Behind the Curtain
How Debut Theatre Company’s Capital Campaign Is Building a Home for Youth Arts
Every production has a script, a cast, and a stage. A capital campaign is no different. As Debut Theatre Company takes on the biggest project in its history—a $3 million campaign to create the Debut Theatre for Youth Arts—we want to take you behind the curtain to see how this kind of campaign really works, and how you can play a role in its success.
The Campaign as a Production
Think of this campaign as a play in five acts. Each act builds momentum, sets the tone, and moves us closer to the big finale: a permanent home for youth theatre in Northern Colorado.
Act One: Planning the Script
Before the first rehearsal, you need a script. In this stage, we clarify our goals, outline building improvements, and prepare our leadership teams. We’re also developing the case for support—the “why” that will inspire our community to believe in this project as much as we do. You can see that script come to life on our Capital Campaign Homepage.
Act Two: Testing the Scene
Through a feasibility study, we ask: Is our $3 million goal realistic? This phase helps us understand donor readiness and ensures the production is set on a solid foundation.
Act Three: The Quiet Rehearsal
Before an opening night, there are weeks of rehearsal and planning. In the campaign’s quiet phase, we approach lead donors and board members for the early commitments that will anchor the campaign. These gifts are often the spark that lights the way for everyone else. For example, we secured our $250,000 matching grant challenge from Edward M. Warner and Jacalyn D. Erickson prior to our public launch.
Act Four: Opening Night
With momentum built, it’s time for the public launch. Events, press coverage, and community celebrations where everyone is invited to take part. Donors, families, alumni, and new supporters all help bring us closer to raising the curtain on our new home. We launched publicly at the Lincoln Center at opening night of our Nancy Drew: Detective show run. And, received some great initial press coverage on the front page of the Coloradoan and other sources like NoCo Style.
Act Five: The Encore
A campaign isn’t finished when the dollars are raised. Stewardship—the encore—ensures donors feel celebrated and connected to the impact of their gifts. From recognition opportunities to alumni spotlights, this phase is about lasting gratitude.
More Than Donors—Co-Producers
In theatre, a production succeeds because of strong collaboration among actors, directors, funders, and the audience. In this campaign, our donors are not just funders; they’re co-producers of the vision.
Lead donors give us the confidence to dream bigger.
Community supporters build energy and momentum.
Advisors and advocates share their wisdom, networks, and voices to strengthen the production.
Legacy givers ensure a future where youth theatre will always have a home.
Every role matters. Every contribution becomes part of the story.
An Invitation to Join the Cast
This is Debut’s most ambitious production yet. But like every play, it depends on the people who bring it to life. Together, we can build a permanent stage where young people will learn, create, and grow for generations to come.
Will you join us in this act of imagination, creativity, and community?