Collier donates $92,587 in matching funds to Hippodrome Theatre

Press release from Hippodrome Theatre
GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Hippodrome Theatre’s Artistic Director Stephanie Lynge and Board of Directors Chair Michael Curry announced today that the Hippodrome received the latest match funding from Nathan and Ani Collier and the Collier Companies. Since 2020, Collier Companies, under the leadership of Nathan and Ani Collier, has donated $204,390.50 to match individual donations through the Hippodrome’s Collier Campaign. So far this year, Collier has donated $92,587.
In 2019, Nathan and Ani Collier partnered with the Hippodrome by encouraging others to donate to the theatre, with the promise that he would match the donations of anyone who joined the 10-Year Collier Challenge and committed to donating to the Hippodrome for ten years. The Collier donation will match dollar-for-dollar all donations from supporters who joined the Collier Challenge and make their annual donation, doubling the impact of their contributions.
“Nonprofit theater can only exist in a community that craves experiences only found in the arts,” said Stephanie Lynge, Hippodrome Artistic Director. “Nathan and Ani have always embodied that commitment, not only to the arts but to the community as well.”
The Hippodrome Theatre’s 51st season delivers a powerful lineup of stories showcasing strength, perseverance, and empowerment, including our first show of the season, which closed this past Sunday, the brilliant, foul-mouthed women trying to save the world in “POTUS: or, Behind Every Great Dumbass Are Seven Women Trying to Keep Him Alive.” Additional upcoming shows include “The Ultimate Christmas Show (ABRIDGED),” “A Christmas Carol,” “Next to Normal,” and “White.” We will announce our summer musical in early spring.
Next up is the Hippodrome Theatre’s annual New Works Festival on October 13 and 14. The festival is a beacon for narrative voices in Florida, nurturing the development of plays in both traditional and experimental forms. This festival serves as a vibrant mosaic, reflecting the rich tapestry of artists in Florida and their compelling stories, which offer a unique perspective on the American experience. The festival champions innovation, embracing audacious and thought-provoking content, formats, and styles. This year’s New Works Festival is being expanded by inviting local playwrights, actors, directors, and designers to participate in a 24-hour Play Project!
Thank you to Nathan and Ani Collier and the Collier Companies for their generous support, without which we would be unable to bring live, professional theatre to Gainesville and Alachua County.