Become a Donor Today!

Take the Next Step with Forward Theater Company In the future, Forward Theater Company would like to expand its reach –- perform for ever increasing audiences, provide classes for aspiring actors, and produce works in collaboration with the University of Wisconsin, the Wisconsin Wrights New Play Development Project, and other professional theaters in southern Wisconsin. We will also find new ways to utilize and support members of the “creative class” that makes Madison such a vibrant place to live and work.

Great Art Needs Good Management

Forward Theater has a unique organizational structure – it relies equally on a board of directors, professional staff, and an advisory company of artists to guide the company. These three entities work closely together to set artistic, financial, and professional goals, and then attain them.

We have been humbled by the outpouring of support we’ve received from the community – from individuals, foundations, corporations, and the media. As stewards of these resources and the goodwill of our donors, we pledge to make careful choices to advance the mission of the company and grow in a fiscally responsible way.

Help Us Move Forward

Forward Theater Company is a non-profit, 501c3 organization. Ticket sales cover less than half of our budget annually. Your tax-deductible contribution will allow Forward Theater Company to grow, adding to the cultural fabric of our community and providing exceptional performances to audiences throughout southern Wisconsin.

Donor Levels

Friend ($25-$99)

• Recognition in the performance programs for the 2011-2012 season
• Subscription to member e-newsletter
• Discount offers on tickets to selected shows

Patron ($100-$249)

All of the above, plus

• Preferred handling of subscription and individual ticket orders
• Invitation to the first rehearsal of a Forward Theater Company production

Benefactor ($250-$499)

All of the above, plus

• VIP behind-the-scenes tour of a Forward Theater Company production

****Founder’s Circle****

$500-$999

All of the above, plus

• Invitations to special events
• Special sneak peak of each production, including discussion with the director and members of the creative team

$1,000-$2,499

All of the above, plus

• A season poster, signed by members of the company
• Invitation for two to a special Founder’s Circle dinner and performance hosted by the board of directors

Sponsorships

Associate Sponsor ($2,500-$4,999)

• Sponsor name listed on all promotional material for the production, including press releases, radio and television PSAs, posters, print ads, and season brochure (schedule permitting)
• Sponsor name/logo on the title page of the performance program and Forward Theater web page promoting the production
• Free half-page ad in the program for sponsored performance

Premium Sponsor ($5,000-up)

All of the above, plus:

• Verbal recognition from the stage prior to each performance
• Free full page ad in the program for sponsored performance
• 10 tickets to opening night and post performance reception
• Discounts on additional blocks of tickets

Season Sponsor ($10,000 – up)

All of the above for every production in the season, plus:

• Sponsor name printed on all performance tickets
• Free full page ad in the program for entire season
• 20 tickets to opening night and post performance reception for each show
• Recognition at all other FTC events
• Other benefits, to be mutually agreed upon, specifically tailored to your company

Become a Friends of Forward Volunteer

Thank you for your interest in supporting Forward Theater Company with your time and talents.  Volunteers help Forward Theater by staffing events, papering the town with posters and postcards, making food for our hungry cast and production staff, helping with mailings, and other office support.  

Friends of Forward Meeting
Tuesday, January 10th from 5 - 7 pm
If you're interested in becoming a Friends of Forward volunteer, please join us on Tuesday, January 10th from 5 - 7 pm at our rehearsal space in downtown Madison. You'll have the chance to see a bit of the A Thousand Words rehearsal in progress, meet other volunteers and talk about our 2012 activities.  Please RSVP to Julia Nicholas by calling Audience Services at 608-234-5001 or by email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

Benefits of Being a Volunteer

Opportunity to get to know, and build relationships with, others who have similar interests

Opportunity to attend rehearsals and other Friends events 

Acknowledgement in FTC’s performance program book

Becoming a Friends of Forward Volunteer

For a volunteer application, contact Julia Nicholas by email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or by phone at 608-234-5001 #1 for audience services.  Then return it by mail or email to:

   Mail:  Forward Theater, P.O. Box 14574, Madison, WI  53708
   Email:  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

We'll maintain a list of volunteers and will send out regular emails with upcoming opportunities. We may also contact volunteers directly with specific tasks that align with their interests and skills.  We look forward to working with you soon!

Volunteer Opportunities

The following opportunities are critical extensions of the Forward Theater staff, and therefore are supported and guided by staff to advance professional theater in Madison.

Office Support 
Assist FTC staff with general office activities that may include mailings, event preparation, assembling informational packets, and writing thank you notes.

• Requirements: Detail oriented, ability to work independently
• Time commitment:  Flexible days, 2-3 hours at a time, as needed.  Opportunities sent via email throughout the year.

Poster and Postcard Distribution 
Gather with a group of volunteers on a Saturday rehearsal day and enjoy snacks while meeting and talking with the cast.  Then, you'll divide into small groups to distribute posters and postcards for the show, "Paint the town The Farnsworth Invention!"  Everyone will then meet back at the rehearsal space to watch part of the rehearsal in progress.  Distribution locations provided.

• Requirements: Interpersonal skills and comfort talking with retailers, organizational skills, follow through, and available transportation
• Time commitment:  One afternoon per mainstage production (3 times per year).  Seasonal.

Events Support
Assist staff with the planning, preparation, and/or implementation of special events.  Examples could include donor events, fundraising and promotional events, opening night receptions, etc.  Assistance may be needed in one or more of these areas: set-up, registration, greeting, tending food or beverage stations, and clean up, as well as food preparation and purchasing supplies.

• Requirements:  Out going, good interpersonal skills, food preparation where appropriate
• Time commitment: Flexible, periodic per event calendar.  Seasonal.

Hospitality
Assist in the preparation and delivery of food for special occasions, primarily for production staff at rehearsals, during tech week, or in between performances.  Also, help out-of-town guest artists feel at home by creating welcome packets, providing transportation, etc.

• Requirements:  Cook and transport/serve tasty food and generally help our guest artists enjoy their stay in Madison.  Ability to collaborate with others.  Positive interpersonal skills.
• Time commitment:  Flexible time for three mainstage productions.  Seasonal.

Other Opportunities
Housing Coordinator, Archivist/Historian and Data Entry – detailed descriptions are available for those who are interested