McCallum Theatre’s Premier Women’s
Support Organization
The Desert’s premier women’s support organization, committed to arts education, volunteerism and financial patronage for over 35 years. Founded in 1988 by a group of notable, civic-minded women including Leonore Annenberg, Betty Ford and Dolores Hope, The Muses & Patroness Circle is dedicated to supporting the programs of McCallum Theatre Education through their personal membership gifts, passionate fundraising and advocacy for arts education.
The Muses & Patroness Circle is comprised of talented women who share a passion for the performing arts as well as arts education for young people. Through these common bonds, they develop and nurture life-long friendships, while ensuring that thousands of schoolchildren, educators and families are served annually.
As a result of their leadership, they raise hundreds of thousands of dollars for arts education through the Muses Annual Fundraiser. To date, their philanthropy totals over $11 million.
Mission Statement
The Members of The Muses & Patroness Circle shall provide support for the McCallum Theatre so that it can attain its highest potential in providing enrichment, entertainment and education for the community. All monies from fundraising activities and dues go directly to McCallum Theatre Education Department.
Benefits included at all membership levels
- Season Opening Party
- Advance notice of various Theatre events
- Advanced ticket buying during the annual Member Appreciation Week
- The Pink Book membership roster of The Muses & Patroness Circle
- Subscription to the “Muse News” newsletter
- Invitations to events throughout the season
- Opportunity to join social clubs
- Opportunity to join committees
$2,500 — Patroness Silver Membership
Includes all membership benefits detailed in the benefits list above and the Patroness Circle & Patroness Silver Holiday event plus an exclusive Patroness Silver event. $2,000 is tax deductible
$1,000 — Patroness Circle Membership
Includes all membership benefits detailed in the benefits list above plus the Patroness Circle & Patroness Silver Holiday event. $800 is tax deductible
$300 — Muses Membership
Includes all the benefits detailed in the benefits list above. $225 is tax deductible
Membership gifts count toward life-time giving to the McCallum Theatre, thus qualifying for Founders Circle and Benefactors Circle recognition. Your annual membership also counts towards McCallum’s Leadership Circle Program – cumulative donations totaling $25,000 or more in a single fiscal year (August 1-July 31).
Social Clubs
Book Club
The Muses Book Club meets monthly in McCallum’s Founders Room to discuss a book the group has chosen to read. The diverse selections range from genre to literary to nonfiction.
Stitch Wits
The Muses Stitch Wits is a stitching circle that meets at club members’ homes. Members come with their knitting, stitching, and other related projects. They meet to continue or start their needle work together and have lively conversations while doing so!
Drama Queens
The Muses Drama Queens is a movie-going club. The group attends movies at cinemas around the Valley together, then meet up for lunch afterward for lively discussion.
Pink pARTners
The Muses Pink pARTners is a club focused on creating social and networking opportunities for women with busy lives, who also share a purpose to partner children with the arts at the McCallum.