Duke Ellington School of the Arts is heading to Martha’s Vineyard! 

Be part of an extraordinary, invitation-only weekend where art, legacy, and impact collide. With a minimum donation of $2,500, you'll secure exclusive access to a powerful lineup of events celebrating storytelling, culture, and community — featuring the premiere screening of Dave Chappelle’s unreleased independent documentary, Dave Chappelle: Live In Real Life.

✨ The experience includes:

• An intimate talk back with Dave Chappelle following the screening

• Special access to a series of curated events for donors and sponsors

• The opportunity to connect with a visionary network of changemakers advancing the arts

🗓️ A limited number of individual tickets for the film screening will be released on August 6 — don’t miss your chance to be part of something unforgettable.

By attending, you're not just witnessing art — you're investing in the future. Proceeds will benefit the Donal Leace Endowment for the Theatre Department at Duke Ellington School of the Arts and provide vital resources for the school's Cinematic Arts & Media Production (CAMP) Department, empowering the next generation of storytellers.

🎟️ Reserve your place today — space is limited. Shape the future. Honor the past. Celebrate the power of art.

Schedule of Events

Thursday, August 7 |   CLOSED - FULL TO CAPACITY
Friends of Ellington Reception with Dave Chappelle and Lamman Rucker
(Exclusive to sponsors contributing $2,500 or more  - space is limited )
Begin your weekend with an intimate gathering that brings together the extended Ellington family—alumni, supporters, and champions of arts education. Join Chappelle and Rucker as they share personal stories about how their DESA education shaped their careers and fueled their success.

Friday, August 8 |  2:30pm to 5pm 
Film Premiere w/ Remarks by Dave Chappelle
Dave Chappelle's Pilot Boy Productions presents a special screening of its unreleased documentary, "Dave Chappelle: Live In Real Life." The independent film is produced by Chappelle and produced and directed by Oscar and Emmy-winning filmmakers Julia Reichert and Steven Bognar (American Factory). 

Fueled by the murder of George Floyd, shut in by the closures of businesses due to the pandemic, and unable to perform around the country, the movie follows Chappelle as he provides the community he calls home with two things desperately needed in difficult times—economic and comic relief. What began as an experimental socially distanced live comedy show in a neighbor's cornfield grew into an unforgettable summer with his neighbors, friends, and fellow comedians. Ultimately, Chappelle’s cornfield concerts would serve as a model of courage not just for his community, but for the entire live entertainment industry.

LIMITED 100 TICKET SPECIAL - ACT NOW!!! PACKAGE AVAILABLE FOR $275.00

ONCE TICKETS SELL OUT - INDIVIDUAL TICKETS ONLY WILL BE AVAILABLE

Individual Screening Tickets: $150.00 & Individual Afterparty Tickets: $125.00 = $275.00

 Attend Screening, Afterparty and the DESA Student Film Screening at The Strand Theatre on Saturday August 9, 2025

Saturday, August 9 | 11am-2pm  | Duke Ellington School of the Arts Student Film Screening
Lights, Camera, Legacy!
Join us for an afternoon where young visionaries become tomorrow's storytellers. Our talented CAMP students are ready to captivate you with their bold, original films that pulse with raw creativity and authentic voices. These aren't just student projects—they're glimpses into the future of cinema, crafted by the next generation of cultural heritage guardians who understand that every frame matters, every story counts, and every voice deserves to be heard.

Sponsor and Donor  Information

⚠️ These events are prioritized for sponsors and donors, with a minimum $2,500 donation. Reserve your spot today.

SPONSORSHIP LEVELS

 The Dreamer—$50,000— For visionaries who understand that legends are made, not born.  Contributors at this level will become founding members of the Donal Leace Theatre Endowment Fund.

• Twenty (20) VIP tickets to the Aug. 8th screening of Dave Chappelle's documentary, "Live In Real Life," and a special DESA Student Film Screening on Aug. 9th at the Strand Theatre.
• Meet and greet and photo op with Dave Chappelle and Lamman Rucker.
• Sponsor name and logo on Donal Leace Endowment plaque on display in Theater of Artistic Freedom and Expression—the theater featured in Dave Chappelle's Netflix special, "What's In A Name?"
• On-stage recognition and acknowledgement as an endowment funder at reception and screening events.
• Sponsor name and/or logo on signage at each DESA event.
• Sponsor name and/or logo on school website in reference to endowment
• Sponsor name and/or logo prominently featured in recap video to share on social media.
• Name and/or logo on souvenir merchandise

Sir Duke—$25,000—For those who know that excellence deserves excellence. Contributors at this level become instrumental in creating the modernization of the CAMP editing suite.

• Ten (10) VIP tickets to the Aug. 8th screening of Dave Chappelle's documentary, "Live In Real Life," and a special DESA Student Film Screening on Aug. 9th at the Strand Theatre.
• Meet and greet and photo op with Dave Chappelle and Lamman Rucker.
• Sponsor name and logo on plaque on display in the upgraded editing suite. 
• On-stage recognition and acknowledgement as endowment founder at reception and screening events.
• Sponsor name on signage at each DESA event.
• Sponsor name and/or logo on school website.

• Sponsor name and/or logo prominently featured in recap video to share on social media.

Cafritz Circle—$10,000—For supporters who believe in the power of artistic education

• Six (6) VIP tickets to the Aug. 8th screening of Dave Chappelle's documentary, "Live In Real Life" and a special DESA Student Film Screening on Aug. 9th at the Strand Theatre.
• Sponsor name on signage at each DESA event.

• Sponsor name and/or logo prominently featured in recap video to share on social media.

Malone Express—$5,000—For champions ready to accelerate young talent

• Four (4) VIP tickets to the Aug. 8th screening of Dave Chappelle's documentary, "In Real Life," and a special DESA Student Film Screening on Aug. 9th at the Strand Theatre.
• Donor name on signage at each DESA event.

• Donor name and/or logo included in recap video to share on social media.

A-Train - $ 2,500 - Your first-class ticket to making a difference

• Two (2) VIP tickets to the Aug. 8th screening of Dave Chappelle's documentary, "In Real Life," and a special DESA Student Film Screening on Aug. 9th at the Strand Theatre.
• Donor name on signage at each DESA event.

• Donor name included in recap video to share on social media.

Can't Join Us On the Island?
Your support still matters immensely. Make a donation or pledge your commitment to the next 50 years of artistic excellence. Every contribution writes another chapter in the Duke Ellington legacy.

Let's talk: vmartin@ellingtonarts.org | development@ellingtonarts.org

#SupportDESA. #MVAAFF #ArtsEducation #FutureArtists