Dear Theatre West friends and patrons,
As we bring another summer season to a close, all of us at Theatre West Summer Repertory want to say thank you. Your attendance, encouragement, volunteer hours, sponsorships, and generous support helped make this season a success. Every ticket purchased, every donation given, and every word shared about our productions helps keep professional live theatre thriving in western Nebraska.
This summer reminded us once again how meaningful it is to gather as a community for stories, music, laughter, and connection. Whether you joined us for one performance or the full season, you were part of what made Theatre West shine.
We also want to be transparent with you about a challenge we are currently facing. Theatre West Summer Repertory was approved for Nebraska Arts Council Annual Series and Events Grant FY26 funding, but the first installment of those funds have not yet been received. The Nebraska Arts Council has informed us that it is waiting for its first National Endowment for the Arts payment for the fiscal year before it can process grant payments.
Across the country, arts organizations and state arts agencies have been affected by federal uncertainty around National Endowment for the Arts grant payments. A temporary federal pause on grant obligations and disbursements created confusion for many public arts funders, and Nebraska Arts Council grant payments remain contingent on the Council receiving its federal allocation from the NEA. In practical terms, even approved state grants cannot be paid out until those federal dollars are released and processed.
While we are grateful that the grant was approved, the delay creates a real hardship for organizations like ours that depend on timely arts funding to support productions, artists, students, staff, and community programming. We are navigating this situation carefully and remain committed to stewarding our resources responsibly.
If Theatre West has made a difference in your life, your family, or our community, we ask you to consider helping in one or more of the following ways:
- Make a tax-deductible contribution to help bridge the current funding gap. twneb.com/donate
- Share your Theatre West experience with friends, neighbors, and local leaders.
- Reach out to elected officials to express the importance of public arts funding in Nebraska.
- Connect with Nebraskans for the Arts for additional ways to advocate for the arts.
Most of all, please know how grateful we are for you. Theatre West exists because this community believes in the power of live theatre. Your continued support allows us to create opportunities for artists, students, volunteers, and audiences throughout the region.
Thank you for being part of a memorable summer season and for standing with Theatre West as we look ahead to the future.
With gratitude,
The Theatre West Summer Repertory Team
