Overview

A local treasure, a national wonder and an international success best describe the dynamic organization of the Black Ensemble Theater. Black Ensemble Theater is now celebrating its 34th anniversary. It has grown from a small, fragile beginning to one of the most outstanding theater organizations of its time.

We are seeking your support at one of the most historic stages of our existence as we prepare ourselves for the monumental task of building a new home and solidifying organizational development to insure successful operations as we transition into our new facility. We’ve kept the doors open for 31 years perpetuating the history and legacy of African Americans who have made substantial contributions to society.

This has been a phenomenal feat! Yet, we need your help. Ticket sales alone cannot cover the cost of theater productions and educational outreach programming. Private donations from individuals like you make the difference!


Annual Appeal – How Your Gift helps

The wonderful support we receive from our patrons and supporters make our many accomplishments possible. Annual gifts, through our Annual Appeal, is one such way that supporters, such as yourself, can make a strong statement about the vitally needed work that we are doing. Annual gifts are designated for current use – to be used where the money is needed most.

Support we receive from our Annual Appeal is extremely crucial to the ongoing operations of the Theater. Annual gifts strengthen theater operations and technology, enhances our educational outreach programming and helps us attract the best theater and administrative staff.

When foundations and corporations are deciding whether to award grants to the Black Ensemble Theater, many look at the number of individual contributors to the organization as a factor in making a funding decision. That is why your gift is so important! All gifts are important - from a modest gift to a major gift. All are important.

Black Ensemble Theater’s Annual Appeal is conducted from December through March.

Your participation counts! Every gift shows that you care enough to support our theater and its programs. You can make your annual gift in the following ways:

Pick up the telephone and call 773-769-4451 to make a credit card donation

                          or

Mail a check to:
The Black Ensemble Theater
4520 North Beacon Street
Chicago, Illinois 60640

Matching Gifts

Does your company participate in an employee matching gifts program? Some employers even match retirees. Through the matching gift program you could double or even triple your gift to the Black Ensemble Theater!


Payroll Deductions

If you are a federal employee, you may make donations to us through payroll deductions. Our CFC# is 7032.

Friends of the Black Ensemble Theater

Both individual and matching gifts count toward the recognition level for the year. Membership in the Black Ensemble Theater’s Friends is open to all individuals. Membership is based on gifts made during our fiscal year, which is January 1 – December 30, and is renewable each year.


       $100.00 FRIEND OF THE BLACK ENSEMBLE THEATER

With this $100.00 donation you will be listed in our program for one year and will receive a gift certificate good for one ticket to any performance of your choice at the Black Ensemble Theater during the year.

$500.00 DEAR FRIEND OF THE BLACK ENSEMBLE THEATER

With a $500.00 donation, you will be listed in our programs for one year and will receive a gift certificate good for two tickets to any performance of your choice at the Black Ensemble Theater during the year.

$1,000.00 SPECIAL FRIEND OF THE BLACK ENSEMBLE THEATER

With a $1,000.00 donation, you will be listed in our programs for one year and will receive a Five Play Card (which allows you to see five plays or bring four friends or any other combination) for any performance for the next two years.

$2,500 FANTASTIC FRIEND OF THE BLACK ENSEMBLE

With a donation of $2,500, you will be listed in our program for a year, receive 2 Five Play Cards, 2 tickets to our Annual Gala, and 2 tickets to our New Year's Eve Party.

Annual Gala

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE 2010 GALA

 

Each year, on the first Saturday of October, the Black Ensemble Theater hosts its Annual Gala. The Gala is a major fundraiser and “friendraiser” for the Black Ensemble Theater. It is a time when corporations sponsors show their support for the theater by becoming Gala sponsors or placing ads in our ad book. It is a time when Black Ensemble showcases its talents through presenting excerpts of its plays to the Gala’s attendees.

It is a time when Black Ensemble honors persons who have been exceptional advocates for the theater. It is a time for all to get together to have a good time, enjoy good food, and celebrate the Black Ensemble Theater. The 2007 Annual Gala was held on October 6, 2007 at the Harold Washington Library.

All gifts are fully tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.

For further information about gift-giving opportunities, contact Diane Nix, Vice President of Institutional Advancement, at 773-769-0692.