Sumter Theater & S.T.A.G.E. Volunteer or Audition and participate in the productions The vast majority of fundraising for Sumter Theater takes place at the local level, at the production in your area. Each Sumter Theater Production is unique, offering distinctive ways for you to become a member and support Sumter Theater. To learn more, visit your local Sumter Theater Organization. Be more local. Be more theatrical. Become a patron of the arts and donate any amount While each local Theater Organization offers unique ways for you to support Sumter Theater, some of the most common opportunities include: Auctions| Campaigns | Corporate and Foundation Underwriting | Endowments | In-Kind Services | Major Giving | Membership | Planned Giving | Volunteer Auctions From October through June, numerous Sumter Theater fundraisers across the county present live auctions. You can bid on thousands of terrific items both in person and online, as a way of supporting your local Sumter Theater Organization. Campaigns Many troups engage in targeted fundraising campaigns to help generate support for specific initiatives, such as digital conversion, new theater facilities, or other mission-oriented activities. Corporate and Foundation Underwriting In every community, a cadre of companies and foundations — large and small — sponsor programs that are broadcast on their local Sumter Theater group. Visit your local Sumter Theater Organization to learn more about existing local underwriters. Endowments Many troups have endowment funds that are intended to provide a permanent source of annual operating income. When you give to a station's endowment you can specify named endowment funds, program funds, named producer chairs, even maintenance funds, and more importantly, you can support quality programs for years to come. In-Kind Services Maybe your company offers printing services and can assist your local Sumter Theater group with a special mailing. Or, maybe you are a florist and could showcase your designs at an event. Donating services like this allows your Sumter Theater group to reduce its costs — it's a significant way to support Sumter Theater. Major Giving Most productions offer major giving programs, which enable individuals to offer unrestricted, philanthropic support in larger amounts (typically $1000+). Major gifts are the sustaining funds that often support the ongoing, strategic efforts of Theater Organizations across the country. Membership You can become a member of your local theater with a tax-deductible financial gift of your choosing. Individual gifts from members provide the single largest source of funding for Sumter Theater, and these dollars are leveraged to earn support from federal, state and local governments, businesses, foundations and other funders. Benefits of membership are great, varying from play to play. Planned Giving Most theaters offer a great range of flexible opportunities that can help you leave a powerful legacy — to ensure the future financial stability of public productions in your community. Volunteer Activities Many people volunteer their time to the Sumter Theater. Volunteer opportunities range from helping with mailings and answering phones during pledge drives, to leading station tours and organizing special events. We invite you to join, and eventually particpate in S.T.A.G.E., Sumter Theatrical Actors Great Entertainers (the letters had to stand for something).