The success of New WORLD Theater's innovative programming depends on the active involvement of our many friends, supporters, and partners in the area's communities and campuses. This involvement takes many forms, from financial contributions, to volunteer participation, to organizational partnerships. Donors participate in NWT's Community Spirit Circle, which helps fund our community-centered programs such as Project 2050 and the Somali Women's Project as well as contributing on an individual basis. Many of our supporters volunteer their time and expertise, especially in our community programs, either as individuals or as members of our community partner organizations.

The Community Spirit Circle is a grassroots fundraising initiative to support NWT's community-centered programs. These include our innovative youth program, Project 2050, and initiatives for local artists, such as our annual Community Spirit Showcase. It's a unique opportunity to celebrate, honor and support the creative talents of our communities and the voices of tomorrow's leaders. It's also our way of gathering and honoring our community members who make a special contribution to artistic development, achievement and leadership.

New WORLD Theater's ticket prices are $5-$15 - among the lowest in the region. We are committed to keeping tickets affordable because we want our performances to be accessible for everyone. In order to do this, we depend on additional support from you, our patrons and contributors.

You can contribute as an individual, or you can organize a group of friends, family or colleagues to contribute with you. Giving or raising $250 or more makes you a member of the Community Spirit Circle. This unique approach to community-based fundraising means that more people can make a real difference in supporting artists of color and community programs, at whatever level of giving they can do.

There are many ways participate. Community Spirit Circle members have successfully raised money by writing letters to friends and family, hosting parties, or engaging their businesses in sponsorships. Please let us know how you would like to join, and we'll work with you. Be creative, and share in the spirit!


All donations are tax-deductible and contributors receive valuable thank you premiums (see details below).

Contact Nicole to get involved! 413.545.9591 or nmyoung@acad.umass.edu

Up to $249 -- Friend of New WORLD & the Fine Arts Center

•  Name recognition in all New WORLD Theater and Fine Arts Center playbills.
•  Tax deduction.

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$250-$499 -- Community Spirit Member

• Playbill recognition, as above, plus:
• Admission to these invitation-only season events:
  - Artist reception following the Community Spirit Showcase performance in September
  - Artistic Director's Salon in the Spring, featuring a sneak-preview of the season to come
  - This year's New Works Director's Series , special sessions with nationally renown directors of color whose work is featured in NWT's 2008-09 season ** (see below for more info!)

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$500-$999 -- Community Spirit Leader

All the benefits named above, plus:
• Complimentary admission for two to a performance of your choice during the New Works for a New WORLD Summer Playlab.
• 4 tickets donated in your name to the local youth or community group of your choice.

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$1,000-$2,499 -- Community Spirit Mentor

All the benefits named above, plus:
• 8 tickets donated in your name to the local youth or community group of your choice.
• Backstage visit with one of our mainstage guest artists or companies.
• Opportunity to present the curtain speech at a selected performance, with NWT staff.
• An autographed poster from the season.

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$2,500 and above -- New Works for a New WORLD Commissioner

As a major donor to New WORLD Theater, you can become the named commissioner of an original theater work by a local or national artist or company, developed and presented by New WORLD Theater. Contact Nicole to schedule an appointment: 413-545-9591 or nmyoung@acad.umass.edu

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Business Sponsorships

Would your business be interested in sponsoring a New WORLD Theater performance, festival, special event, or program? We'd love to work with you! Please contact Nicole for details, or to schedule an appointment: 413-545-9591 or nmyoung@acad.umass.edu

• How do I earmark my contribution for New WORLD Theater, Project 2050 or the Community Spirit Circle?

Contributions by check should be made to the University of Massachusetts, earmarked for New WORLD Theater by writing "NWT/2050" on the memo line. Contributions of $250 or more will automatically make you a member of the Community Spirit Circle.

• Who should I mail my check to?
Attn: Nicole Young, New WORLD Theater, University of Massachusetts, 16 Curry Hicks, 100 Hicks Way
Amherst, MA 01003

• Can I donate on line? At this time you cannot donate directly to New WORLD Theater online. But we are working on it and hope to have it up and running within the next year.

• Tell me more about the New Works Director's Series ~ a benefit of joining the Community Spirit Circle

This season, New WORLD Theater is proud to present the work of three outstanding directors and their latest creative endeavors. In September, Laurie Carlos will direct sash & trim by Djola Branner. In February, we present Roberto Uno and Keo Woolford's collaboration I LAND . And in April, Chay Yew will be in residence to direct Universes' new work, Ameriville.

To highlight the significance of their contributions to the theater and provide in-depth context for our supporters, NWT is offering the New Works Director's Series. Coinciding with performances of the respective shows, these three interactive sessions will focus on the directors' creative process and their role in defining contemporary performance aesthetics.

These sessions are offered by invitation only to area theater students, scholars, artists and members of NWT's Community Spirit Circle!

For more information, contact Nicole Young at 413-545-9591 or nmyoung@acad.umass.edu

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