Dear Friends and Patrons of Thingamajig Theatre Company:
As many of you know, my name is Tim Moore, and I’ve had the pleasure of meeting and getting to know many of you through our shared love of theatre.
Our small professional theatre has always been built on personal connections, world-class talent, and a family-oriented atmosphere. The relationships we’ve made since opening in beautiful Pagosa Springs are ones I will value forever —thank you for being a part of that.
As we reflect on these cherished connections and the vibrant community we’ve built together, it’s impossible to ignore the challenges we’ve faced over the past few years. Despite these hardships, we’ve continued to bring incredible talent to our stage, with many performers moving on to Broadway. It’s a testament to our commitment to excellence and to you, our valued patrons.
Right now, theatres across America are facing a crisis that hasn’t been seen since the Great Recession of 2008. Major institutions like New York City’s Public Theater, Dallas Theater Center, and many others are struggling with significant layoffs, season pauses, and emergency fundraising. Our theatre is facing similar challenges, and we need your support to continue bringing the arts to our community.
One of the things that makes our theatre so special is its intimacy and smaller seating size. This unique “campfire” feel creates a closer connection between the performers and the audience, making every show a truly personal experience. However, this intimacy also limits our revenue, as we can’t sell 300 tickets per night like larger venues. We value this special aspect of our theatre and are committed to preserving it, even as it presents financial challenges.
Our theatre here in Pagosa Springs is more than just entertainment; it’s a community cornerstone, providing educational programs and opportunities for local artists. Exposure to performance art is crucial for under-served youth in our region, where such opportunities are scarce. Research shows that participation in the arts significantly improves academic performance, social skills, and overall well-being. Students involved in the arts are four times more likely to be recognized for academic achievement and three times more likely to win a school attendance award. Arts education fosters creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills, essential for success in today’s world.
In the past five years, the costs of running a professional non-profit theatre have increased dramatically. According to the Theatre Communications Group, average production costs have risen by 25%, overhead costs by 30%, and compensation for artists and technical staff by 20% due to efforts to ensure fair wages and equity in the industry.
We urgently need your support to cover essential costs and continue our mission of cultural enrichment and community engagement. I have attached our truly unique Thingamajig auction items for our upcoming fundraiser on July 30th, we encourage folks who are not attending the Gala to participate, whether by bidding or buying auction items or by “raising your paddle” from afar and partnering with us to continue bringing beautiful theatre by making any contribution.
Your contribution will directly help us keep our doors open, by produce high-quality performances, and provide educational programs. Join us in making a meaningful difference by supporting our cause.
Thank you for considering our request. Your support means everything to us and ensures that the arts remain a vibrant part of our community. If you’d like to discuss how your donation can make a lasting impact, please feel free to reach out to me directly at Tim@pagosacenter.org
Donate easily with one click: https://ci.ovationtix.com/36033/store/donations
Bidding started on July 19!
New this year: Remote bid and BUY IT NOW auction items (usually offered exclusively at our annual Broadway Gala) are highly encouraged for folks that want to secure auction items this year.
Bids will be accepted in the order they are time stamped. Email Laura@pagosacenter.org with your starting bid for the following items, or email a request to BUY IT NOW if you want to be sure to secure your item. . . Or if you are attending the Gala and you want more time for musical performances, this item will be off the set list and a song (or two) will replace it! If there are any items left all remote bidding will conclude by 5pm on July 30.
New York! New York! (Starting at $10,000 or BUY IT NOW for $17,000)Join Artistic Director Tim Moore along with Executive Director Laura Moore at the audition call in late January in New York City as he looks to cast the 2025 Summer Season. Listen to the team as they pick and choose the performers and then spend two evenings out dining with the dynamic due and watching shows on Broadway. Enjoy brunch with a whole slew of past Thingamajiggers residing in New York.
Hotel for 4 nights, 2 dinners, 2 shows. Good for 2 people. Airfare not included.
Play at Lunch (Starting at $3,000 or BUY IT NOW for $6,000)Artistic Director Tim Moore will pick 3 plays for your group of six friends to read over the course of the winter. Then you will gather at your house and eat a yummy meal that Tim as prepared and have a rousing play discussion about the material, what it would look like on our stage and who you would cast in the parts. Be prepared for a master class in Artistic Directing.
A Capella Christmas Concert (Starting at $5,000 or BUY IT NOW for $8,500)Picture the holiday season… the house is trimmed with festive cheer your family and friends are all drawn near to celebrate the closing year…
Now imagine the house is filled to the rafters with beautiful music from the Thingamajig Christmas Company… the image just got better, didn’t it? You should probably buy this one. We will curate and perform a 45 minute acapella concert and then you will proceed to host the best holiday party of all time.
Spiked Tea with Tyler P. (Starting at $3,000 or BUY IT NOW for $6,000)Tyler Price is coming to your house, to sing, to drink, to talk. It is an afternoon delight to relish in this joyous, talented human’s company. You know he will bring friends – and he has talented friends.
Progressive Dinner for 8 (Starting at $10,000 or BUY IT NOW for $19,500)The Thingamajig Summer CAST will chauffeur you and your friends to different stunning Pagosa homes where you’ll enjoy an amazing meal prepared by the Thingamajig actors. Each location will have its own menu, wine parings and serenade. It. Is. Perfection. Available Dates: August 13, 19, 20, 27.
Cards with Cassie and Kathy (Starting at $1,000 or BUY IT NOW for $2,500)Kathy Lemmons is a card crafting queen and she is inviting you to her house to help you craft cool creations and Cassie’s coming! And she wants to have a tea party with you while you are crafting creative cards, because she is basically a Disney Princess in real life and that’s what they do. Besides EVERYONE NEEDS birthday, Christmas, anniversary, I-love-you-everyday-cards. Good for you and up to four friends. Available Dates: August 11, 15, 19, 22, 24, 25.
Dinner with a Private Chef. (Starting at $5,000 or BUY IT NOW for $8,500)Valid until May 2025. Professional Chef Nicki Smith and foodie husband Timm blew this dinner away the past few years. “The ultimate experience in food meets art” previous winners have said. They will prepare a gourmet meal for you and up to 8 of your friends at your home on a mutually agreed upon time and date. This generous dinner has quickly become an annual favorite!
Campfire Sing-along with the Summer Company at Tim & Stephanie’s, August 12Tim Brown & Stephanie Hill are hosting this event at their dream home. After paying off the ENTIRE Artist House loan of $31,761 this generous couple is inviting 10 pledges of $3,176 to match their incredible gift and join them and them at their home at the Campfire Sing-Along. *Voices, laughter, and good cheer provided by the incredible artists of Thingamajig Theatre Company.