Support us

“From your parents you learn love and laughter and how to put one foot in front of the other. But when books are opened you discover you have wings.”

Helen Hayes, Actress & Philanthropist

Make a difference

Do you want to share your love of live theatre? Do you want to make a difference to the future of theatre in our community and our country? Supporting the Phoenix Theatre and the Department of Theatre makes a crucial difference in the education of Canada’s next generation of theatre artists.

Our department’s comprehensive philosophy means it is not enough to merely study theatre. We believe that students learn by doing and should be engaged in every aspect of the performance and production as an integral part of their education.

Our funding dilemma

However, to continue this important work, the department must fundraise to cover essential expenses for sets, costumes and props. Although our mainstage plays are an essential part of our curriculum, university funding does not cover the costs of producing these plays. Our ticket prices – deliberately kept low to keep theatre accessible to all audiences – only cover two thirds of our production costs. We rely on donations and corporate sponsorship to remain fiscally responsible.

Please consider making a difference in the education experience of our students by making a tax-deductible donation, establishing a bursary or scholarship to help students directly, sponsoring a performance or program, contributing to a special fundraising project, or leaving a legacy for future generations.

Make a Donation

No matter the size of your donation, your annual support contributes greatly to the costs of paint, lumber, fabric and other essentials for the production of theatre. Individual donors are listed in the each play’s program and receive a personal letter from the department chair. Tax-deductible receipts are issued through the University of Victoria.

Donate now!

Simply fill out this donation form and return by fax or mail.
Give now online with your credit card through UVic Development.

N.B. 20% of all donations processed by UVic Development are designated for campus-wide development initiatives. 100% of donations given directly to the Department of Theatre are used to support department programming.

Create an Award

Theatre students have one of the busiest schedules on campus. Between classes during the day and rehearsals four nights a week and all day Saturday, it leaves little time for a part time job. Your support can help them achieve their best while at UVic. Entrance scholarships for first year students help ensure UVic continues to attract the best and brightest!

Consider setting up an endowment fund for the permanent annual support of a bursary or scholarship award.

Bursaries are awarded to students who are able to show financial need.
Scholarships are awarded to students who show academic excellence.
Leave a legacy or honour someone in perpetuity by establishing an award in his or her name.
Designate an award for students in a specific area of study or specialization. Click here to see a list current awards.
Awards are attributed to students through UVic Student Awards and Financial Aid in conjunction with the department.

For details contact Fine Arts Development Officer Karen Walker at 250-721-6305.

Sponsor a Project

Contributing to one of the Department of Theatre’s special projects assists us to reach long-term creative goals and to maintain our state of the art facility and theatre spaces.

Here are some examples of current opportunities in the department:

Endowed funding for annual guest artist/instructor
New or restored theatre seating for Roger Bishop Theatre and Chief Dan George Theatre
Updated theatre sound and audio visual equipment
Costume shop equipment
Electric scenic elevator

For details and recognition opportunities contact Adrienne Holierhoek at 250-721-7992.

Leave a Legacy

Theatre engages us to think more broadly, feel more deeply and aspire to greater things. We have all left a profound theatrical experience feeling more human and more connected to our world. Planned giving offers the opportunity for you to make a difference and leave a personal legacy for the future of theatre.

In consultation with your financial advisors, our planned giving program can assist you to reach your philanthropic goals and ensure the intent of your current or future gift. Whether through a bequest in a will or through life insurance, endowments, and trusts, planned giving can also offer significant tax benefits while allowing the donor to maintain financial security.

For more information see the UVic Planned Giving or contact Fine Arts Development Officer Karen Walker at 250-721-6305.