DON’T MISS Olivia’s benefit Cabaret details in this post.
Imagine if every person who loves Stagebrush Theatre – every young actor, parent, alum, volunteer, and audience member – had their own little fundraising superpower.
That’s essentially what peer-to-peer fundraising is.
Instead of one organization asking for support, individual people invite their own friends, family, and networks to be part of the mission. It turns a single fundraising voice into dozens – or even hundreds – of voices sharing the story of why something matters.
And when it works well? It’s powerful. Because people don’t just give to organizations.
They give to people they know.
So… What Exactly Is Peer-to-Peer Fundraising?
At its simplest, peer-to-peer fundraising is when supporters create their own mini-fundraisers to benefit an organization they care about.
Think of it like this:
Instead of saying
“Please donate to Stagebrush Theatre (Greasepaint/SCP).”
Someone says:
“Greasepaint Youth Theatre helped (is helping) me find my confidence, my voice, and my community – and I want to give back.”
That personal connection makes all the difference. It transforms fundraising from a request into a story.
And stories are what move people.
Why It Works So Well for Theatre
Community theatre is practically built for peer-to-peer fundraising.
Why?
Because theatre is incredibly personal.
Parents watch their kids step onto the stage for the first time.
Teen actors form friendships that last for years.
Alumni return as directors, choreographers, or mentors.
Volunteers help keep the lights on – literally and figuratively.
It’s a living ecosystem of people who care deeply about the same place.
When those people share their own stories, magic happens.
What Peer-to-Peer Could Look Like at Stagebrush
Once you start thinking about it, the possibilities are endless. Here are just a few fun ideas:
Actor-Led Fundraisers
Actors create small events that benefit the theatre. Examples:
- Cabaret nights
- Musical theatre showcases
- Improv shows
- “Songs That Made Me Who I Am” performances
Each performer invites their network to attend or donate.
Birthday or Milestone Campaigns
Instead of gifts, supporters ask for donations.
“Instead of birthday presents this year, I’m raising $300 for Greasepaint Youth Theatre – the place that helped me grow up on stage – my second home.”
Challenge-Based Fundraising
People love a fun challenge. Ideas could include:
- “24 Hours of Show Tunes” livestream
- A musical theatre karaoke marathon
- Dance-a-thon
- Costume-a-thon
- A “Sing Every Song from Wicked” challenge
Sponsors pledge donations based on participation.
Family Fundraisers
Greasepaint families could rally their own communities. Ideas:
- Neighborhood performances
- Backyard theatre nights
- Holiday caroling groups
- Parent-organized fundraising dinners
Alumni Give-Back Projects
Former Greasepaint actors and SCP performers often want to stay connected. They could organize:
- Alumni cabarets
- Industry panels
- Teaching workshops
- Mentorship performances
Not only do these raise funds, they strengthen the circular community that makes Stagebrush so special.
A Perfect Real-Life Example: Olivia Feldman’s Cabaret
A wonderful example of peer-to-peer fundraising is happening this week on March 8!
Greasepaint performer Olivia Feldman created a special one-night cabaret as part of her National Honor Society service project.
Olivia has been part of the Greasepaint community since she was four years old. Over the years, the theatre helped her build confidence, find her voice, and grow into the artist she is today.
So she decided to give back.
She gathered nine young performers – fellow Greasepaint actors and friends – and created a one-night cabaret celebrating the confidence the arts can build.
Each performer will share a song, monologue, or piece of music that reflects something they love. Between performances, they’ll talk briefly about how theatre has shaped who they are.
The event is Pay What You Can, with all proceeds benefiting Greasepaint Youth Theatre. But we like to say Pay Like It’s on Broadway!
This is peer-to-peer fundraising at its best. So proud of Olivia for making this happen!
One young artist using her creativity, her story, and her community to support the place that helped her grow.
Why This All Matters
Fundraising doesn’t always have to look like formal campaigns or large galas. Sometimes it looks like:
A student organizing a cabaret.
A parent hosting a backyard performance.
An alum teaching a workshop.
A group of actors sharing songs they love.
Like we wrote about before, small efforts ripple outward.
And when a community participates together in peer-to-peer fundraising, those ripples become waves.
The Big Idea
Peer-to-peer fundraising reminds us of something important: Stagebrush Theatre isn’t just a building.
It’s a community.
A place where young artists learn confidence.
Where friendships form.
Where leadership begins long before adulthood.
And when the people who love that space share their stories? They invite the world to be part of it. That’s the real power of peer-to-peer fundraising.
And as Olivia’s cabaret shows…
Sometimes the most meaningful fundraising starts with a single performer stepping forward and saying:
“This place mattered to me. I want to help it thrive.”
Brava, Olivia! Brava!