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The Laurie Beechman Theatre

Allowing the Laurie Beechman Theatre to survive and THRIVE.

West Bank Cafe/Laurie Beechman Theatre - FOREVER

Help an ICONIC theater space SURVIVE and THRIVE

 New York, NY, US
  • $57,431 raised of $500,000 goal
  • 41 donations
  • 49 days left
This is a Fiscally-Sponsored Project

Fiscally Sponsored by Fractured Atlas

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About the Laurie Beechman Theatre
The Laurie Beechman Theatre, nestled within the iconic West Bank Cafe, has long been a cornerstone of New York City's performing arts scene. For decades, this intimate venue has served as an affordable space for emerging talent, a home for legendary acts, and a spot to showcase talent right in Broadway’s backyard. In its early years the Laurie Beechman Theatre functioned as a developmental incubator for artists such as Warren Leight, Lewis Black, Rusty Magee, Karen Finley, Aaron Sorkin, and so many more. It served as the rehearsal room for Sondheim, Mandy Patinkin, and Bernadette Peters as they prepared for Sunday In the Park With George. In the past two decades, it hosted legends like Joan Rivers, who did over 300 sets (including her final performance) on that stage. And on any given night you could stop in to watch Pete Townshend and The Who do a set, see iconic performers like André DeShields, Jinx Monsoon, Patti LuPone, or a young Ariana Grande.  Most importantly, it has provided a safe and affordable place for young artists to experiment, learn, and grow in Broadway’s backyard. 
As we know, the pandemic dealt a severe blow to the New York theater scene and this beloved theater, in particular. Due to technicalities, it did not qualify for many of the financial aid and grants given to many other venues in our neighborhood. While a plan to return it to a thriving artistic hub is in place, we can only do it with your help. Without major financial support, it risks fading from the cultural landscape.

Our Mission
Our mission is to restore the Laurie Beechman Theatre to its former glory as a hub for new, bold, and diverse artistic voices. We aim to pay back rent, make essential infrastructure repairs, and reinvigorate the theater with top-tier performances, readings, cabarets, and comedy that have always made it a cherished venue in Broadway's backyard.

Our Vision
We envision a vibrant future where the Laurie Beechman Theatre continues to nurture young talent and foster the development of new work in the heart of New York City. By preserving this vital space, we ensure that artists have an affordable venue to experiment, take risks, and bring fresh ideas to life in a supportive environment.

Core Values
  • Community: We believe in the power of community to support and uplift the arts.
  • Creativity: We are dedicated to fostering a space where creativity and innovation thrive.
  • Inclusion: We are committed to providing opportunities for a diverse range of voices and perspectives in the performing arts.
  • Legacy: We honor the rich history of the Laurie Beechman Theatre and its role in shaping American theater.

Why Donate?
Your tax-deductible donation will help preserve a vital piece of New York City's artistic heritage. By supporting the Laurie Beechman Theatre, you are not only contributing to the survival of a historic venue but also ensuring that the next generation of artists has a place to learn, grow, and share their work with the world. Your contribution will directly impact the theater's ability to host workshops, readings, and performances that might otherwise be financially impossible to stage in the Times Square/Hell's Kitchen area.

Impact of Your Donation
  • Restoration: Your donation will go directly towards paying arrears and making critical repairs to the theater’s infrastructure.
  • Revitalization: Funds will be used to enhance the theater's programming, bringing in renowned artists and curating events that will draw audiences back to this iconic venue.
  • Artist Support: Your contribution will help keep the Laurie Beechman Theatre an affordable space for artists to develop and showcase new work, maintaining its role as a crucial incubator for the performing arts.

Join Us in This Endeavor
We invite you to join us in saving the Laurie Beechman Theatre and West Bank Cafe. Together, we can ensure that this historic venue continues to be a space where creativity flourishes, new talent is nurtured, and the legacy of New York City's performing arts scene is preserved. Your support will help keep the Laurie Beechman Theatre alive, vibrant, and ready to welcome the next generation of artists and audiences.

Conclusion
The Laurie Beechman Theatre has played an irreplaceable role in the development of countless artists and the enrichment of New York City's cultural landscape. By donating, you become part of a community dedicated to preserving this iconic venue and ensuring it remains a vital part of the American theater tradition. Thank you for considering supporting the Laurie Beechman Theatre and for helping to secure its future as a beacon of creativity and innovation in Broadway's backyard.

Rewards

Join our "Angel Wall"

Donate $1,000.00 or more

Amount is fully tax-deductible.

We will add your name to the iconic fedora wall located between the restaurant and the theatre.  The names will be printed on a glass panel that will sit in front of, and be illuminated by, the iconic wall.

Drink Naming

Donate $2,500.00 or more

Amount is fully tax-deductible.

Help save our venue and be forever immortalized with a cocktail baring your name on our menu at the West Bank Cafe.  

Includes 2 Gala Tickets

Bar Stool Naming

Donate $3,500.00 or more

Amount is fully tax-deductible.

Help save our venue and be forever immortalized with your name in front of a bar stool at the West Bank Cafe.  We will display a plaque on our bar, in front of your bar stool, thanking you (or a namesake) for your generosity in keeping these venues thriving!  

Includes 2 Gala Tickets

Table Naming

Donate $5,000.00 or more

Amount is fully tax-deductible.

Help save our venue and be forever immortalized with your name on a table at the West Bank Cafe.  We will display a plaque at your table thanking you (or a namesake) for your generosity in keeping these venues thriving!  

Includes 4 Gala Tickets

Booth Naming

Donate $7,500.00 or more

Amount is fully tax-deductible.

Help save our venue and be forever immortalized with your name on a booth at the West Bank Cafe.  We will display a plaque at your booth thanking you (or a namesake) for your generosity in keeping these venues thriving!  

Includes 4 Gala Tickets

Co-Sponsor + Booth/Table Naming

Donate $10,000.00 or more

Amount is fully tax-deductible.

Help save our venue and be forever immortalized with a booth (or table) of your choice at the West Bank Cafe.  We will display a plaque at your booth thanking you (or a namesake) for your generosity in keeping these venues thriving!  

Includes 4 Gala Tickets

Fully Claimed!

Individual Ticket

Join us at our gala fundraiser to save and revitalize the historic West Bank Cafe and Laurie Beechman Theatre.