Paris Hilton

Jimmy  Darts

Flavor Flav

SB Mowing

Kalina Silverman / @makebigtalk on Instagram

The Dogist

Patriotic Kenny Foundation

Pattie Gonia

Little Miss Flint

Carlos Eduardo Espina

Samuel Weidenhofer

Ben Saunders - Flawless Cleaning

Peter Bond

That Good News Girl

Ask Uncle Jack

Amy Jandrisevits

FowlMouthFarmer

Tess Bohne

Latonja and Taylor Richardson

Officer Richard Craig

Highwire Improv

<div><strong>Update #2 - One More Push for Giving Tuesday!</strong>
</div>
<div>Hello everyone! Thanks to your incredible support, The Highwire Center is a reality! Enjoy some amazing pictures of the space below!
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>We're doing one last push for Giving Tuesday before closing this fundraiser - tell a friend, donate if you can, and don't forget to check if your employer offers a company donation pool or a donation match!
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>There are also several other ways to support Highwire!
</div>
<ul>
<li>Sign up for a class!
</li>
<li>Give the gift of improv with a gift card
</li>
<li>Refer us for an applied improv workshop!
</li>
</ul>
<div><br />
</div><img alt="" media_type="3" src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/84199619_1764429185234708_r.jpeg" width="100%" />
<div><br />
</div><img alt="" media_type="3" src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/84199619_1764429236690742_r.jpeg" width="100%" />
<div><br />
</div>
<div><br />
</div><img alt="" media_type="3" src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/84199619_176442949135937_r.jpeg" width="100%" />
<div><br />
</div>
<div><strong>Update - Our First Stretch Goal!</strong>
</div>
<div>Thank you all for the incredible support - over just 24 days we were able to hit our initial goal of $25,000 to help open The Highwire Center! This money will cover key equipment, furniture, creature comforts, and external signage!
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>We are now working towards our first stretch goal! This stretch goal will aim to fill our <strong><em>Last Laugh Fund</em></strong> with 3 months of operating expenses. The Last Laugh Fund is a special allocation of Highwire's money only to be used for emergency support - a 'just in case' if we're ever prevented from operating for a period of time or if a major unexpected expense arises. We are committed to making this organization financially stable over a period of decades, and we take seriously the responsibility of paying teaching artists consistently.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>Help us continue that mission and secure the future of The Highwire Center for years to come!
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div><strong>Highwire Has a Home!</strong>
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>Highwire Improv has found a home: we will move into 400 South Conkling Street in the Highlandtown neighborhood of Baltimore later this year!
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>Thanks to a combination of grants and donations, we are able to cover construction costs and business opening expenses, making this move possible. We are raising money in order to make this a welcoming home for the Baltimore improv community as well as the many friends we have made over the past five years across the globe.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>Your donation to this fundraiser will support:
</div>
<ul>
<li>Exterior signage to let folks know we are here!
</li>
<li>House lighting
</li>
<li>Stage and theater lighting
</li>
<li>Lighting and sound boards
</li>
<li>Sound management tiles and curtains.
</li>
<li>Camera equipment for recording and streaming
</li>
<li>Computers for dynamic tech, recording, and streaming.
</li>
<li>Furniture upgrades, including audience seating and lobby furniture.
</li>
<li>Equipment, appliances, and supplies.
</li>
<li>Decor to make Highwire Improv your new home away from home!
</li>
</ul>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>We appreciate the support of our community and donations will go directly to operating Highwire Improv. Donations over and above our goal will go to Highwire’s <em>Last Laugh</em> cash reserve fund to support day-to-day operations and future facility upgrades.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>To completely maximize the impact of donated funds, Highwire has elected a campaign that doesn't include rewards which cost money and require volunteer time for fulfillment. Every person who donates will be recognized in the new space regardless of the size of the donation, full stop.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>Highwire Improv thanks you in advance for your support and look forward to welcoming you when we open in summer 2025!
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div><strong>The Highwire Improv Story</strong>
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>Highwire Improv is a nonprofit improv theater based in Baltimore, MD. Our mission is to steward a community of artists committed to growth, collaboration, joy, and justice through improvisational theater in Baltimore and around the world.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>Our motto of <em>Community First</em> is directly linked to our core values of community, action, transparency, and safety.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>Highwire Improv believes that improv is the world's most inclusive and accessible art form that everyone benefits from due to the connection, creativity, skills, and joy of improv.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>In a time of great uncertainty for the world, on July 11th, 2020 Baltimore improvisers converged online for the debut of Popup Improv, a community gathering and virtual stage space to come together, play and heal.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>Shortly after, Highwire Improv co-founders, Brian Shea, Geoff Taylor, Kristen McKenzie, and Barry Wright, III planned a new improv organization, planting the seeds in bloom today.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>Highwire Improv officially launched to the world on September 29, 2020 with an online presentation. The initial wave of support was remarkable, with volunteers and performers from California to the Philippines joining together for Highwire’s inaugural season of online shows.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>Over 50 ensembles performed in shows 7 days a week, bringing together a global community of creatives and forging new bonds and friendships.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>Highwire Improv built a space where community and creativity were celebrated in all forms and people were encouraged to enjoy, experiment and explore the vastness of improv theater and comedy.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>Seminal events included: an improvised Thanksgiving Day Parade, a 31-day festival of Halloween-themed improv shows, fully unscripted plays and ferocious bit shows that defy explanation. Highwire Improv was *the* most prolific improv theater in the world!
