Congratulations to Live Theatre Workshop!
After renting for more than two decades in the same location, renovations of a new campus are underway and the Tucson-based nonprofit arts organization will move into their new home this summer.
How Growth Partners Arizona Helped
A cash flow loan from Growth Partners Arizona (GPAz) will see Live Theatre Workshop through the growing pains of renovating the new space while maintaining regular business operations, performances and theatre classes at their current location. A three-year, $1 million capital campaign with 70% pledged to date is the source of the loan repayment.
“We appreciate Growth Partners being part of this amazing project,” says Live Theatre Workshop Executive Director Michael Martinez. “I felt well taken care of by the GPAz team and appreciate all the work, advice, and education they shared with me.” (More from Michael about the loan.)
“We designed a customized loan solution to help set the theatre up for success,” says GPAz Executive Director Lesli Pintor. “In determining how best to help, we focused on fully understanding projected cash flow to get the new campus renovated and open. We offered a flexible repayment schedule that takes into account Michael’s projections for collecting capital campaign pledges.”
More about Live Theatre Workshop
“We particularly like the work that LTW is doing in underserved communities to bring theatre to kids who would otherwise not have access. It dovetails nicely with our mission as Community Development Financial Institution,” says Lesli.
More than 20 schools (primarily Title 1) and more than 5,000 students are connected to the Live Theatre Workshop education program, and $11,000 in scholarships are awarded each year. The program was recognized by the Arts Foundation for Tucson and Southern Arizona as the Best Arts Education Program in Tucson in 2013 and nominated for a Governor’s Arts Award in 2015.
The new theatre campus includes a building with two welcoming lobbies and venues for Family Series/theatre education program and the Mainstage. Features include flexible stages, larger backstage areas for casts and crews, more professional tech booths and better acoustics, comfortable seats and wider, well-lit and accessible aisles.The improvements will create a more comfortable and inclusive theatre experience while maintaining the intimacy that Live Theatre Workshop patrons have come to love. A large adjacent building with a loading dock will house youth classes, rehearsals and set construction. An outdoor patio space perfect for small events, along with plenty of restrooms and ample parking round out the new, centrally located theatre campus. (Watch a pre-renovation video tour)
Live Theatre Workshop produces inclusive, accessible and affordable professional theatre and theatre education that entertains, educates and enlightens children, adults, and families. Because art has the power to transform people and communities, the theatre uses the performing arts to make a difference and pass on a passion for theatre to the next generation. Live Theatre Workshop is a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization supported by grants and generous people who appreciate the theatre’s year-round Mainstage plays, Etcetera Late-Night productions, Family Series productions, and theatre education (classes and camps) for youth, which take place onsite and in schools and other community venues.
