A great performance begins long before it takes the stage.
Long before tickets are put on sale, before you see a writer’s preview in the newspaper and certainly well ahead of any rehearsal – a performance can take years to actually materialize before an audience.
Great art begins with creative people nurturing a dynamic idea.
Dancers envision vibrant choreography. Musicians build poignant melodies. Directors interpret scripts to create relevant moments. Presenters dream new ways to bring artists and audiences together.
It starts, and unfortunately can just as easily end, there. From this point on, that dynamic idea needs a certain amount of financial commitment to get off the drawing board. Most arts organizations rely on a variety of resources to meet these financial needs; grants and sponsorships as well as institutional, corporate and support from individuals. It is common for a single event to have several, if not dozens, of revenue sources just to make ends meet.
The Touhill works hard to keep costs low but the truth is – what you see on stage is expensive to produce.
Dancers, musicians, and actors need to be hired. Designers are brought in to enhance the story with scenery, props, costumes, lighting, and sound. Technicians are hired to turn fabric, wood, metal, and electricity into the magical world around a performance. Other costs including advertising, maintenance, and event staff quickly add up.
We really don't want you to think about these things; we would rather you experience only the magic of live performing arts. Still, we want to pull back the curtain for just a moment so you know the importance of contributions from people like you.
Ticket revenue is important, but it is actually the last funding source for a production.
Ticket revenue is important but often 50% or more of funding is secure even before tickets are considered. It is this financial base that allows a program to move from an idea to the stage and a necessary part of keeping ticket prices low and accessible.
The Friends of the Touhill provide a pool of funding to get great ideas into development and onto the stage.
As a not for profit organization, we are here to provide great art to the St. Louis region and make it accessible for people to attend. By pairing our resources with the best ideas, new art can be composed, choreographed, designed, built, rehearsed and experienced.
When you join the Friends of the Touhill, you provide the funding to get great ideas on the path to becoming great art.
FRIEND $50-$99
• Semi-annual Friends newsletter (via email or printed copy)
• Touhill window cling
• Recognition on the new Touhill.org
PATRON $100-$249
• All benefits at the Friend level
• Your choice of a Touhill stainless steel travel mug or other Touhill premium gift
• Free ticket exchange ($2 per ticket value)
• Waiting list priority for sold out performances
ENSEMBLE $250-$499
• All benefits at the Patron level
• Four drink tickets
• Personal invitations to open rehearsals, master classes, and other educational opportunities
SOLOIST $500-$749
• All benefits at the Ensemble level
• Access to the Friends of Touhill Concierge Service
• Recognition on lobby video monitor
STAR $750-$999
• All benefits at the Soloist level
• Premium Touhill ticket stub diary
• Autographed CD- choice of: Arianna String Quartet, Ambassadors of Harmony, Jim Widner’s Big Band
PRODUCER $1,000-$2499
• All benefits at the Star level
• An opportunity for Director’s backstage tour
• One free use of a reception space at the Touhill (pending availability, use of this benefit will reduce tax deductable amount by $150.00)
• Dual membership in Touhill Friends and the University of Missouri-St. Louis’ Pierre Laclede Society
DIRECTOR’S CIRCLE $2500+
• For those interested in donating more than $2,500 we offer the Director’s Circle. This elite group allows for customized benefits based on the needs of the donor. For more information, please contact the Engagement Office at 314-516-4958.
