Dear Patron of the Arts,
Theatres around the world experienced devastating, long term effects from the pandemic from financial ruin, to loss of staff, volunteers, and pre-existing support being divided amongst their respective communities. Many performance venues did not make it to see their 2022 season. At the Carlisle Theatre, a 501(c)3 non-profit performing arts center, we are proud to have re-opened our doors in August of 2021, re-establishing film, live theatre, concerts, & events to the public with more excitement than ever before.
We experienced an income loss of more than 75% over the course of these two years. Our small staff & volunteer base worked tirelessly through the closure to bring unique virtual offerings, from social distant & radio theatre to streaming films, and online contests. Our society turned to the arts during the closure to simply survive. Online music and streaming services skyrocketed, reminding us that much like during the Great Depression, the arts continue to be fundamentally valuable to not just patrons of the arts, but to all humans alike.
Today, we are re-announcing our FRIENDS OF THE CARLISLE THEATRE campaign, with new ways to donate & support your local 83-year-old historical theatre. By becoming a friend, you will not only be a valuable part of keeping the theatre alive, but you will receive pre-sale opportunities, exclusive emails with the most up-to-date performances before they are announced to the general public, and perks depending on your donation tier.
For those who have continued your FRIENDS OF THE CARLISLE THEATRE donations throughout the year, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Please see the next page for all the ways to contribute, and to learn about our organization.
Thank you for helping us continue new, educational, and exciting opportunities for all ages on our historical stage.
Sincerely,
Ashley Byerts
Artistic Director
What Programming does the Carlisle Theatre Offer?
Hollywood on High | Films & film event branch of the theatre. The theatre originally opened as an art deco movie palace in 1939, and we continue to show films monthly. Patrons can host private film events outside of our film season for fun or business.
Players on High | Hybrid, amateur, live theatre branch of the theatre. Produced in-house with regional & local performers. We produce a 4-show mainstage season each year, along with staged readings, murder mysteries, black box style theatre, radio theatre, and educational classes taught by industry professionals for K-12, college and adults.
Concerts & Rentals | Most of our concerts are made possible by promoters or third party renters who bring excellent live music into our theatre. We are also home to many local/regional concerts throughout the year including Cantate Carlisle, Carlisle Town Band, West Shore Symphony Orchestra, and more. Over the next 12 months, our patrons will be able to enjoy new entertainment through exciting partnerships within our community.
Are you planning a milestone event or need a space for a business function? We rent our theatre, in-house lighting and sound, and new, state-of-the-art projector that will add vivid moving or still images to any event or meeting setting. Contact us today!
How Can I Become a Friend of the Carlisle Theatre?
Online | Visit www.carlisletheatre.org/donate and select the “DONATE” button. Select the FRIENDS OF THE CARLISLE THEATRE Campaign, and donate via secure, online payment. You can donate in your name, on behalf of someone, or anonymously.
Check by Mail | Please address your checks to “Carlisle Theatre”, with memo “Friends of the Theatre 2022/2023”. Checks can be mailed to our box office at:
44 W. High Street, Carlisle, PA 17013.
Box Office | Stop by during our weekly box office hours to make a donation with a check, credit/debit card, or cash.
Please note, the CARES Act provides charitable giving incentives for donors of qualified 501(c)(3) organizations.
For those individuals that itemize: The CARES Act lifted the prior 60% cap on annual contributions. Individuals may now deduct 100% of their adjusted gross income for cash gifts contributed to qualified 501(c)(3) organizations. For contributions to private foundations, the prior deduction rules remain.
For those individuals that do not itemize: The CARES Act introduced a new above-the-line deduction applying to cash contributions to qualified 501(c)(3) organizations of up to $300. The deduction will apply to those contributions made in 2020 and will be claimed on tax forms next year.
For corporations: The CARES Act lifted the prior 10% cap on deductions for cash contributions. Corporations may now deduct up to 25% of the corporation’s taxable income for cash contributions to qualified 501(c)(3) organizations. For contributions to private foundations, the prior deduction rules remain.