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>Once in-person activities were fully possible again in 2022, Highwire Improv built stages for the improv &amp; arts community to gather in Baltimore. Without a dedicated venue, the search was on for suitable spaces to improvise.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>A majestic amount of paperwork cataloged the potential venues around the city with input from truly great partners including bars, breweries, churches, coffee shops, community centers, libraries, and more; a widely distributed ‘third space’ for Highwire Improv became a reality.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>These challenges became our strength - bringing creative arts programming directly to the community, Highwire Improv formed greater partnerships with like-minded organizations, reached a wider audience and stitched ourselves into the very fabric of a monumental city.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>While continuing to support our globally recognized online programming, for the first part of the decade Highwire Improv has brought joyous live events, dedicated skill training and world class expertise to over 50+ venues in over 25 neighborhoods across Baltimore and beyond.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>Highwire Improv has built an incredible community of supportive, generous, funny &amp; creative individuals. We didn’t do it alone.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>Now, the scores of volunteers, hundreds of performers and thousands of audience members that make up this community deserves a place to call their own.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>Today, we’re thrilled to announce that home is nearly upon us!
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>Highwire Improv is now under lease in the Highlandtown neighborhood of Baltimore at 400 South Conkling Street!
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div><strong>Welcome to Our New Home!</strong>
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>Formerly the site of Hoehn’s Bakery, this incredible first-floor corner commercial location has been vacant since late 2021 and we are thrilled to transform it into a vibrant theater space.
</div>
<div><br />
</div><img alt="" media_type="3" src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/84199619_1742842131507920_r." width="100%" />
<div><br />
</div>
<div>An incredible opportunity for Highwire Improv to build and design a space perfect for our community, the entire building is undergoing renovations allowing us to move into a space where every facet from the ceiling to the HVAC is brand new - a rarity for creative arts organizations of our size.
</div>
<div><br />
</div><img alt="" media_type="3" src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/84199619_1742933570136763_r." width="100%" />
<div><br />
</div>
<div>Thanks to a combination of generous grants and donations, Highwire Improv has the funding to cover our construction costs, key fixtures and furniture, and required permits to open later this year.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>Developing with our architect to finalize the layout, prepare construction and obtain legal permits, you see our vision of a community lobby/lounge space and showroom where a hallway and restrooms will harmonize the venue for maximum workability.
</div>
<div><br />
</div><img alt="" media_type="3" src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/84199619_1742842890485605_r." width="100%" />
<div><br />
</div>
<div>This unique design allows Highwire Improv to run rehearsals/classes simultaneously AND have exceptional show experiences. Highwire Improv, the name of the game is multi-use and flexible design!
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>We expect access to the building on June 1st to complete additional renovations - finalizing the stage, flooring, furniture, restrooms, lighting and decorations. The goal of a grand opening later in the summer followed by a large corner awning with our glorious Highwire Improv sign will plant the final flag!
</div>
<div><br />
</div><img alt="" media_type="3" src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/84199619_1743004905142443_r." width="100%" />
<div><br />
</div>
<div><strong>What We Have Planned</strong>
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>A dedicated space for Highwire Improv opens a wide, exciting portfolio of long gestated projects that we are extremely enthusiastic to pursue.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>The first point is flexibility; this era and space is new for all of us. Scheduling, programming, and even the layout of the venue itself will shift and change as we adapt to our community's needs. Expect us to pivot and adapt as fresh ideas and innovative feedback present exciting opportunities!
