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Impact Theatre: Building a Future for Fearless Productions
Impact Theatre is growing, and we need YOUR help to take the next big step!
At Impact Theatre, we believe that theatre goes beyond entertainment — it’s a spark for conversation, a challenge of perspectives, and meant to bring people together. That’s why we are dedicated to creating fearless theatre, tackling real, relevant, and sometimes difficult topics that deserve to be heard.
But we don’t stop at the stage. We partner with local nonprofits to connect our audiences with the resources and support that exist right here in Fond du Lac. Whether it’s mental health, addiction recovery, or LGBTQ+ advocacy, our productions aren’t just stories—they’re a bridge to change - to connecting with all people in our community - to building an understanding and empathetic place to live.
Why This Matters:
Fond du Lac is home to incredible spaces for music and the visual arts, but when it comes to theatre, we’ve struggled to find a permanent place to call home. We want to change that. Unfortunately, the demands of producing a theatrical production are not understood unless you have the hands-on experience of producing a show. Having a space run by individuals with the proper experience means we can expand opportunities for performers, artists, and audiences to experience live theatre in new ways!
But more than that, we want to create a space where people can feel seen, feel free to express themselves, and see their stories represented because we strongly believe that if you feel accepted, there is a stronger sense of belonging and dedication to the community. This won’t be a place for large-scale productions, as there are already wonderful venues in Fond du Lac for that. Instead, we’re designing it to be a low-budget, experimental environment—a place where Impact Theatre and other companies can create innovative, intimate work that challenges both artists and audiences. It’s about making room for creativity without the weight of huge budgets and massive sets. This space will be for everyone—a place where we can all come together, share our stories, and experience the power of theatre that speaks to us all.
Our Vision (and it’s a big one):
We’ve found the perfect 18,000 sq. ft. building, and with your support, we can transform it into a home for Impact Theatre.
Our new home will include:
- A flexible theatre space that allows us to create immersive, intimate productions, bringing audiences closer to the stories we tell.
- A state-of-the-art control booth for professional lighting and sound, making sure every production has the technical excellence it deserves.
- Dressing Rooms and a Green Room for our performers, offering them a space to prepare, reflect, and get into character.
- A costume shop and scene shop where we can bring our creative visions to life with the designs, costumes, and sets that make our shows unique.
- A full bar and lounge where our community can gather before and after performances, making it a space not just for theatre, but for connection and conversation.
What We Need (Here comes the ask…Like I said, it’s a big one):
The building itself costs $299,000, but to transform it into a true home for theatre, we need to raise between $1M - $1.25M for the following:
1. Renovations & Structural Updates ($350,000 - $450,000)
Building repairs: HVAC, plumbing, electrical updates, and structural integrity work.
Accessibility: ADA compliance (ramps, accessible bathrooms, etc.).
Interior renovations: Walls, flooring, ceilings, and basic improvements.
General construction: Creating spaces like dressing rooms, costume shop, scene shop, and the bar/lounge area.
2. Theatre Build-Out & Design ($200,000 - $300,000)
Flexible theatre space: Seating and risers (if required), stage construction, and audience layout.
Lighting and sound system: Professional-grade lighting grid, control board, speakers, microphones, and soundproofing.
Control booth: Wiring, installation of technical infrastructure for lighting and sound.
3. Equipment & Furnishings ($150,000 - $200,000)
Seating: Comfortable, modular seating to suit different types of productions.
Stage: Platforms, ramps, and risers for dynamic staging and audience interaction.
Costume & Scene Shop: Sewing machines, storage units, workbenches, and other tools for creating costumes and sets.
Bar & Lounge: Bar installation, refrigeration, seating, tables, glassware, and furnishings.
4. Miscellaneous & Contingency ($100,000 - $150,000)
Permits, licenses, and insurance for building usage and operations.
Contingency: For unexpected costs that may arise during renovations and build-out.
Marketing & Community Engagement: To spread the word and build excitement within the community as the theatre is being developed.
How You Can Help:
- Donate – Every contribution, no matter how big or small, brings us one step closer to making this dream a reality.
- Share – Spread the word to your friends, family, and anyone who believes in the power of theatre to create change.
- Support – Join us at our performances, volunteer, and be part of this incredible journey.
This is about more than just bricks and mortar—it’s about creating a space where fearless theatre can thrive, where important conversations can happen, and where our community can come together in new and meaningful ways. With these funds, we can create a world-class performance space right in the heart of Fond du Lac, built not just for Impact Theatre, but for the entire community to enjoy and engage with.
#FindImpactAHome #SupportTheArts #MakeAnImpact #ShineALightSparkAChange
