Dear Friend of Tacoma Little Theatre:
We’ve missed welcoming you back in person at the start of this season. As you read this letter, it will have been at least 190 days since we had an audience member or student in the building. Last year was one of the best that TLT had ever enjoyed, bringing you Calendar Girls, Evil Dead: The Musical (recently named 2019-2020 Best Play by the South Sound Stage Excellence Awards), Holmes for the Holidays, ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas, the world-premiere of Shattering, our Educational programs, Murder Mystery Dinners, and A Chorus Line. Never did we think that in March we would close A Chorus Line one week into its four week run, postpone all in-person events, and change our educational model due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, we have seen a loss of $200,000 to our operating budget (1/3 of our annual budget), have had to furlough staff, and may have to again unless we find a way to make up for those losses. We haven’t let that stop us though. We’ve continued to bring our community live virtual programming on Friday nights, virtual educational classes, and we have even more lined up for you in the coming months until we see you safely in person.
“This is my first performance with TLT & I am VERY impressed. I am a transplant from San Francisco and this was a delightful first introduction.... good choice of play, good actors, and in general a very fun outing with friends. I look forward to many more.” -A new TLT Patron after seeing Calendar Girls
One thing to look forward to when it is safe to return is the newly remodeled auditorium. The monies that you helped raise starting in 2018 were restricted funds that could only be used for the remodel and no other purpose, or we would violate the grants we received. These funds could not be used for operational expenses. What that means is the next time that you visit TLT you will enjoy new seats, better sightlines, better sound, and a freshened up appearance. Knowing you will have an even better theatrical experience at TLT when live performances return is a bright light for us during these times.
“Saturday night came around and I decided to go to TLT. Oh what a show! What a cast! What amazing choreography! Another excellent production!” -A TLT Patron after seeing A Chorus Line
TLT provides the South Puget Sound Region with an education program serving youth and adults in the community year-round, helping them reach their creative potential. We quickly made the switch to virtual classes in March and have had the privilege of working with some wonderful students as a result. During the 2019/20 season our in-house programs continued to increase and our Students on Stage (SOS) outreach program entered into more schools than ever before. Your donations have helped to fund over $10,000 to our SOS and Scholarship Programs, providing access to performing arts education for children in our community.
“Our daughter has had a really positive experience participating in virtual camp. Please know how appreciative our family is to you and the staff for offering these resources during such a surreal time.”
“Having TLT come to our school and work with our kids was an amazing experience. The directors made every kid feel like a star! We can’t wait until next year.” -Parents of TLT students
Your investment has never been more valuable. TLT has weathered the first part of the pandemic without reaching out to the community directly, but until we are able to resume in-person events, TLT is looking at a difficult financial year. It is only through the continued support of our community members that the arts will survive. If you are able to donate, now is the time. We offer a range of donation options that are listed at the bottom of this letter. You can even pledge your donation amount over a monthly or quarterly payment schedule. If you are interested in establishing a legacy gift of support through planned (estate) giving or stock transfers, please contact me directly. TLT is a recognized 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and may be fully tax-deductible (please check with your tax advisor).
If you have already donated to us, thank you! If you are considering donating to us now, thank you! Please click the button at the bottom of this letter or visit us at our website, www.tacomalittletheatre.com, to make a donation online. To donate over the phone, you may call me personally at 253-272-2281. Also, if you have any ideas of safe entertainment that you’d like to see TLT produce, please let me know! You’ve celebrated 101 years with us, please help TLT make it through these difficult times so we can celebrate 101 more with you.
All my best,
Chris Serface
Managing Artistic Director
