Four Ways to Support the Performing Arts on Campus
Posted: 07/06/23
As patrons of the Wisconsin Union Theater (WUT), we hope the performing arts have been an outlet for you to find joy, connect with others and tap into your creative energy. We are grateful for your attendance at our performing art events. Even if you're not the one performing on stage, you play a vital role in WUT’s mission to present, promote, and cultivate a lifelong appreciation of the performing arts, especially among University of Wisconsin–Madison students. With four unique funds through which you can support our mission, there are lots of ways to foster performing arts on campus.
Supporting Diversity in the Performing Arts: André De Shields Fund
Founded in recognition of the outstanding achievements in theater and the performing arts by UW Madison alumnus and Broadway living legend André De Shields, gifts to the André De Shields Fund support diversity in WUT’s performing arts programming.
“The obstacles he [André De Shields] faced in his career are unfortunately still not uncommon, and, with his help, we want to do our part to change that," WUT Director Elizabeth Snodgrass said.
Supporting Student Access to the Performing Arts: Fan Taylor Fund
This fund is named in honor of WUT’s first director, Fan Taylor, who led the theater from 1946-1966 and was known for setting high standards for diversity and excellence in programming. Today, the Fan Taylor Fund is designed to make the arts more accessible by subsidizing discounted theater tickets for UW–Madison students.
Supporting Theater Programming and Operations: Wisconsin Union Theater Director's Discretionary Fund
Your gift to the Director’s Fund can support a broad range of efforts within the Wisconsin Union Theater, including presenting high-quality, diverse performances, helping students and student organizations produce performances in WUT spaces, supplementing operational maintenance, and upgrading vital equipment and theater technology. Additionally, this Fund makes professional development and training possible for students in the Wisconsin Union Directorate Performing Arts Committee and for permanent staff of the Wisconsin Union Theater.
Supporting Student Access to the Performing Arts: Wisconsin Union Theater Program Endowment Fund
Established in the 1980s, the Theater Endowment Fund ensures that WUT performances of the highest quality remain affordable for UW-Madison students, enhancing their access to cultural experiences. The fund provides student ticket discounts and helps cover the fees of major artists. Since its establishment, more than 5,000 students a year have enjoyed world-class artists and events hosted by WUT at remarkably low prices.
Snodgrass said, “The benefit of the performing arts is often an experience and so its impact is often felt rather than being something visible and tangible. Whether someone gives $5 or $5,000, it creates a story: young people were able to attend a concert, because someone’s donation covered the cost of their ticket; a university voice student was coached by one of the best sopranos in the world because people’s donations covered the cost of the artist. People who contribute to WUT create the chance to be inspired, enlightened, even transformed by the power of the performing arts. The impact of their gift is profound.”
Thank you for your continued support! We look forward to seeing you for our 2023-24 season. Learn more.