Invest in the Future of Performing Arts at App State
At App State, we believe in the power of the arts to shape lives. By making a gift today, you can help us continue to impact our community through the performing arts.
Whether your passion lies in supporting the artists and performances that share our stages, increasing access to arts programming for all ages, or creating new avenues for meaningful engagement through the arts, your support makes an important difference.
Your generosity empowers our commitment to:
- Affordable ticket prices and free events.
- Seeing the arts grow and flourish while building the next generation of arts enthusiasts.
- Energetic programming that emphasizes education and enrichment.
- Artistic excellence that celebrates both established and emerging artists.
- Events that foster conversation, bridge communities, and strengthen social ties.
All tax-deductible donations to our programs are processed through the Appalachian State University Foundation.
Support our programming in multiple areas:
- The Schaefer Center Presents Series — Experience the live performing arts September through April alongside App State students and community members through dynamic performances in music, theatre, and dance that bring a global perspective to the High Country. Many artists spend additional time on campus with App State students for masterclasses, workshops, lecture/demonstrations, and discussions. This series is designed to support the university as it endeavors to shape students into globally minded, responsible members of society who engage with and actively contribute to their communities.
- APPlause! K–12 Performing Arts Series — Invest in future generations of dreamers and doers who will use the arts as a tool in creativity, problem solving and self-awareness. School day performances are offered throughout the academic year at affordable prices, with your support subsidizing the costs of these engagements.
- An Appalachian Summer Festival — Annual support includes a number of benefits to enhance your Appalachian Summer experience, such as program and website recognition, priority ticket buying, parking privileges, and opportunities to meet the artists. Download the brochure for a full list of benefits.
Our Development team welcomes the opportunity to align your passions with our programming. Contact us at 828-262-4973.
If you are considering a gift with even greater impact, please contact Melinda Friddell at friddellmf@appstate.edu or 828-262-8692.
Become a Seat Namer
Grab your seat and watch the arts come to life!
For $2,500, place your name, that of a loved one, or your business on one or more of the theatre seats in the Schaefer Center. An elegantly engraved brass plaque with your specified copy will be prominently displayed on the back of the seat(s) you select.
This gift is tax-deductible and considered a charitable donation to the Schaefer Center Presents series, granting early ticket buying privileges for your lifetime. Seat naming allows the donor first right of refusal to tickets for their named seats for events in the Schaefer Center that are part of both the Schaefer Center Presents series and An Appalachian Summer Festival.
Seat naming is a great way to:
- Pay tribute to your years of enjoyment at the Schaefer Center for the Performing Arts
- Give a unique gift
- Honor a loved one
- Commemorate a special occasion
- Celebrate the arrival of a child or grandchild
For more information, please contact Maura McKenzie, Director of Audience Services, at mckenziemc1@appstate.edu or 828-262-2248.
