COVID-19 Prepare, Mitigate, Recover

"As the uncertainty around the COVID-19 pandemic continues to thwart spring programming, preemptively ending 2020-21 seasons at theatre companies nationwide, there’s one annual event that can’t be pushed to next calendar year: the gala. These fundraising events buoy operations, leverage community support, and celebrate the theatre community—and with many staffers on furlough, and operations grinding to a halt, fundraising efforts (and a boost of morale) can be more important than ever. And while there’s some debate over how well stage productions translate to the screen, theatres are proving that virtual galas do just fine online. Fundraising goals are being met, even surpassed, with attendance tripled in some cases." - Allison Considine, American Theatre

Please click the American Theatre link for coverage; additional examples below:

• Marin Theatre Company - Gala53! Annual Benefit The revamped Virtual Gala53! will allow bidding on exclusive auction lots, fine wines and donate to our Fund-a-Need, all while supporting MTC

• The Wilma Theatre - Fete 2020 - Now Virtual Includes special access to an evening of exciting streamed entertainment. This year, we are delighted to share that we will be featuring a special one-time “desktop” gala performance by Philadelphia’s own Martha Graham Cracker, who will be creating a show especially for the Wilma Fête. The evening will also feature special guest appearances by favorite Wilma artists, a Q&A with our new co-Artistic Directors, a virtual dance party and much much more

• The Hartford Stage Gala - The highlight of the Hartford Stage Gala, our exciting silent and live auctions, will take place online soon. We hope you’ll get in the festive spirit of the Gala at home as you bid generously on some of the amazing auction items.