We’re Three Quarters Through Next Act Theatre’s Next Big Thing Campaign

By Tawnie Thompson, Development Manager

Starting on July 1, 2025, with the support of long-time patrons Val and Gary Zamecnik, Next Act launched our Next Big Thing Matching Campaign! Val and Gary Zamecnik have generously offered to match donations to Next Act up to $50,000.

We’re excited to report that as of September 3, we’re already past the 75-percent marker of our $50,000 goal! With the help of more than fifty incredible donors (listed below), we are well on our way to finishing the campaign in half the time.

The funding will support the renovation of our rehearsal hall, which will be renamed the Val and Gary Zamecnik Studio. The floors will be replaced, a new ceiling lighting grid will be installed and a variety of other updates will be made to support our rehearsal processes, First Rehearsal Celebrations, Next Actors: Summer Theatre for Teens Program and the many community partners who share our space.

The Zamecniks’ match also allows for the acquisition of a new, modern lighting board and other equipment upgrades so that we can continue producing the intimate, thought-provoking work that you love to see on our stage. Plus, the funds you contribute will go directly to making our 2025-26 productions possible!

With just under $12,000 left to raise before December 31, every dollar counts! You can bring us closer to our goal with a donation of any size.

Visit nextact.org/donate, call (414) 278-0765 or mail a donation to:

Next Act Theatre
PO Box 394
Milwaukee, WI 53201

to get started!

Thanks to the Generous Support of our Next Big Thing Donors
(Updated September 3, 2025)