You’ve heard the saying, “There’s not a bad seat in the house.” Now, help the Wilmette Theatre make that a reality. The Wilmette Theatre is proud to announce the launch of its “Take a Seat” campaign to raise the funds needed to pay for the replacement of the theatre’s 40-year-old seats. Those who support our campaign will receive rewards and names will be displayed in the theatre’s lobby.
“Our 40-year-old seats have lost their oomph,” says Executive Director Wendy Sharon. “The number one complaint from our patrons is the hard seats. The theater’s seat campaign is a great opportunity for area theatergoers, companies, clubs, trusts, civic groups and others to give the theater a much-needed boost in replacing the existing theatre seats.”
Thanks to a generous donation by the Jerome Mirza Foundation, the theatre is able to begin this project, but we need your help to finish the job. The “Take a Seat” campaign will help to raise the funds to complete the seat replacement and support our operations, so that patrons can comfortably enjoy the special programming that the ‘Mette delivers.
With five recognition levels to choose from, the “Take a Seat” tax-deductible donation campaign is a wonderful way for local businesses, theatregoers, community members and philanthropists to show their support for this 100-year old “cultural gem.”
For more than 100 years, the Wilmette Theatre has played host to an eclectic mix of films, movies, concerts and live programs. It’s also home to the well-respected Actors Training Center, offering classes for kids, teens and adults as well as live musicals. While many local, independent theatres across the country are closing, the Wilmette Theatre continues to thrive because of the generosity and support it receives from the community, local businesses, theatre and arts lovers, and the North Shore Community Bank & Trust Company, which has been a long time community sponsor of the theatre.
The Wilmette Theatre has been a key contributor to the revitalization of downtown Wilmette, featuring new restaurants, retail stores, coffeehouses and other places to congregate. The theatre offers a significant economic contribution to the community without receiving any government funding. More than 20,000 patrons pumped an estimated $1.4 million into Wilmette’s local economy in 2014. In addition, the theatre provides jobs, additional revenue for other local businesses and over $40,000 in tax revenue to the community. With revenues up 30 percent in 2015, the theatre continues to be a vibrant cultural hub of the community and downtown Wilmette.
The theatre is a valuable part of the community and has earned a place as a respected and successful nonprofit. The “little theatre that could” has accomplished remarkable things since opening its doors more than 100 years ago. With the community’s ongoing support, the theatre promises to continue to engage patrons in the arts through classes, movies, concerts, live performances and art experiences.
To participate in the campaign, please call the theatre at 847-251-7242 or click here.
