The Challenge
Under the leadership of Artistic Director Barbara Gaines and Executive Director Criss Henderson, Chicago Shakespeare Theater has redefined what a great American Shakespeare theater can be—a company that defies theatrical category.
The Theater planned a major campaign to support artistic enhancement and programming, an expanded endowment, and the construction of a third, highly flexible theater. Located on Chicago's Navy Pier, CST's campaign also aligned with part of the Pier's ambitious plan to become a global destination with world-class entertainment, dining, and educational attractions.
The Process
During the first phase of the campaign, the concept and rendering for the new theater had not yet been finalized, creating a need to think outside the box to message the case and develop tailored solicitation strategies for the earliest and largest supporters.
To overcome this, CST's leadership, development team, and volunteers presented a larger vision that donors could believe in, focusing on the impact of all campaign priorities rather than construction specifics, and found great success leveraging its bold plans and successful track record for innovation and excellence.
Throughout the initiative, our services included a campaign planning study, strategic oversight of fundraising, case development, leadership and major gift solicitation strategy, analytics, advising on staffing, and preparing for the public phase of the campaign.
