Michael Hirsch Executive DirectorWhen I’m chatting with you in the lobby before a show, during intermission having a snack, or immediately afterwards when you’re still aglow from experiencing an outstanding performance, these are some of the questions you’ve asked recently regarding donations: 

“What do you need?”  “How much should I be giving?” “How much do people normally give?” “What is the best way to help?” “What is the right amount?”

Such deeply personal questions, ones I ask myself regularly. With so much need in the world, I do not take lightly that you’ve decided SBMT is worth supporting and investing in. You’ve told me about the joy and fulfillment that live musical theatre brings you, that you believe in our organization, and that you trust us to continue our mission cultivating local artists and delivering high-quality performances. You’ve told me you found a personal connection with SBMT and have been touched in some way that has inspired you to continue making those connections and, through giving, to make it possible for others in the community to make connections as well.

Some people choose to give of their time and talent as a volunteer, performer, or crew member. Others choose to make recurring monthly contributions; some give one-time gifts during our year-end fundraiser, at our fundraising concert, or when the arts touch or inspire them. Still others, through their employer, if they have a matching gift program, submit their volunteer hours for which the company will make a contribution. Some donors sponsor our events, donate appreciated stock, or add us to their estate plan. However you choose to contribute, we are grateful – and determined to deliver on the promise of quality performing arts in your neighborhood.

“How much do people normally give?” 

While every person’s situation is different, I can share a few facts about how our supporters chose to give this past season and what those gifts helped make possible:

  • More than 400 of you donated this last season:
    • 85% give $100 or less
    • 10% give $101 to $500
    • 3% give $501 to $1,000
    • 1% give $1,001 to $2,500
    • 1% give more than $2,500
  • The average monthly recurring donation is $35.77; these range from $5 to $200/month.
  • The average contribution last season was $224. That is a 28% increase over the previous year. Incredible!
  • We received most of your donations in December (year-end fundraising drive) and April (fundraising concert).
  • Of our total gifts (excluding grants), 23% were from corporate matches – this really adds up!  

How much does it cost“What is the best way to help?” 

  • $160/month helps by funding the build, purchase, and renting of props
  • $250/month allows us to offer ASL services for an entire season, including concerts
  • $250/month helps by funding the build, purchase, and renting of costumes
  • $2,700/month pays rent for the Saratoga Civic Theater for a season
  • $2,600/month pays rent for our rehearsal studio for a season
  • $3,500/month helps by funding a live orchestra for a season
  • $4,200/month: pays rent for our set shop for a season
  • $5,500/month helps fund the cost of musical royalties for a season

If you want to dream really big, it would cost between $15-$30M to purchase and convert a building in the South Bay into a 298-seat modern theater.

One of the most helpful ways to support SBMT is through monthly giving, because these recurring gifts form a dependable income year-round. A gift of just $10, $25, or $50 per month allows us to plan more confidently and invest in future productions.

“What do you need?”

We need people who care. We need an audience who buys tickets. We need volunteers who share their time, donors who invest in our future, sponsors who believe in the arts, and advocates who tell their friends about SBMT.

Whether you contribute $5 a month, buy a season subscription, take a volunteer shift, give a performance onstage, or make a major gift, it all helps create a place where our community can gather, connect, and experience the joy of live musical theatre together.

“How much should I give?” “What is the right amount?”

The right amount is the amount that feels meaningful to you and reflects the value SBMT brings to your life and your community. 

I hope this was helpful and insightful. I’m always happy to answer your questions, so please keep them coming! And if you haven’t already done so, be sure to order your season subscription, as that is the best way to support South Bay Musical Theatre.

— Michael Paul Hirsch, Executive Director