The Great 2026 Season Showdown
At West Valley Arts, we’ve always believed that great theatre should be a conversation with our community. So for our 2026 season, we’re taking that idea one step further—and inviting you to vote with your wallet.
Yes, really.
This summer, we’re launching something a little bold, a little chaotic, and entirely us: The Great 2026 Season Showdown—a democracy-themed fundraiser where you decide what goes on our stage next year.
Here’s how it works:
We’ve chosen four shows that tend to show up everywhere—those crowd favorites that either make you light up with nostalgic joy… or quietly roll your eyes. And instead of deciding behind closed doors whether we join the crowd or break away, we’re handing the choice to you.
You can vote YES for a show by donating at its "yes" price, or you can vote NO and pay to spare the community from another round of technicolor dream sequences, barn-raisings, or roller-skating muses. Every donation is a ballot, and you can vote as many times—and for as many shows—as you like.
When the fundraiser ends, the votes will be tallied and The People’s Choice will be announced as part of our 2026 season.
We know—it’s a little absurd. But it’s also a little wonderful. And at a time when arts organizations everywhere (including us) are navigating tough financial terrain, it’s a joyful, collaborative way to raise support while genuinely listening to our community.
Your vote—yes or no—helps us do what we do best: create professional-quality, affordable theatre that’s accessible to everyone on the West Side and beyond. Whether you vote to bring back an old favorite or put one to rest forever, your gift supports our mission, our artists, and the future of West Valley Arts.
So… are you ready to vote?
Explore the ballot and cast your vote here.
We can’t wait to see what you choose.
With gratitude and curiosity,
Kate Rufener
Board President, West Valley Arts Foundation
Want to support bold, community-powered theatre? Here’s how to make a difference (without even memorizing lines):
Cast your vote (ahem… donation).
Buy a ticket to an upcoming show.
Share the chaos—I mean, campaign—with your fellow theatre lovers.
It’s that easy. Oh, and don’t forget to click here: www.wvcarts.org/donate
Because groundbreaking theatre doesn’t need chandeliers or Broadway budgets—it just needs people who believe in the power of a good story (and maybe a little drama).
