Starting in the 35^th Season, The Ensemble Theatre Founder’s Circle was created as a leadership giving group of investors and stewards committed to ensuring the theatre continues as Houston’s premier center for African American artistic expression. Since then, this campaign has generated over $2 million dollars to support artistic programming, youth education, facility upgrades and the needs of the organization.

Why Join?

By becoming a member of The Ensemble Theatre’s Founder’s Circle with a donation of $500 or more, you aren’t just giving – you are INVESTING in the future of art. Your support will be transformed into exceptional theatrical productions that inspire, challenge, and entertain.

Your generous gift will:

• Keep a spotlight shining on diverse voices.
• Empower underrepresented communities through the arts.
• Ensure The Ensemble Theatre remains a cultural beacon in Houston.

Join Us in Making a Difference!

• Let your legacy be one that champions creativity, inclusivity, and excellence in the arts.
• Be a part of something extraordinary.
• Watch as your contribution lights up the stage, touches lives, and shapes the future of arts in Houston
• Donate now and make an indelible mark on Houston’s cultural landscape

Help us reach the 2025 Founder’s Circle campaign goal of $275,000!

Donate Today

FOUNDER'S CIRCLE BENEFITS

STANDING OVATION - $100,000 and above

• Invitation for One (1) table to Artistic Director’s Celebration Dinner
• Recognition in Playbill Founder’s Circle Page – Season Long
• Recognition on Founder’s Circle Banner in the Lobby
• Listing on Website
• Founder’s Circle Pin for first time donors
• Invitation for One (1) table to the Heart of the Theatre Luncheon
• Four (4) Young Performer’s Program Scholarship in Donor’s Name
• Four (4) tickets to the Houston Nights event
• Backstage tour of the Mainstage for up to Ten (10) guests at mutual convenience

OVATION - $25,000 to $99,999

• Invitation for Four (4) to Artistic Director’s Celebration Dinner
• Recognition in Playbill Founder’s Circle Page – Season Long
• Recognition on Founder’s Circle Banner in the Lobby
• Listing on Website
• Founder’s Circle Pin for first time donors
• Invitation for Six (6) to the Heart of the Theatre Luncheon
• Two (2) Young Performer’s Program Scholarship in Donor’s Name
• Four (4) tickets to the Houston Nights event
• Backstage tour of the Mainstage for up to Ten (10) guests at mutual convenience

ENCORE - $10,000 to $24,999

• Invitation for Four (4) to Artistic Director’s Celebration Dinner
• Recognition in Playbill Founder’s Circle Page – Season Long
• Recognition on Founder’s Circle Banner in the Lobby
• Listing on Website
• Founder’s Circle Pin for first time donors
• Invitation for Four (4) to the Heart of the Theatre Luncheon
• One (1) Young Performer’s Program Scholarship in Donor’s Name
• Two (2) tickets to the Houston Nights event
• Backstage tour of the Mainstage for up to Ten (10) guests at mutual convenience

TAKE A BOW - $5,000 to $9,999

• Invitation for Two (2) to Artistic Director’s Celebration Dinner
• Recognition in Playbill Founder’s Circle Page – Season Long
• Recognition on Founder’s Circle Banner in the Lobby
• Listing on Website
• Founder’s Circle Pin for first time donors
• Invitation for Two (2) to the Heart of the Theatre Luncheon
• Two (2) tickets to the Houston Nights event
• One (1) Young Performer’s Program Scholarship in Donor’s Name

APPLAUSE - $2,500 to $4,999

• Invitation for Two (2) to Artistic Director’s Celebration Dinner
• Recognition in Playbill Founder’s Circle Page – Season Long
• Recognition on Founder’s Circle Banner in the Lobby
• Listing on Website
• Founder’s Circle Pin for first time donors
• Invitation for Two (2) to the Heart of the Theatre Luncheon
• Two (2) tickets to the Houston Nights event

DIRECTOR - $1,000 to $2,499

• Invitation for Two (2) to Artistic Director’s Celebration Dinner
• Recognition in Playbill Founder’s Circle Page – Season Long
• Recognition on Founder’s Circle Banner in the Lobby
• Listing on Website
• Founder’s Circle Pin for first time donors
• Invitation for Two (2) to the Heart of the Theatre Luncheon

PATRON - $500 to $999

• Invitation for Two (2) to Artistic Director’s Celebration Dinner
• Recognition in Playbill Founder’s Circle Page – Season Long
• Recognition on Founder’s Circle Banner in the Lobby
• Listing on Website
• Founder’s Circle Pin for first time donors