Laughing Pig Theatre's Next Chapter

501(c)3 tax ID number is: 83-3982734

Hello to all our friends and supporters,

Last week due to COVID-19 Laughing Pig discovered that we will no longer have a space in the Mesa Arts Center studios. Because of the financial toll this crisis is taking on the Mesa Arts Center, our partnership is no longer something they can sustain, even after reopening.

We do plan on continuing to create programming in any way we can, both virtually and, when the time comes again, at live venues. We recently were approved as a 501(c)3 non-profit and are already planning opportunities to work with the community again. 

We were very lucky to have had the partnership the Mesa Arts Center has given us. We know it was a privilege that few up-and-coming companies could hope for. Our time these past few years has helped develop some strong ties in the valley with artists and audience members who share our passion for creative storytelling and accessible opportunities. This does not feel like the end and we refuse to see it that way.

We are asking for you help so that when the world re-opens Laughing Pig Theatre is able to start off with its best feet forward.


How much do we need?

This depends on many different scenarios.

A. Buying/Renting Laughing Pig Theatre it's own space.
We would love to be able to buy/rent a commercial space, but this would take the most amount of capital. We would be completely starting from scratch which would require us to have enough money for building a stage/remodeling a space, all the proper permits and licensing, lighting/sound instruments and boards, along with many other expenses.
(spaces alone range from $14,400 annual rent for a 1200 sq feet venue to around $36,000 for a 3000 sq feet venue)

B. Creating a Partnership with another Organization (alike what we had at the Mesa Arts Center)
This is something we are already actively trying to find by reaching out to other organizations, but during this weird time right now-- not many companies have answers or are looking for another organization to join them. This would be the most cost effective scenario, but will be the hardest to obtain.

C. Vagabond group finding opportunities to rent and borrow venues from multiple different organizations. Most spaces require hefty rental fees, so this does require a good amount of capital.
(Mesa Arts Center Farnsworth weekly rental roughly $4000 including hiring mandatory staffing
Phoenix Center for the Arts weekly rental $4250)

D. Remaining solely virtual- Least amount of capital and provides the least amount of opportunities for theatre artists. This is our last choice, but this is where are starting from right now.

What about grants?
We are using our time right now to do lots of grant writing. We are hoping we are able to gain some more funds this way, but many grants do require matching which is another way your donations come in. If we obtain a grant  that is $10k and requires matching, we would need to raise $10k.

Why is your business not showing up as a nonprofit?

Great question, with the world being in the state it is, the federal government closed the nonprofit support line and has had a delay in updating their website online. We were approved for 501(c)3 status as of March 6, 2020 which means all donations as of January 23, 2019 are eligible for exemption. Our tax ID number is: 83-3982734

Reaching our goal of $8,000 will allow us to:
-Secure a performance venue for at least one production
-Provide a stipend for all hired artists
-Furnish basic technical needs (costumes, props, etc.)


What do you get if you donate? 
Each donation level includes rewards from all previous donation levels.

Donations of $10 or more
         A shout out on social media

Donations of $25 or more
         A recorded personalized Thank You from Taylor & Tony          

Donations of $50 or more
        A handwritten letter with a Laughing Pig Theatre sticker
                 
Donations of $100 or more
        Access to an exclusive short play recording
        Truth or truth. LPT will record a three-minute video answering three questions of your choice.

Donations of $250 or more
          Interviewed on either LPT's youtube series or podcast
          Thank you in 2020-2021 programs

Donations of $500 or more
          Private hour lesson of your choice
          A Laughing Pig Theatre T-shirt

Donations of $1,000 or more
          Production credit on the project you helped fund
          A Half Page Business advertisement in all 2020-2021 programs

Donations of $3,000 or more
          Rights to name the Laughing Pig Theatre mascot (only 1 available)
          Virtual Dinner Date with Taylor & Tony

Donations of $5,000 or more
          Invitation and behind the scenes look of all Final Dresses in 2020-2021 theatre season

Donations of $10,000 or more
          Rights to name Taylor and Tony's next dog
          Your name on the wall of our theatre space (given we are able to buy/rent a space)

Donations of $20,000 or more
          Our stage named after you (given we are able to buy/rent a space)-- (only 1 available)
          Creative input in our next season