Marie Park Toland Scholarship, the Helen Leide Fund, Robert and Kip Frederick Fund, Children’s Theatre Scholarship, Peter Talen Memorial Scholarship and the Music Theatre Scholarship.

Theatre scholarships are awarded based on a student’s financial need, grade point average, extracurricular involvement and commitment and participation to the theatre department. Each year, the UW-La Crosse Department of Theatre and Dance awards a total of approximately $8,000 to qualified students. Scholarships enable theatre students to dedicate more time to crafting their art through rehearsal, design work and technical training while maintaining their course work.

To make a tax-deductible donation to a Theatre and Dance scholarship, please contact the Department of Theatre and Dance at 608.785.6701.

tell a friendTELL YOUR FRIENDS

Have you seen a UW-La Crosse Theatre and Dance production that made you laugh...cry...want to cheer out loud? Have you seen a production that inspired or amazed you? Was there a student actor who gave an outstanding performance? Are you still humming a song from a recent musical? Were there set, lights, and sound that took your breath away? If you answered yes to any of the above, TELL A FRIEND! Word of mouth is the best way to support Theatre and Dance at UW-La Crosse. Share your experience with your friends and encourage them to buy a ticket, see a performance, or simply encourage your friends to check out an upcoming production.