November 28, 2023
This is one of the best shows I’ve seen performed at TLT in my almost 30 years as a season-ticket holder. Hysterically performed, and a wonderful group of actors. Keep bringing this quality of performance to TLT. -A TLT Patron after attending The Play That Goes Wrong
Dear Friend of Tacoma Little Theatre:
Audiences tell us that the quality of theatre presented at TLT gets better and better each year. However, we couldn’t possibly do this without YOU. Your support over the past three years has been tremendous and we are forever grateful. The arts continue to be one of the hardest hit industries as we recover from COVID. Your generous support will continue to make sure that TLT will navigate the recovery process and continue to provide our community with the level of quality you have come to expect and enjoy.
TLT’s newly adopted vision is “to enrich lives by providing opportunities for equitable inclusion and representation. Our goal is to ensure everyone – regardless of identity, background or personal experience–belongs at TLT.” Whether it’s an experienced actor, a bank teller, a retired plumber, or a student looking to build a career, they have a place at TLT to help strengthen our community. During last season’s partner project with UWT, we had the opportunity to work with an actor new to us, Keri. Here’s her TLT experience:
l fell in love with the world of musical theatre at a young age, but I never saw representation of people who looked like me on stage. When I considered theatre in middle school, I was told that I “literally did not fit in the story” as a big brown girl. Because of this, I spent a whole decade thinking that I wasn’t worthy to sing and act in a stage production. This all changed when I participated in TLT’s Rock of Ages. I was an ensemble member in a cast of 26 actors and I had no previous theatre performance experience, yet I still felt as loved, valued, and visible as any other cast and crew member. Hands down the most joyful experience of my life.
My life has changed drastically from my experience with TLT for multiple reasons. Rock of Ages shifted my life trajectory in the best way possible. I truly feel like I found my forever community here. These are lessons, friendships, and mentors that I will hold onto forever. I learned what it means to have courage and to fully let go of societal expectations of what a stage performer looks like. I learned that I am more than worthy and capable of being onstage after spending my whole life being told I was not.
We shared Keri’s story so that you, as an audience member, may come to understand the complicated journey many on stage go through to bring life to the stories you enjoy with each production.
Your contributions change lives – supporting the development of future careers like Keri’s, and in students participating in our education programs. TLT provides our community with educational programs serving youth and adults year-round, helping them reach their creative potential. Your generous donations helped 40 students discover the joy of the arts, who otherwise may never have had the opportunity.
“I wanted to contact you directly and thank you for working with us on financial aid to attend this camp. My student had the most wonderful time rehearsing, and getting to know all of you. Things have been a little tight around our house, and seeing the kids having the time of their lives up there. I am not going to lie; I cried a little bit.” – A parent of a student
It is only through the continued support of our community members that the arts can thrive. 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. Remember that any amount helps us, from $1 to $10,000. 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 TLT this season, thank you! If you are considering donating to us now, thank you! To donate, please click below or visit us at our website, www.tacomalittletheatre.com, to donate online. To donate over the phone, you may call me personally at 253-272-2281. We always look forward to having the opportunity to speak with you. You are the reason that TLT continues to thrive. Thank you so much for your continued support and patronage.
All my best,
Chris Serface
Managing Artistic Director
