Capital Campaign
Since 1936, Green Bay Community Theater has been an important arts and cultural institution for our city, encouraging seasoned thespians, theatrical hobbyists, and community members alike to participate in the production and enjoyment of live performance art. Next year, we will be celebrating 90 years of existence as one of the oldest community theater organizations in Wisconsin.
GBCT is also the proud steward of the original 1853 First Baptist Church of the Village of Fort Howard, which received multiple additions over the years, including a sanctuary in 1874 and a Sunday school in 1911, and once housed the original Fort Howard Library in the basement.
Our organization purchased the building in 1966, and renovations to turn it into a theater were led by the newly-appointed managing director at the time – the man who eventually became the namesake of the Robert Lee Brault Playhouse when it was renamed upon his retirement in 1996. Other than the lobby addition in 1987, only modest repairs and minor aesthetic improvements have been made over the past 50 years.
Today, we are making plans to revitalize the enduring legacy of our organization and its physical home by bringing the theater up to optimal performance and operating efficiency, keeping audiences in love with a 172-year-old foundational building and our extensive performance history spanning nearly a century.
To do this, we are calling on our community to help us with our capital campaign, which aims to raise $600,000 to complete essential projects that will improve the overall comfort of our patrons and quality of our productions. Changes will address both interior and exterior renovations while honoring the heritage of the theater and ushering in much-needed modernization, repairs, and refurbishes.
PROJECT GOALS
Restore the Theater’s Timeless Grace – Repair the weathered, exterior façade covering the original wooden 1853 church structure and paint its exterior to further protect the building.
Improve the Audience Experience – Replace the decades-old theater seating with wider, more comfortable seating and a more efficient 160-capacity layout.
Enhance Accessibility – Create a more manageable building entrance and seating options to accommodate patrons with disabilities and other physical needs.
Revitalize Technology – Make crucial enhancements to stage lighting systems including new rigging and accompanying operating technologies.
Ensure Energy and Efficiencies – Replace end-of-life furnaces and AC units and install all-new primary heating and air conditioning systems with improved efficiency.
Refresh Theater Environs – Replace carpet and flooring and paint the entire interior.
HOW YOU CAN HELP
After an encouraging initial phase of our campaign, we are already over 50% of the way to our goal, with pledges so far totaling $320,000!
We are now asking for your support to get the rest of the way there.
If you would like to join in establishing a brighter, bolder future for local theater while celebrating arts, history, and community in Green Bay, now is your chance. Here’s how you can help:
NAMING AND SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
Theater – $100,000 (reserved)
Community Room – $75,000
Lobby – $50,000 (reserved)
Kitchen or Dressing Room – $25,000
Theater Seats – $1,000
NOTE: Not a permanent or assigned seat for events. Sponsorship of arbitrary seat only.
Other monetary or in-kind donations of any amount are graciously welcomed. Significant contributions are eligible to be paid out over a three-year period.*
HOW TO GIVE
Pledge cards are available through our box office. You may stop by during office hours to pick one up, or contact us to have one mailed to you.
Checks with the memo “Capital Campaign” may be dropped off at the theater or mailed to: P.O. Box 2333, Green Bay, WI 54306-2333
Online donations with the note “Capital Campaign” may be sent via our ticketing site.
OTHER WAYS TO SUPPORT
Follow our social media pages and share news and posts about our campaign
Reach out to family, friends, business partners, and others who may be interested in supporting our organization
Check out our volunteer opportunities such as stuffing mailers or completing organization projects around the theater
Sign up for our email newsletter to stay up-to-date on all things GBCT
Your contributions help preserve the magic of our historic performance theater and support the continued cultural vibrancy and economic vitality of downtown Green Bay.
Please donate. For the love of theater. For the love of community.
*Green Bay Community Theater is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Please consult a tax advisor on deductibility of donations.