The Theatre and Music Society (TAMS) connects artists with accessible and innovative opportunities in theatre and music. We create spaces for collaboration, education, and performance that go beyond the mainstage.
Through a growing network of local chapters, TAMS empowers communities to develop creative programming that reflects their unique voices. Our mission is to make performance more accessible, inclusive, and community-driven.
Founding support makes it possible for us to launch programs, build infrastructure, and ensure that our work begins with intention and care.
The Need
Across the country, performing arts opportunities are concentrated within formal seasons, established companies, and high-cost productions.
Local audiences, in turn, lose access to the transformative experiences that theatre and music can offer when they are woven into everyday community life.
TAMS addresses these gaps by providing structure, support, and national coordination for local creativity. Each chapter offers programming that is financially accessible, artistically diverse, and rooted in community participation.
Without organizations like TAMS, too many artists remain under-supported, and too many communities lose touch with live performance as an essential form of expression and connection.
The Solution
TAMS operates through a hybrid model — combining national coordination with local autonomy.
- National Support: TAMS National develops frameworks, resources, and funding pathways that help chapters thrive. We provide branding, governance, and fundraising infrastructure that reduce barriers for local organizers.
- Local Impact: Each chapter produces Practice and Performance events that are designed to educate, inspire, and showcase the local performing arts community.
This dual structure keeps programming community-based while ensuring sustainability and professionalism across the network. TAMS chapters don’t compete. They collaborate, share resources, and strengthen the performing arts ecosystem together.
Impact and Outcomes
In its founding phase, TAMS has already proved the power of this model.
- Local artists have participated in accessible, supportive, and low-commitment performance opportunities including table readings and cabarets
- Communities have engaged with inclusive and affordable performances featuring new and veteran performers.
- Partnerships with local organizations, such as the local library and community college, have strengthened our impact and expanded our reach.
Our long-term goals include:
- Formalizing the national model and establishing a second local chapter by 2030.
- Hiring at least one part-time TAMS National staff member
- Growing reserves 25-40% year over year to support additional chapter launches
Ways to Give
TAMS offers multiple ways for supporters to contribute:
Individual Giving:
One-time and recurring donations through the Annual Fund.
Sponsorships:
Partnership opportunities for businesses to underwrite events, artist stipends, and educational initiatives.
Major and Legacy Gifts:
Leadership-level commitments that sustain the organization’s long-term growth and innovation.
In-Kind Support:
Venue space, professional services, or supplies that help chapters launch new programs efficiently.
The Theatre and Music Society is organized exclusively for charitable and educational purposes within the meaning of Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Donations are tax-deductible to the full extent of the law. If you’d like to discuss your giving options, contact Development Chair Justin M. Brauer.
Communities are built through connection and shared experiences. The Theatre and Music Society exists to make that possible. Your support helps ensure that the performing arts remain a shared public good: vibrant, inclusive, and alive in every community.
Together, we can strengthen the cultural fabric of our nation.
Join us. Support TAMS today.