As a nonprofit organization, we strive to provide the highest quality original musical theatre at the most affordable price. Ticket revenues cover only about 70% of our expenses each year. The rest of these dollars come from our dedicated donors through charitable contributions. All donors are recognized in our Playbill. Gifts of all amounts are greatly appreciated.
AFT holds to its mission of providing original musical works appropriate to people of all ages. We do this while promising to keep our ticket prices affordable. In 2011 our average price for a summer evening performance was just $16.30 per ticket - truly a bargain for professional theatre.
This can be a challenge for a professional theater with professional theatre expenses. Therefore we must rely on philanthropic support to keep performances moderately priced. In addition to financial contributions, we have over 250 community volunteers who assist the organization throughout the year.
Support excellence in the performing arts by donating to American Folklore Theatre. Your charitable gift qualifies as a tax deduction, as allowed by the IRS.
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November 2012 Donor Appeal Letter
Dear Friend of AFT,
"Days grow short, leaves fall down..."
This lyric from our most recent world premiere, Victory Farm, reminds us of how spectacularly fruitful our 2012 season was, especially artistically. Let's take a quick look back to remind ourselves of what the seasons brought us at AFT and how grateful we are to you for being an essential part of what we do.
Spring came to us with all the fanfare and excitement that you can imagine as we received the inaugural Wisconsin Tourism Award for Arts, Culture and Heritage at the 2012 Governor's Conference on Tourism. This was accompanied by a full page column in the Chicago Tribune on Easter Sunday touting AFT as "one of the most exceptional professional troupes in the country." What a fantastic way to start the year!
"Summer falls like water through your fingers..."
Those of you who were able to join us for Victory Farm this summer know that this highly anticipated show was received with rave reviews. Many of you told us it was your favorite AFT show to date. That's high praise indeed, and we are so thankful that year after year you support our mission of doing original programming.
"With some grace and some luck, we'll be living and laughing..."
We want to keep bringing you shows that meet this standard. With your continued support and excitement, we are determined to do so. As a special thank you for your loyalty and patronage, we're announcing our very exciting 2013 season to you first.
Summer 2013 Season – AFT Amphitheater, Peninsula State Park – June 12th - August 24th
Windjammers, commissioned by AFT, makes its maiden voyage. Inspired by the tales and tunes of the 19th century Great Lakes sailors, Robin Share and Clay Zambo make their AFT writing debut with a coming of age tale of courage and adventure amid high waves, fresh air, legend, and song set on Lake Michigan in 1876.
Loose Lips Sink Ships comes ashore with Roxie and Anne, two hometown women who trade their regular lives for welding torches to help the war effort back home. Like Victory Farm, this show is a love letter to "The Greatest Generation."
Muskie Love reels in Ben and Bea, rival fishing guides, both avowedly single-and happy that way. Or so they think. Throw in a young couple and an over-zealous game warden and you'll be caught - hook, line and sinker.
Fall 2013 – Door Community Auditorium
The buzz was tremendous all summer long, so Victory Farm returns by popular demand. We've heard from those of you who were unable to join us that you want your chance to see the show, as well as from countless raving fans that need to see it again.
"Where the strength of our arms meets the strength of the land..."
Victory Farm celebrates the strength of those around us helping to make a difference while creatively solving life's ongoing challenges. In our little AFT universe, we're used to developing something from nothing. With your help, we create musicals specifically for you, year after year. In keeping with our mission, we set our ticket prices as low as possible so families like yours can continue to make AFT part of their Door County tradition. However, that means our ticket prices simply don't cover the costs of creating the shows you so enjoy.
Your generosity and the strength of your ongoing commitment to AFT make all this possible. We know you believe in what we're doing. Please consider making a tax-deductible donation to AFT. Together we will continue to make special memories that last a lifetime!
"Harvest ends, and on we go!"
See you under the stars!
Jeffrey Herbst, Artistic Director
Dave Maier, Managing Director
2012-2013 Donor Letter -
Full Version (pdf)
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Mail-In Donation Form (pdf)
Benefactor Categories
Visionary ($10,000 and up)
Benefactor ($5000 - $9999)
Producer ($2500 - $4999 )
Director ($1000 - $2499 )
Actor ($500 - $999)
Designer ($250 - $499)
Stage Manager ($100 - $249)
Donor ($50 - $99)
Friend ($1 - $49)
Company Match
Many companies will match their employees' donations to non-profit organizations. If your employer participates, please contact them and let them know you would like them to match your donations to AFT. They will have some paperwork for you to complete.
Fred Alley New Musical Fund
AFT produces original musical works. A new show can take three years of writing and workshopping before it is ready for production. AFT needs to provide for our authors and directors with financial resources and time to continue bringing you the excellent shows that have become a standard for AFT. For more information please visit the Fred Alley New Musical Fund page.
Consider a Gift of Stock or Securities
A gift of stock can provide much needed support for AFT and offers you financial benefits as well. Publicly traded securities (stocks, bonds, etc.) may be transferred to AFT, entitling you to an income tax reduction for the full market value of the securities. For more information on how to transfer your securities to AFT, contact Dave Maier at the AFT Office, (920) 854-6117 x102.
