Arts at Avila Membership & Dinner Theatre 2026!
Support the Arts at Avila
The Arts at Avila membership program provides members of the community an opportunity to experience great art through a variety of performances and exhibits, and an opportunity to support the programs and students that inspire them.
Dinner Theatre: A Homecoming Tradition
Friday, October 16, 2026 | Goppert Performing Arts Center
An Avila Homecoming Tradition
For more than 30 years, Dinner Theatre has been a centerpiece of Homecoming at Avila. Join alumni, friends, faculty, students, and members of the Avila community for a special evening celebrating the arts, beginning with cocktails in the Thornhill Gallery, followed by dinner in Goppert and an evening of theatre.
This year, your Dinner Theatre reservation includes the Alumni & Friends of the Arts Cocktail Reception, dinner, and admission to Avila Theatre’s production of The Cottage.
Your Evening
ALUMNI & FRIENDS OF THE ARTS COCKTAIL RECEPTION
4:30 p.m. | Thornhill Gallery, Dallavis Hall
DINNER THEATRE
6:00 p.m. | Goppert Performing Arts Center
THE COTTAGE
7:30 p.m. | Goppert Theatre
Dinner Theatre Reservations
Individual: $40
Includes the 4:30 p.m. Cocktail Reception, buffet dinner, and ticket to The Cottage.
Table of Eight: $320
Host a table for friends, family, alumni, colleagues, prospective students, donors, or community partners. Includes the Cocktail Reception, buffet dinner, and performance admission for all eight guests.
Performance-Only Tickets
Already have dinner plans? Performance-only tickets for the 7:30 p.m. performance of The Cottage are also available:
- Regular: $10
- Seniors: $8
- Non-Avila Students: $8
- Avila Students: FREE
Admission to The Cottage is included with all Dinner Theatre reservations.
Arts at Avila Membership
Friends of the Arts – $100
Sponsor of the Arts – $300
Patron of the Arts – $500
*Learn more about this endowment here.
Goppert Performing Arts Center has 4 main stage theatre performances annually, performances in the Black Box Theatre and seasonal choral performances for members to enjoy. Thornhill Gallery has 4 seasonal shows featuring different artists and themes. The spring exhibit is completely student focused and shows off the talents of our amazing artists on campus as they prepare to enter the world.
All Arts at Avila members will enjoy 2 complimentary tickets to all theatre shows, gallery exhibits, and opening night receptions. Members will also be noted in theatre and gallery publications and will be listed in the online donor listing on the Arts at Avila website.
Are you an Avila Faculty or Staff member interested in becoming an Arts at Avila Member? Contact us here or call at 816-501-3602 to learn about our special sponsorship rates.
Laureate Circle of Arts
These donors have generously supported the arts at Avila University with cumulative giving in excess of $50,000 over their lifetime, specifically in support of arts facilities and art programs at the University. We are immensely grateful for their contributions.
Mrs. Jean M. ’76, ’18 & Mr. William M. ’18 Buchanan
Constance M. Cooper Charitable Foundation
Roderick J. & Jo Anne Cyr Foundation
Mr. Joseph T. ’16 & Mrs. Susan Fahey
Mr. David W. ’76 & Mrs. Geri Frantze
Vita Goppert Charitable Trust
Arvin Gottlieb Charitable Foundation
William T. Kemper Foundation
The J.E. and L.E. Mabee Foundation, Inc.
Oppenstein Brothers Foundation
Victor E. & Caroline E. Schutte Foundation
Victor E. Speas Foundation
The Richard J. Stern Foundation for the Arts
The Sunderland Foundation
Mr. James & Dr. Sue King Willcox ’79
Mr. Edward & Mrs. Mary Agnes Thornhill and Family
Ms. Jill E. Thornhill, Ms. Margot A. Thornhill, Mr. Mark A. Thornhill, Mr. Thomas Thornhill, Mr. Robert & Mrs. Mary Ellen Dick
2026 & 2027 Arts at Avila Members
Friends
Sr. Marie J Harris, CSJ, PhD
J. Bohnenstiehl
Stana and Christopher Eager
Ms. Lisa A. Gioia ’81
Marcia Pasqualini
Sponsors
Nick and Dr. Amy Milakovic
Ms. Kellie Quesada and Dr. Juan Quesada Olarte
Ms. Christine M. Ojile ’82
Patrons
Dr Andy Jett and Brad Ozias
Suzanne and Jeffrey Myers Ph.D.
Matt & Hillary Harbor
Dr. Lawrence C. & Mrs. Jan Marsh
Mr. Richard and Dr. Charlene Gould, CSJA
Mr. Rob M. Scoles ’88
Benjamin Pascoe
Mary-Elizabeth Hayes
Patrons continued…
KC Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet
Helen Alder, CSJ
Laverne Aufmuth, CSJ
Ann Charles Everett, CSJ
Rosemary Flanigan, CSJ
Helen Flemington, CSJ
Marie Joan Harris, CSJ*
Jeanne Janssen, CSJ*
Mary Frances Johnson, CSJ*
Ann Landers, CSJ
Mary Margaret Lazio, CSJ
Mary Kay Liston, CSJ
Patricia Lorenz, CSJ
Shawn Madigan, CSJ*
Mary McKay, CSJ
Rose McLarney, CSJ
Marilyn Peot, CSJ
Gabrielle Smits, CSJ
Ruth Stuckel, CSJ
Rita Francis Voivedich, CSJ
*Board of Trustees
2026-2027 Theatre Season
Click the play poster for more information and to secure your tickets!
Oct 18 at 2:00 pm
Nov 22 at 2:00 pm
Feb 28 at 2:00 pm
Apr 18 at 2:00 pm
2026-2027 Thornhill Gallery Season
Choral Performances 2026-2027
With several ensembles, there are many ways to experience great choral music. Each presentation is entirely free to the public.
For information on all performance dates and locations, call the Box Office at 816.501.3699