Pilobolus has been telling stories with the human form for over 55 years. Through dance theatre performances and educational programming, we show diverse communities and organizations how to create, collaborate, and find joy and well-being through the power of movement. And we do it all from Washington, Connecticut.
From April 21 at 7AM to April 22 at 7PM, you can help us raise $25k to cover rising transportation costs and keep Pilobolus moving during Give Local Greater Waterbury and Litchfield Hills 2026, hosted by Connecticut Community Foundation and presenting sponsor Ion Bank Foundation. Donating during this dynamic 36-hour online giving campaign supports Pilobolus and helps us secure bonus dollars for contributions made within the Give Local timeframe and during contest windows!
WHY WE NEED YOUR HELP THIS YEAR
From Litchfield County and the Greater Waterbury area to communities across the country and around the world, transportation expenses directly impact our ability to reach audiences and deliver educational programs—especially here in Connecticut. With your support, Pilobolus can continue to bring communities on a journey through inspiring, transformative experiences, from the stage to the classroom and beyond.
Our movement has never been confined to the stage.
Each year, Pilobolus travels between 10–20k miles, which accounts for 12% of our programmatic operating costs. It’s an essential part of our budget that impacts those we serve both locally and globally.
In the first half of FY 25/26 alone, we have already traveled 10,494 miles, including 7,251 tour miles and 3,243 education miles. Notably, 32% of those miles (1,020 miles) were traveled to serve students within Litchfield County and the Greater Waterbury area. These miles encompass our movements from Washington, CT, to domestic tour stops, special events, workshops, and classes.
Our teaching artists bring educational programs to schools, athletic facilities, senior centers, and community organizations. We bring our performers and production materials to theatres, schools, parks, museums, and more for in-school shows, cabarets, special events, and theatrical performances. Expenses include fuel, upkeep of our company van, automobile rentals, freight transport, public transit fares, and airline tickets.
Now, rising costs—including increased airfare and higher prices at the pump—are adding new hurdles to keeping our work in motion. Connecticut gas prices have risen approximately 34% year-over-year ($3.05 to $4.08 per gallon). Airfare costs alone are outpacing last year's spend by 26%. Overall, our domestic travel expenses are significantly outpacing last year's spend by 48%, having already reached 74% of our total FY25 costs by mid-year.
WHAT ARE WE TRANSPORTING?
- Dancers, crew, teaching artists, and directors
- Freight, including lighting, props, and costumes
WHAT TRANSPORTATION COSTS DO WE INCUR?
- Airfare, including baggage fees
- Vehicle rental fees, including truck rental (production freight) and vans/cars (humans!)
- Public transit fare (bus, train, subway)
- Alternate livery, such as hired airport shuttles, Ubers, or taxi, as needed
- Gas for rental vehicles and the company van
- Upkeep for company van
COST INCREASES INCLUDE:
- Increased fuel prices
- Added baggage fees
- Increased rental fees
- Fare increases, including NYC public transit, which we rely on for 3 weeks each summer
- More van upkeep as the vehicle ages
