Become a Friend

Like the vibrant neon lights that pull you toward our historic theater, the Neon level reflects your bright, foundational support. This membership illuminates your connection to The Englert, offering early access to tickets, members-only pricing, and discounts on Englert merchandise—all while helping us keep our mission alive.

At the $120 level, your support allows us to expand the programming you know and love while investing in new and diverse initiatives. Benefits include:

• Advanced ticketing through members-only presales
• 15-20% off prices for Englert Presents shows
• Discounts on Englert merchandise
• Access to members-only newsletter updates from our team

 The Orchestra level is fundamental to our work, much like our historic theatre’s first floor, where you experience the best view and the closest connection to the artist. Along with all Neon benefits, you’ll enjoy deeper engagement through rental discounts, complimentary drinks, discounted festival passes, and recognition in Stages digital magazine for your increased contribution. 

At the $300 level, you enable us to provide artist engagements for the youth of Iowa City, fostering creativity, inspiration, and access to the arts in our community. Benefits include:

All Neon level perks

• Advanced ticketing through members-only presales
• 15-20% off prices for Englert Presents shows
• Discounts on Englert merchandise
• Access to members-only newsletter updates from our team

Plus…

• 20% off rentals at The Englert
• 2 complimentary drink tickets
• Discounts on festival passes
• Recognition in digital Stages magazine

 At the Front Row level, your contribution is at the forefront of our work. You’ll have the best seat in the house for supporting The Englert’s mission: to inspire and activate positive community growth through the arts. With additional perks like special invitations and additional drink tickets, you’re a central part of what makes this historic venue shine. 

At the $600 level, your membership ensures we can continue to attract and retain the talented staff of over 60 individuals that brings our mission to life. Benefits include:

All Neon & Orchestra level perks

• Advanced ticketing through members-only presales
• 15-20% off prices for Englert Presents shows
• Discounts on Englert merchandise
• Access to members-only newsletter updates from our team
• 20% off rentals at The Englert
• 2 complimentary drink tickets
• Discounts on festival passes
• Recognition in digital Stages magazine

Plus…

• Invite to our exclusive annual pre-show party 
• 2 more complimentary drink tickets

As a Backstage member, you’re behind the scenes—where real magic happens. Just like the event staff that keeps a show running smoothly, your contribution is essential to The Englert’s success. You’ll receive all Neon, Orchestra, & Front Row benefits, plus complimentary festival passes and an invitation to our exclusive donor party, celebrating your role as a generous member.

At the $1,200 level, your donation at this level is vital for maintaining our historic building, providing a welcoming space where artists feel at home for years to come.

All Neon, Orchestra, Front Row level perks

• Advanced ticketing through members-only presales
• 15-20% off prices for Englert Presents shows
• Discounts on Englert merchandise
• Access to members-only newsletter updates from our team
• 20% off rentals at The Englert
• 4 complimentary drink tickets
• Discounts on festival passes
• Recognition in digital Stages magazine
• Invite to our exclusive annual pre-show party 

plus…

• 2 complimentary passes to all festivals
• Invite to special donor recognition party
• 4 more complimentary drink tickets

As a nonprofit arts organization, donor support is essential to fulfilling our mission. Ticket sales and program revenue only cover a portion of our operating expenses. Donors bridge the gap, ensuring that we can continue offering high-quality programming, support local artists, and create accessible, inclusive experiences for our entire community.

Approximately 18% of our annual revenue comes from donor contributions. These gifts play a critical role in sustaining our operations and funding initiatives that directly benefit our community.

Your donation supports initiatives that enrich our community and make the arts more accessible for all. Specifically, your dollars go toward:

• Arts Education: Providing K-12 programs and opportunities that inspire the next generation of creators and arts enthusiasts.
• Removing Barriers: Ensuring access to the arts for underserved communities, including BIPOC individuals, youth, and individuals with disabilities.
• Community Engagement: Building authentic partnerships and fostering connections through inclusive, community-centered programming.
• Investing in the Local Arts Economy: Supporting local artists, venues, and businesses to strengthen our community’s cultural and economic fabric.
• Promoting Diverse Artistry: Amplifying underrepresented voices and showcasing a wide array of genres, perspectives, and stories.

Your generosity directly impacts these efforts, helping us create a thriving, inclusive, and sustainable arts scene for everyone.

 While ticket sales cover most of our costs, they don’t fund the work that makes the arts accessible to everyone. Donations fill that gap—accounting for 18% of our revenue—and allow us to:

     🎨 Reduce barriers for underserved individuals
     📚 Provide educational programs for local youth
     🤝 Collaborate with nonprofit partners
     🏛️ Sustain Iowa City’s last historic theatre

Donations are not just a contribution but an investment in the local arts ecosystem. Your support helps sustain local artists, venues, and organizations, creating a vibrant, interconnected community where creativity thrives and everyone benefits.

Thanks to donor support, we continue to expand these efforts, creating meaningful change across our community. Your generosity directly impacts this work.

What if I can’t afford to make a large donation?

Every gift, no matter the size, makes a difference! Even small contributions add up and collectively help us achieve our goals. Other ways to support us include volunteering, attending events, or spreading the word about our work.