Support Touhill

Sopranos, ballerinas, acoustic guitar players, comedians, symphonic musicians – artists of all types – consistently comment on the amazing performance spaces at the Touhill Performing Arts Center.

Patrons are equally complimentary of the intimate feel and excellent sightlines.

Located on the campus of the University of Missouri – St. Louis, the Touhill serves as an academic laboratory for the students of the College of Fine Arts and Communication. Our rehearsal space, dressing rooms and stages teem with the activities of dancers, musicians and actors in training.

However the Touhill is much more than just a venue, it provides valuable services to the St. Louis community to sustain, enhance, and promote the performing arts.

Several of St. Louis’ most esteemed arts organizations rely on our expertise to facilitate the business end of performance so they can focus on the art. We partner with emerging and established local groups to provide the ticketing, front of house, and technical management infrastructure. We also offer audience building marketing strategies as well as innovative audience engagement programs that create deeper and more meaningful connections between artists and patrons.

In addition to serving all these communities, the Touhill is dedicated to integrating and building bridges between organizations. We seek to connect the academic world to the professional world, thus enhancing the student experience and building the next generation of art practitioners and patrons. We also strive to bring educational opportunities to our patrons so that experienced connoisseurs may develop a deeper understanding and appreciation for their beloved art and novice beginners will feel welcome in art forms that may be truly foreign.

The Touhill is as expert in venue management and promotion as our partner organizations are in performance. We do our jobs behind-the-scenes so they can do their best on stage.

The Touhill has several programs help make these goals a reality by providing:

• Direct grants or shared risk presenting strategies to underwrite Touhill costs allowing organizations to put more resources directly into their art
• Collaborations with premiere St. Louis arts groups such as Dance St. Louis and Opera Theatre St. Louis to develop original programming such as Spring to Dance and Brundibar
• Expert staff in event and technical management as well as ticketing and front of house operations
• The Explore-Experience-Engage (E3) program offered free to presenting partners to help develop a deeper connection with their audience
• Student access programs that expose students to the performing arts with a free or $10 ticket price
• Combined marketing efforts by way of our Experience magazine, website, and lobby displays to expose patrons to new performance experiences
• A reinvestment strategy for patron services and stage technology designed to keep the Touhill a desirable venue for both artists and patrons

Of course, all of this assistance comes at a cost. The Touhill strives to keep rental rates and fees low for community groups however maintaining the facility and finding the resources needed to develop innovative services are a growing issue. The University provides only 29% of our operating budget each year with that number expected to diminish as costs continue to rise and budget reductions become the norm. Your contribution provides a direct impact on our ability to help St. Louis not-for-profit organizations reach their goals, expand their audiences, and maintain access to an outstanding venue. Please help us to keep the rental rates low, offer more direct subsidies, and continue to develop new and innovative methods of enhancing the performing arts in St. Louis.

Touhill Vision Statement

The Touhill Performing Arts Center at the University of Missouri – St. Louis is committed to sustaining artistic vitality, a wide range of quality programming, and its role as an education center in the performing arts. Through well-developed partnerships with performing arts organizations and outstanding academic performances, we continually strive to be the region’s leading performing arts center. Students, patrons, and artists enjoy an unforgettable experience in our stunning venue.

What is the Touhill?

The Touhill Performing Arts Center is both a physical venue and a not-for-profit arts facilitator. Essentially we think of it as a community gathering place in which to engage the arts.

What does the Touhill do?

The Touhill is a partner in bringing innovative excellence to St. Louis while providing education to make art accessible.

Why should I support the Touhill?

The transformational moment. We strive with every performance to bring the audience to a new level of appreciation for not only the art but of themselves. Transcendence comes from the perfect note on a violin, the precise movement of a dancer, the dramatic irony in a monologue that reveals the universe. By taking care of the business of performing arts and keeping costs as low as possible, we allow our presenting partners to focus on presenting the best possible art and find transcendence each day.

How can I support the Touhill?

• Become a Friend of the Touhill. By becoming a Friend you are actively participating in the Touhill community and helping to underwrite programming, engagement, education, and the facility itself.
• Tell others about the Touhill. Word of mouth and bringing a friend are the best ways to grow our community.
• Volunteer. The greeters, ticket takers, and ushers you meet at each performance are most likely volunteers. They have a great time together and get to see great shows. There are also some behind the scenes opportunities in administration and marketing.
• Simply donate to the Touhill. We gladly accept any size donation.
• Purchase a seat in the Anheuser-Busch Performance Hall or a brick in the patio at our Main Entrance.
• Become a sponsor. Corporations, businesses and individuals can underwrite specific shows and gain valuable exposure to a targeted audience.
• Rent the Touhill. Proceeds from rental events help to underwrite the artistic programming and upkeep of the facility. The Touhill is a not-for-profit entity.
• Consider joining the Touhill Friends Board. This is the leadership group that helps to advise and advocate for the Touhill. If you are interested, contact Elizabeth Kurila, Director of Development at 314-516-6105.