Twenty years ago, community leaders set out to transform downtown Baton Rouge into a hub of creativity. At the heart of their vision was the Manship Theatre—a performing arts center designed to connect, inspire, and enrich the community.
After all, it’s well-documented that access to the arts is a vital piece of cultivating healthy community and placemaking. Not only does a performing arts space like the Manship Theatre offer a place to gather socially around shared experiences—it also facilitates conversations around new ideas, sparks inspiration, and encourages cultural exchange within a community, as well as between the community and the wider world.
For two decades, the Manship Theatre has delivered on this promise, ensuring that area residents have access to a range of arts programming. For affordable prices, audiences of all ages can see performances of world class live music, theatre, dance, and film onstage at the Manship. And when certain audiences can’t attend shows in person, the Manship brings the arts to them through the Manship on the Move Program, which sends artists into local hospitals, schools, community centers, and assisted living facilities to ensure that the transformative power of the arts reaches everyone.
"Whether it’s a one-time donation or sponsoring a concert—it is all vital to keeping the mission alive, and making sure that we can continue to sustainably offer the quality of performances we aspire to bring to Baton Rouge."
— Jason Langlois, Executive Director of Manship Theatre
“It’s just so important that our city is able to offer live performances, to bring these shows to Baton Rouge audiences,” said the Manship Theatre’s Executive Director Jason Langlois. “But it can be tough. We are a small venue, and a small organization, but because of the quality of performances that we want to bring to our stages and the resources required, our needs are just as big as some much larger venues, from a funding standpoint.”

Through the nonprofit's various donation, membership, and sponsorship opportunities, there are many ways to support the Manship Theatre.
How To Help
There are many ways to help champion the Manship’s programming and be part of creating a better Baton Rouge. “Whether it’s a one-time donation or sponsoring a concert—it is all vital to keeping the mission alive, and making sure that we can continue to sustainably offer the quality of performances we aspire to bring to Baton Rouge,” said Langlois.
The Manship Theatre is a nonprofit organization, and all donations are tax-deductible.
Donate: One-time donors of any amount are an enormous help to the organization and will be recognized (unless the donation is made with a request to remain anonymous) in program listings, with a dedication if requested.
Become an Annual Member: One of the best ways to support is to become an annual Manship member, with tiers ranging from the $30/per year Film Club (which comes with free popcorn and film discounts) to $12,500 Diamond Sponsorships (gets you premium advanced access to event tickets, reserved seating, a ticket concierge, and entry to the exclusive member’s lounge before shows), and everything in between.
Sponsor a Performance: Align your name or business with a specific world-class performance while supporting the arts in Baton Rouge. The team at the Manship will work with you to create personalized branded VIP experiences such as meet and greets, receptions, or shout outs from the stage.
Attend the 20th Anniversary Red Carpet Gala: If you want to give with some glamour, don’t miss the opportunity to take part in the Manship’s only annual fundraiser. Taking place on March 15, it promises to be a night to remember, featuring performances by internationally-acclaimed Italian classical singer Matteo Bocelli.

Proceeds from Manship Theatre's annual fundraiser gala benefits local schools and nursing homes.
Learn more about giving opportunities at manshiptheatre.org/support. If you are interested in being a gala sponsor, contact Jason Langlois at jlanglois@manshiptheatre.org or (225) 389-7266.