General Membership

Membership & Support Opportunities:

To help support The Oshkosh Opera House Foundation, memberships are available. Members, contributors and friends are invited to help maintain our beautiful theatre in order for it to remain the unique cultural treasure it is. Donations will help perpetuate this building and enable The Grand to continue to be the cornerstone of arts and culture in downtown Oshkosh for generations to come!

Albert Eisenach level ($50 - $99)

Albert Eisenach was the original supplier of the 70,000 bricks used to build The Grand.

Benefits:

-Early notification of Grand-presented events

-“Member Courtesy Days” to purchase tickets in advance of the general public. (July 15 through July 31, 2011)

-Your name printed in our annual report

Battis Brothers level ($100 - $249)

The Battis Brothers owned the property adjacent to the Opera House, which is now the lobby, restrooms and box office area.

All Eisenach level benefits, plus:

-One free 2011-12 Screen Scene Film Series Punch Card (12 movie admissions – Hauntfest is a double punch)

“Honest” John Williams level ($250 - $499)

“Honest” John was a respected owner and manager of The Grand, known for his straightforward approach and ability to book excellent shows.

All Battis Brothers level benefits, plus:

-Ticket Concierge Service to reserve season tickets, exchange or add tickets to individual performances, and for access to premium tickets to our rental events.

Louis Kindt level ($500 - $999)*

Louis Kind was the original painter of the stage (fire) curtain.

All “Honest” John level benefits, plus:

-Complimentary invitations for two to attend three different Producer Circle events (6 passes total).

J. Frank Waldo level ($1,000 - $2,499)*

J. Frank Waldo painted the original nature-themed ceiling, the Shakespeare portrait and opera house logo above the stage.

All Kindt level benefits, plus:

-Invitations for two to all Producer Circle events plus 8 guest passes.

William Waters level ($2,500 - $4,999)*

Built in 1883, The Grand was designed by Oshkosh architect William Waters.

All Waldo level benefits, plus:

-Unlimited invitations for you and your guests to attend Producer Circle events.

-Top-to-bottom group tour of The Grand.

Spirit of the Grand level ($5,000+)*

The highest level of individual support for the historic Grand Opera House.

All Waters level benefits, plus:

-One free use of The Grand for a private event (subject to availability, additional charges may apply for catering, beverage services, and staffing).

*Producer Circle event schedule will be released in the fall of 2011.

Producer Circle Membership

Membership in the Producer Circle at The Grand Opera House starts with a $500 donation and includes invitations to attend special Producer Circle events not typically open to the general public.

During the 2011-12 Season we have put together a total of seven opportunities for Producer Circle members to get more involved with The Grand. Those joining at the Louis Kindt level ($500-$999) will be invited to three special events. In October, you'll experience an unique side of The Grand as you enjoy a Haunted Happy Hour complete with a reception in the Grand Lounge and a "tour" of the theater lead by the "Spirits of the Grand." In November, we'll host a wine-tasting with classical guitarist Robert Bluestone who will be in Oshkosh for a week-long residency "The Arts: The Other Basic Human Need." And you'll be invited to attend a special sneak preview night for next season where you'll be the first to know who is performing at The Grand. Members at the J. Frank Waldo Level ($1,000 - $2,400) will also enjoy a holiday party surrounding the movie "Miracle on 34th Street" on December 15; a magical reception with Bill Blagg between his April 21 performances; and an Improv Theater Workshop with the stars of the Oshkosh Community Players show "The Complete Works of William Shakespeare - Abridged" in March 2012.

We're also planning a Road Trip for Producer Circle members, where we'll get a behind the scenes look at another theatre in Wisconsin and attend a performance (details will be announced in the coming weeks - there will be an additional charge for this event).

This program not only helps to raise the necessary funds to sustain the operation of The Grand, it also provides a unique opportunity to experience Wisconsin's oldest operating theatre building that are not normally available to the general public.

We hope you'll consider becoming a Producer Circle member. For more information, contact The Grand administrative office at (920) 424-2355.

* Producer Circle event schedule will be released in the fall of 2011.

Volunteer

The Oshkosh Opera House Foundation and the Grand Opera House succeed because of volunteers and the community.

The volunteers are a valued and essential part of our operation; without our volunteers we would not exist. The Grand hosts numerous events a year, from public performances to corporate meetings, weddings and school band concerts, with volunteers logging nearly 5,500 service hours every season. If we had to hire staff to cover the volunteer efforts, it would cost us nearly $115,000* each year!

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, please contact Ann Pistohl at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or (920) 424-2355. Guest service opportunities are available to suit everyone's skill set and training is provided. Experience is not necessary, just an enthusiasm to learn, a friendly smile and a positive attitude!

*Based on an hourly value of $21.36 according to industry research in (2010).