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>Our expectations are to start with regularly scheduled classes and hosted rehearsals Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday evenings. Community-focused performance opportunities (jams, mixers, mashups, and more) will occur on Thursday evenings, and multi-event performances on Fridays and Saturdays.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>Our goal is additional time &amp; space made available for rentals, private events, corporate training and exciting potential community events developed over time. Highwire Improv understands that this is just the start.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>We’re excited about our future as exceptional neighbors who connect with hundreds of local businesses in the area, forge partnerships with a thriving Arts District and participate in Highlandtown’s First Friday Art Walks. Our great friends at the Creative Alliance can attest to our overwhelming desire to contribute wherever we can to this electric area of our beloved Baltimore.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>Having a dedicated venue gives Highwire the ability to have consistent social gatherings after events, both in our own space and within the many businesses mere walking distance from our new home at 400 South Conkling.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>As transparency is one of our core values, the presence of a dedicated community hub does not mean we will no longer bring our unique programming to the myriad localities of “Charm City”.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>Highwire Improv continues to offer free workshops through our Improv in Every Neighborhood program, as well as offering multi-week classes and shows throughout Baltimore during this exciting transition.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div><strong>How You Can Contribute</strong>
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>Thanks to a combination of grant funding and generous donations, we have the funding to complete renovations, open for business, and even cover the initial rent for several months.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>We are raising additional funds to make this the best possible home for improv and the larger creative community.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>Our campaign target of $25,000 goes towards:
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<ul>
<li>Exterior signage to let folks know we are here!
</li>
<li>House lighting
</li>
<li>Stage and theater lighting
</li>
<li>Lighting and sound boards
</li>
<li>Sound management tiles and curtains.
</li>
<li>Camera equipment for recording and streaming
</li>
<li>Computers for dynamic tech, recording, and streaming.
</li>
<li>Furniture upgrades, including audience seating and lobby furniture.
</li>
<li>Equipment, appliances, and supplies.
</li>
<li>Decor to make Highwire Improv your new home away from home!
</li>
</ul>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>A detailed budget / shopping list is found <a href="https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1cNo2P-iWhNeFY2SF76LHU7OFvYlFbY6tZMjoJ6zf0GQ/edit?gid=826641231#gid=826641231" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a>; as part of our core value of transparency, Highwire Improv knows it is important for folks to see where the money goes!
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>Upon reaching our goal of $25,000, Highwire Improv has “stretch goals” that will fund further construction later this year of a potential office, greenroom and/or tech booth as well as extend our <em>Last Laugh Fund</em> - cash reserves we use to protect the organization from unforeseen emergencies.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>You can help without donating money too! Yes, YOU!
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>Donated furniture and/or supplies are greatly appreciated as are useful renovation skills or a simple desire to swing a hammer - we definitely want to hear about it!
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>In conclusion, we’d love any words of support you’d like to pass on to our community.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>Collected comments that come through GoFundMe or this <a href="https://forms.gle/82n5d3KaqhnY3EndA" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Google Form</a> are stored in a special time capsule to be opened at the end of our first lease term (we’ll read them as they come in too, of course)!
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div><strong>Thank Yous and Acknowledgments!</strong>
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>There is a nearly endless list of people to thank for getting Highwire Improv to this point, and you can expect a lot of emotional gratitude to happen between now and our 2025 grand opening.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>Firstly, a heartfelt thanks to our volunteers. From front of house to online tech and everything in between, none of this would have been possible without your immeasurable hours of expert assistance, trust in what we’re building together and willingness to step in, say yes, and build the community we all want to live &amp; breathe in.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>Thank you to the nearly three hundred ensembles and shows who have performed with Highwire Improv online or in-person - your art has given people all over the world an unfathomable amount of joy.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>Thank you to every person who has come to a show, tried a workshop, or taken a class. The improv community extends far and wide, and every single ticket and explosive laugh has made all the difference.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>Thank you to everyone who donated to Highwire Improv over the past 5 years; your hard earned money has helped us secure rentals, paid for scholarships, training, merchandise and given this organization the time and stability to grow and reach this point together. We would not exist without you.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>Thank you to the Maryland State Arts Council, Baltimore Office of Promotion and the Arts, and the Community College of Baltimore County for grants which have increased our capacity and reach. We won’t let you down.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>Thank you to the property owner Mike Ost (Saffo Contractors) and realtor Doug Kaufman (AGM Commercial) for your trust with this transformative opportunity.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>Thank you to Johanna Barrantes and Amanda Smit-Peters at the Southeast CDC for your support and advice as we gravitated towards this incredible neighborhood and for recognizing the value in an arts-based business like Highwire Improv.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>Thank you, everyone. With your continued support, we will deliver something special.
</div>
<div><br />
</div><img alt="" media_type="3" src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/84199619_1742842916903504_r." width="100%" />

