The Michigan Musical Theatre Ambassador Endowment Fund (MMTAEF) was created to provide an ongoing source of financial support to help develop new opportunities that will enhance the educational experience of each University of Michigan Musical Theatre Student.

When Brent Wagner, the first chair of the University of Michigan Department of Musical Theatre, announced his pending retirement in 2016, a group of alumni came together to honor him and the incredible department he built.

The formation of this endowment enables all Musical Theatre Alums, as well as their friends, family members, and fellow education supporters, to become "Ambassadors" to one of the world's premiere musical theatre training programs.  By supporting the MMTAEF, these Ambassadors will help the Department stay ever-relevant as it continues to create the great artist citizens of tomorrow.

Our initial fundraising goal of $500,000 will allow us to establish a sustainable, ongoing flow of financial support for a number of initiatives that will directly benefit the Department.

The MMTAEF’s inaugural endeavor will be to create the Brent Wagner Speaker Series, an annual series that will bring the industry’s top talent, contributors and influencers directly to campus to teach and present master classes for the students. Speakers under consideration for this annual event include creative and production team members from such Broadway shows as HAMILTON, WICKED, THE BOOK OF MORMON, HAIRSPRAY, and URINETOWN, to name a few.  The Speaker Series will protect Brent’s legacy of instilling an appreciation for the study of musical theatre history, while simultaneously providing direct access to those brilliant minds within the industry that are currently shaping the future of the art form.

The funds generated by the MMTAEF will also go to support other MT departmental needs including production resources, facility expansion, curriculum development, faculty continuing education, and enrichment and advancement of technological capabilities. 

DONATE ONLINE

Donating online is easy.   CLICK HERE, follow the directions, and your gift will be earmarked specifically for the Michigan Musical Theatre Ambassador Endowment Fund. 

DONATIONS BY CHECK

Gifts by check should be made payable to the University of Michigan, with "Musical Theatre Ambassador Endowment Fund" referenced on the memo line, and mailed to:

U-M School of Music, Theatre & Dance
Office of Development and External Relations
Stearns Building
2005 Baits Drive
Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2075

PAYMENT PLANS

There are two easy ways to set up a payment plan.

Pledges of Less Than  $1,000
If you are pledging less than $1,000 and donating online, you will have an opportunity to set up a monthly pledge payment plan. Simply CLICK HERE, enter the amount of your pledge, and then on the next page you will see options to set up your monthly pledge plan. 

Pledges of $1,000 Or More
If you are interested in making a multi-year pledge, of up to five years, for $1,000 or more, please contact Maureen Schafer in the University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance Office of Development & External Relations by calling 734-764-4453 or emailing schafema@umich.edu to discuss your giving options and receive a sample gift letter.

TAX DEDUCTIBILITY

All or part of your gift may be tax deductible as a charitable contribution. Please consult your tax advisor for specific advice into your tax deductions. The University of Michigan has 501(c)(3) non-profit tax exempt status; its federal tax ID number is 38-6006309. The University shall issue its gift receipt in accordance with federal tax regulations and University policies. 

CORPORATE MATCHING

You can increase your gift by making use of your company's matching gift program. If your company is eligible, request a matching gift form from your employer and follow the directions they provide. The impact of your gift may be doubled or possibly tripled! Some companies match gifts made by retirees and/or spouses.

Questions regarding matching gifts should be directed to the Gift and Records Administration by calling 734-647-6179 or emailing umgift@umich.edu.

If you have additional questions about giving to the Michigan Musical Theatre Ambassador Endowment Fund, please contact Maureen Schafer in the University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance Office of Development & External Relations by calling 734-764-4453 or emailing schafema@umich.edu.