Make a Lasting Impact on Our Community!
Your gift keeps quality theatre and arts education accessible to our community. Ticket sales alone do not cover the cost, so every donation makes a real difference.
For over 30 years, our stage has been a hub for local performing arts. As we celebrate our 31st season, we invite you to help shape our future. Please consider making a gift today to help us reach our $50,000 goal!
29,000+
Individuals served during our 2025/26 season
1,250+
Students enrolled in our 2025/26 educational programs
$4,660+
Given in Scholarship funding to our 2025/26 students
Top Reasons to Give
- 1
No Child Turned Away
Your donation funds full and partial scholarships so every child can join our School of Theatre classes, workshops, and summer camps.
- 2
Free Student Performances
Your gift covers ticket costs for local Title 1 schoolchildren, many experiencing live theatre for the first time.
- 3
Builds Lifelong Skills
Your contribution supports educating young people in public speaking, teamwork, and empathy in a safe environment.
- 4
Keeps Tickets Affordable
Your offering subsidizes ticket costs for local individuals and families, making the arts affordable and accessible for everyone.
- 5
Strengthens Our Community
Your financial assistance supports local artists and keeps high-quality cultural arts thriving right here in our community.
Make a Donation
Ready to give? Make a secure online donation to Matthews Playhouse today.
Ways to Give
Every gift goes directly to the productions, students, and outreach that keep theatre open to this community.
Individual Donations & Annual Giving
Make a direct impact today. Your one-time or recurring tax-deductible gift directly funds our mainstage productions, costume and set designs, and everyday operations.
• Monthly Giving: Join our Curtain Call Club with a recurring monthly donation to provide steady, year-round support.
• Tribute Gifts: Celebrate a loved one, teacher, or performer by making a gift in their honor or memory.
Youth Scholarship Funds
Every child deserves the chance to experience the magic of the stage. Your gift to our Scholarship Fund ensures that financial hardship never stands between a young performer and our theatre camps, classes, or workshops.
• The Courtney Leigh Ballard Scholarship Fund: This scholarship fund gives children the opportunity to participate in classes and summer camps at Matthews Playhouse.
• The Sponsor-A-Student Scholarship Fund: This fund provides children from Title I schools with the opportunity to attend live theatre performances, this scholarship fund has delivered meaningful arts experiences to local students for over a decade.
Legacy & Planned Giving
Ensure the future of local theatre for generations to come. By including Matthews Playhouse in your will, trust, or estate planning, you leave a lasting legacy that keeps the arts alive in Matthews indefinitely.
In-Kind Contributions & Volunteerism
Support doesn’t always come in a checkbook!
• In-Kind Gifts: Donate building materials, costumes, props, or professional services.
• Volunteer Your Time: Join our front-of-house team as an usher, assist backstage, or help with special events and set construction.
Ready to Make an Impact?
Whether you give $10 or $10,000, your support keeps our spotlight shining bright! Matthews Playhouse is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. All donations are tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law.
Make a Donation
Ready to give? Make a secure online donation to Matthews Playhouse today.
Scholarships and Financial Assistance
Welcome to the Courtney Ballard Scholarship Fund at Matthews Playhouse! We're excited to extend partial scholarships to deserving students for our Classes and Summer Camps. These scholarships are designed to support families facing financial constraints, ensuring that all children have the opportunity to participate in our enriching programs.
Courtney Ballard Scholarship Fund
At Matthews Playhouse, we believe in making the arts accessible to everyone. Through the Courtney Ballard Scholarship Fund, we aim to break down financial barriers and foster a diverse, inclusive community of young artists. If you believe your family qualifies for assistance, we encourage you to apply and join us in the wonderful world of theater and performance!
Submission Deadlines
- For Fall Classes - August 1st
- For Winter Classes - December 1st
- For Summer Camps - May 1st
Criteria and Conditions
Scholarships are awarded based on demonstrated financial need, allowing families who might not otherwise afford our classes/camps to join us. Typically, eligible families receive scholarships covering anywhere from 20% to 90% of the tuition fees. However, it's important to note that all families, barring extreme circumstances, are expected to contribute a minimum of 20% towards tuition costs.
We strive to make our scholarship program fair, transparent, and accessible to those who need it most. If you have any queries regarding eligibility or the application process, feel free to reach out to us for clarification. We're here to support you in your child's artistic journey!
How to Apply for a Scholarship
- 1
Review class and camp information
Take a look at our class and camp offerings, and consider which ones would best suit your child's interests and schedule.
- 2
Check the criteria and conditions
Familiarize yourself with the criteria and conditions above to ensure your eligibility and understand the requirements.
- 3
Submit your application before the deadline
Use the Apply for a Scholarship button above and fill the form out completely and accurately. Applications close on August 1st for Fall classes, December 1st for Winter classes, and May 1st for Summer camps.
- 4
Scholarship review
Once we receive your completed application along with the necessary documentation such as tax returns and pay stubs, our scholarship committee will carefully review your application.
- 5
Approval and payment
If your application is approved you will receive an email with instructions on how to register for the class or camp of your choice. Any balance not covered by the scholarship must be paid by the first day of the class or camp.
Scholarship Questions
How much of the tuition does a scholarship cover?
Typically, eligible families receive scholarships covering anywhere from 20% to 90% of the tuition fees. All families, barring extreme circumstances, are expected to contribute a minimum of 20% towards tuition costs.
How are scholarships awarded?
Scholarships are awarded based on demonstrated financial need. It's important to note that there is a limited amount of scholarship funds available, so we encourage early application.
How many scholarships can one student receive?
- Students are eligible for only ONE scholarship per class during the Fall Semester and ONE Scholarship per class during the Winter Semester.
- For the Summer Camp Session, students can receive a maximum of TWO scholarships (for two separate camps) per student.
- Each session requires a separate scholarship request. Requests do NOT carry over from Summer Camps to School of Theatre.
What is expected of students who receive one?
Inappropriate behavior in class could impact future scholarship eligibility and may even lead to dismissal from the class. We maintain a respectful and supportive learning environment for all students.
How do I submit an application?
All scholarship requests must be submitted online through the designated application form. This helps us streamline the process and ensure timely review of all applications.
Make a Donation
Ready to give? Make a secure online donation to Matthews Playhouse today.