Washington Center for the Performing Arts

We’re thrilled to once again be part of Give Local, the annual community-wide celebration of generosity organized by the Community Foundation of South Puget Sound! This special event is all about coming together to make a difference — and this year, we’re focusing on making the arts more accessible, welcoming, and joyful for everyone through our brand-new Sensory-Inclusive Initiative.

For families like Jean’s, this work is deeply personal. Jean’s adult son is autistic and non-verbal, but he connects powerfully with the world through music. He lights up with sound, rhythm, and movement — often standing in the back of the theater, taking in the performance in his own way.

“We don’t always sit in our seats,” Jean shares, “but the kindness and flexibility of the Washington Center staff and volunteers make all the difference. Knowing we can be welcomed just as we are means everything.”

Stories like Jean’s inspire us to keep removing barriers and opening doors so everyone can experience the magic of live performance. Through this initiative, we’re working to:

• Create sensory toolkits filled with calming (or stimulating) items to help patrons feel comfortable and focused.
• Offer early-seating accommodations for those who need a little extra time and space to settle in.
• Build a “Plan Your Visit” webpage with videos, photos, and guides so guests know exactly what to expect before they arrive.
• Listen to our community and strengthen partnerships that help us grow in ways that truly serve everyone.

During Give Local, every donation will be boosted by matching funds! That means gifts — big or small — goes even further to help make the arts more inclusive, welcoming, and vibrant for our entire community.

Join us and help launch this important initiative, and sustain all of our arts education work, by donating today.

DID YOU KNOW?

The Washington Center works with over a dozen local arts and community organizations, including Olympia Symphony Orchestra, Masterworks Chorale Ensemble, and Student Orchestras of Greater Olympia, and many more. 

A majority — 54%! — of all tickets and attendance at the Washington Center is for events presented by our artistic and community partners. And it’s no wonder. These high-quality programs have a deep impact on our audiences. Attending arts events increases joy and tolerance, reduces stress, builds community identity, and brings diverse people together. As our Artistic and Community Partners, organizations get:

●    First access to dates on the Washington Center stage. Some organizations schedule two or even three years in advance! This ensures that they won’t get squeezed out by visiting performers.

●    Box office services. We offer our partners a flat, reduced rate on ticket sales services, both at our in-person sales counter and through our 24-7 online sales platform.

●   Marketing services. We promote our partners’ performances and events.

●    Assistance on performance day. Our professional production crew, front of house staff, and volunteers help make their events run smoothly. 

All of this means that our partners get to show up and perform — with fewer logistical headaches. Our artistic partnership program is part of the invisible structure that helps the arts in our community stay strong.