Include APT in Your Estate Planning

the Legacy Society

Classical theatre is thriving at American Players Theatre. One or more magical experiences here encouraged you to consider making a future gift to APT. By making a planned gift, you will enable the organization to inspire and entertain audiences for generations to come.

Patrons who make a planned future gift to APT join a very special group called The Legacy Society. Members are invited to special events and may choose to be acknowledged in our playbill (or remain anonymous).  In all cases, details regarding individual planned gifts will remain strictly confidential.

The most common avenues for making future gifts are:
•    Bequest in a  Will
•    Life Insurance
•    Retirement Plan Assets

Individuals who wish to name American Players Theatre in their estate plans can complete and submit a Legacy Letter of Understanding. This ensures that your name will be listed as a member of the Society in our playbill unless you wish to remain anonymous.

Bequest in a Will

A bequest in your will allows you to support American Players Theatre while retaining complete control of your assets during your lifetime. Bequests can be a specific dollar amount, a percentage of your estate or what remains after other bequests - such as those to family members - are satisfied.  If you already have a will and would like to add a bequest for the benefit of  American Players Theatre, a codicil or amendment consisting of a simple sentence or paragraph may be the most appropriate way to do so.

The savings in estate taxes resulting from a gift to APT can be significant, since bequests earn a full charitable deduction. We accept cash, real estate, appreciated securities and other assets.

See sample language for you and your legal advisor to include in your will here. Also, APT's development staff are available to assist you and your advisors in crafting a bequest that reflects you and your interests.

Life Insurance

Life insurance is one of the easiest ways to create an everlasting charitable gift. You can do this in two ways: First, if the policy premiums are complete, American Players Theatre can be named as beneficiary. Second, if premium payments are needed, you can begin by irrevocably assigning your insurance policy to APT. The Theatre is named beneficiary of the policy. You can make annual tax-deductible contributions to APT to cover the policy's annual premium. When the policy is paid up, you will receive an immediate tax deduction in an amount equal to the policy's cash surrender value.

Retirement Plan Assets

For a growing number of Americans, their largest single asset is their retirement plan assets (as part of an Individual Retirement Account (IRA), 401(k) or 403(b)). However, leaving these assets for your heirs may create unfavorable tax consequences for them. An alternative is to name American Players Theatre as beneficiary of your retirement assets and complete a Legacy Letter of Understanding outlining your desires for its use.

For more information about including APT in your estate plans, contact: Aleta Barmore, Director of Development, at 608-588-7402 ext. 110.

Please Note: This information does not constitute legal or financial advice and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional advice. American Players Theatre encourages you to seek professional, legal, estate planning and financial advice before deciding on a course of action.