A Letter
from the Producing Artistic Director
If We Are To...
- continue our reach into all corners of our community,
- increase the number of shows per year we offer,
- continue to diversify the work and workers on our stages, and
- continue to improve that work and the lives of the artists who create it
We simply need more resources.
We’re committed to keeping access to our shows and programs within most folks’ means (which often means no cost) while not penalizing our artists with lower salaries, and so that means finding the money elsewhere. Since 2016, our Annual Campaign has been a large part of the solution. We increased artist salaries in 2017 and again in 2020, and in 2023 we will take the bold step of increasing all artistic wages across the board between 25 and 50%, with most artists looking at a 41% increase. We’ve done this while expanding our education program and total number of shows we produce every year.
Making It Easier
We know it can be a challenge sometimes to donate in a lump sum, so we hope you’ll consider making an annual pledge payable in monthly increments — easily managed when you donate online. $300 at one time might be hard, but you might find $25 a month donated on the day of your choice to be far more friendly. Jobsite is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit arts organization, and all donations made to us are fully tax-deductible to the extent provided by law. We maintain a Platinum Seal of Transparency from Candid.
We’ve set a goal of $80,000 for this campaign in 2018, which has been made infinitely easier to reach through the generosity of the Gobioff Foundation who agreed to provide a $1 for $1 match all donations up to $30,000. This is an amazing opportunity to double the impact of your gifts. It gets better: our board of directors has also issued a $5,000 matching challenge, meaning right now your gift will get a 2 to 1 match. You give $100? We get $300 toward our goal.
Making It Easier
We know that it can be a challenge sometimes to donate in a lump sum, so we hope you’ll consider making an annual pledge that is payable in monthly increments, which is easily managed when you donate online. $300 at one time might be hard, but you might find $25 a month donated on the day of your choice to be far more manageable and budget-friendly. Remember that Jobsite is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit arts organization, and all donations made to us are fully tax-deductible to the extent provided by law.
we've grown
From very humble beginnings to a company with regional and national impact.
National Recognition
Jobsite is the only company in the region to be named a finalist American Theatre Wing National Theatre Company Award, and are a five-time finalist for the NEA's Shakespeare in American Communities Award. The Wall Street Journal said our production of DOUBT was as good as the original.
Best Of ...
We consistently rank high on annual "Best Of" lists from Theatre Tampa Bay, Creative Loafing, Tampa Bay Times, and BroadwayWorld.
Urban Excellence
We are a three-time finalist and one-time winner of the Tampa Downtown Partnership's Urban Excellence Award
Annual Operating Budget
Breaking Records
We now have a record-setting number of season passholders for the Shimberg Playhouse, which had two other companies offering a subscription series prior to our residency.
Help Us Do More
The truth is, we want to do even more. We’re capable of it, if the resources were available to us, which is why we need your support.
Reaching our goal will directly translate into
- the resources to seek more grants and corporate gifts,
- the resources to produce the best work possible,
- getting that much closer to our goal of offering all artists a living wage,
- creating more opportunities to engage our schools and community partners.
If you’ve read this far, you already likely attend our shows and spread the word for us. We can’t thank you enough for that. We’re hoping now though that you will take the next step and and become a part of our annual campaign and – if you’re not already – go all in by becoming a season ticket holder. For the ultimate VIP experience, you can also become a Rock Star.
More Ways To Help
In addition to cash donations we are always on the lookout for in-kind support from area businesses.
Along with our season sponsors listed here, other local businesses like The Independent, Jug & Bottle Co., New World Brewery, and Ella’s Americana Folk Art Cafe also make a meaningful impact every year with their in-kind gifts.
If you would like to speak directly about any of this, reach out by email or give me a call at 813.476.7378. I look forward to the chance to talk about these very exciting times!
David M. Jenkins, Ph.D
Producing Artistic Director