Highwire Has a Home! [Perpetual Stretch Goal]

Arts and culture

Community

Social advocacy

platform

Platform is iOS

Android

Adyen Google Pay Development Audience

$opt_dummy_attribute

English only

Deprecate Stripe Legacy

dyn_template_ids

Adyen V6 Bene Transfer & MyMoney Campaign Organizers - test01

Bene transfer V6 and AdyenV6MyMoney Campaign Organizers - production

OneTrust next-app audience

fundCountryCode

NextDoor Share Option Users

Fundraisers with Reactions feature capability

fundCurrencyCode

US + Non-charity COs Only

locale

fund country is US and user language is English

personId

comms-internal-person-ids

Enhanced Story Experience Users

Suggested Goal Experience Users

user language is English and fund country: US, AU, DK, FI, IE, NO, SE, CA, GB; 

Poster share - new funds eligible (newest 9/18)

Streaming widgets beta user

paymentProcessor

3DS payment method

user language is English and fundCountry: US, AU, DK, FI, IE, NO, SE, CA, GB; 

GoFundMe Employees

ipAddress

Mark Rieth IP Address

Version 9.2.0 and above

Fund is in English speaking country

desktop

Android v12.11.0 and above

Platform is Android

paymentMethodType

checkoutType

Payment method type group to be vaulted on success

admin pr kit prod

EUR Donation Upsell

Share Text generation Skip Fundraiser

(prod) new funds eligible for amp12 (UGC gallery)

fintrac_cad_idv_form_v2 audience

paymentProcessorAccountId

fallback mode accounts

proCampaignId

p2p legacy startfundraising page

be_supporter_comments_enabled_supported_funds

AMP24 New Funds Only PROD (DO NOT MODIFY)

countryCode

charityId

UKCharities

Federated Search Internal Testing

route.pathname community

US Donation Upsell audience 

Auto Thanks Feature Audience

Supporter Comments Eligible Funds

International Only

fundId

braze fundraiser group 

Payment Identity Transfers ATO Risk Check (Targeted) - Production

Fundraiser Saved Payment Method Rate Limit Bypass (Production)

leaderboard-partner-id-audience-givepanel

Version 9.2.1 and above

AUD Donation Upsell audience

fundraiserCountryCode is US/EN

Active Fundraiser - Smart Default Cadence

DAF Internal

Vault on success card payment method

Platform is iOS v11.0.0 and above

Desktop users

Person ids

United States (US) users

allow yuno fundraisers for test

Mexico country code

Posters INTL

NPO Profile Opted-In

iOS at or above 12.4.0

non-US recurring donors

Canada Campaign Owner Group

Fundraiser Without Meta Link

Scheduler payment tester gorup

charityCommunityId

Charities allow to be claimed unclaimed (PRD)

Canada (CA) users

currencyCode

UC Tipping v20250115 International

pymk_production_xplr_fe_team

Android at or above 12.2.0

Profile photo entry point audience

smart goals (fundraiser/manage) on test01

Activity Tracking v1 Beta Testing

writePath

Stream Notification

start gfm intl allowed locales

Platform is iOS v11.2.0 and above

prod_ach_audience

AI Chatbot Audience

amp13 only new funds (prod) (anyword auto)

UC Flow Enabled (Prod)

Payment Identity Beneficiary Verification - Production

shared notification bell audience

Custom users

ach frontend audience

Android v11.0.0 and above

Users Receiving Payments Paused Notifications

smart goals test01

Manage Coach - US English Organizers Only + new funds only

Team EGG - IP Address list

Fundraiser Without Instagram Deep Link

Native 11.4.0 and above

UC Tipping v20250107

Users Receiving Braze KYC Validation Failed

Native 11.3.0 and above

Influencer - Prod

US fundraisers and US users

userEmail

template_id

userId

fundUrl

isCharityCo

email

appVersion

shouldBucketIntoExperiment

partnerId

donationCadence

isActiveFundraiser

isPartner

isMobile

npoProfileOptIn

fundIsLinkedWithMeta

hasSessionDonation

isCampaignOwner

fundHasInstagramDeepLink

Native 11.4.0 and higher

New funds eligible - Video Sharing (PROD)

GB Donation Upsell audience 

Auto Thanks V3 Rollout Audience

Thank you V3 testing whitelist

isRecurringFriendly

Is Recurring Friendly

Excluded funds - Video Sharing

Logged In Users

CH Donation Upsell audience

Android v10.6.0 and above

userCurrencyCode

Localized Currency

v11.5.0 and above

testAudience

pathname

Survicate

appVersion is at or above 12.8.0

Non-charity fund

isChallengeFundraiser

challenge-fundraisers

Payment Identity Launch Verification - Production

New funds eligible - Posters v2

CAD Donation Upsell Audience

Braze Email Tester

NPO Profile Opted-Out

iOS App Version

hasKnownDonors

PYMK has donors

iOS v12.3.0 and above

Highwire Improv

Highwire Improv

What they care about

Featured causes

Highwire Has a Home! [Perpetual Stretch Goal]

About me