Dad’s Garage launches Kickstarter campaign to close on new home

After being forced out by the good ‘ol mixed-use development craze taking over Atlanta, Dad’s Garage Theatre Company could be on their way to securing their new home. Last week, the 19-year-old theater company which draws some 32,000 people a year with their unfiltered brand of improv and scripted works, launched a Kickstarter campaign with a goal of raising $116,000 from the public. Back in July, Dad’s Garage announced that they were under contract for a permanent space, a church at 569 Ezzard St., in Old Fourth Ward. Dubbed, “Help Build the House of Dad’s!,” the campaign is looking for fans and local supporters to raise about $100,000 (after Kickstarter expenses) over the next two months in hopes that Dad’s Garage can close on the property this December.

“We’re not an organization with deep pockets,” Artistic Director Kevin Gillese says in the campaign video. “We appeal to younger demographics and regular people like you who can’t really afford to write a million dollar check, so we’re really going to have to pass the plate and have everyone chip in what they can.”

In what Gillese calls “the most important turning point in our history,” the remaining funds are set to come from bank financing, corporate sponsors, private donors, community leaders, and foundation support. Overall, Dad’s Garage needs to come up with a little over $2 million in hand by Dec. 1, in order to close on the property.

Donation benefits include the basic rewards of tickets to shows and music downloads, but to step things up a notch, the rewards for bigger donors include naming a toilet in the new building after your mortal enemy, and, according to a release, “tattooing whatever you like on an ensemble member’s tookus.”

There are also plans for spreading the word about the 60-day campaign stretch including a pizza night at Ammazza and karaoke night at Sister Louisa’s Church.” For more info (and hilarity) or to donate, visit the Dad’s Garage Kickstarter here.