JAN NIBJ: Cashless app offers new way for audiences to say 'bravo'

Stage performers and crew members in Idaho are often paid very little, if at all.

A new cashless app allows audience members to tip actors and those behind the scenes directly from their devices.

Laura Little, a household name in the local entertainment scene, created Tiplify.

"It was twofold," Little said Dec. 1, explaining the inspiration for Tiplify.

When she worked in Coeur d'Alene for a variety of theaters, Little said owners begged actors to work for free or less than they were worth.

"We were always in survival mode," Little said. "I felt like I was always doing that and carrying this guilt around."

Little would mention this to her theater colleagues, who said not to worry about it because the actors were doing something they loved.

"But I knew the truth," said Little, who now lives in Charlotte, N.C. and still has close ties to the Northwest. "They give up a lot to entertain people. It’s not just about them doing it because they love it."

The dots began to connect as she saw tipping availability everywhere but in the theater.

"Actors who are giving all this time and energy to shows aren't being tipped," Little said. "I couldn't stop thinking about it."

She remembered a connection she had with Ryan Fisher, an Inland Northwest-based digital strategist, entrepreneur and business owner who has done well in the tech world. Little has known Fisher for 20 years; he married her daughter's best friend.

Little contacted Fisher for insight. The two became the co-founders of Tiplify.

"We came in as partners," Little said. "He has a genius mind."

With Little's theater experience and Fisher's tech background, they developed the app, available at tiplify.io, to support performers in theaters, sports arenas, comedy clubs, concert halls, and more.

"We knew that for this to work, the technology had to disappear," Fisher said. "We built Tiplify to bridge the gap between appreciation and action, removing the barriers of app downloads and sign-ups. Our goal is to ensure that when an audience member feels moved to give, nothing stands in their way — making the support as instant and authentic as the applause itself."

This innovative digital tipping platform gives 100% of gratuities directly to performers. Fisher said it replaces the traditional tip jar with a seamless digital experience.

"Tiplify allows organizations to generate event-specific QR codes," he explained. "Audiences simply scan the code from a program or lobby display to view performer profiles and send tips directly via Venmo, CashApp or PayPal. Tiplify takes 0% of the tips, ensuring artists keep what they earn."

Event data is automatically deleted after the show run ends, prioritizing privacy. Its universal compatibility means it works for Broadway shows, sports teams, stand-up comedy and bands.

Those who wish to use Tiplify can set it up in three steps:

• Create an event: Sign up, choose organization type and create an event, then add performers with their payment links and photos.

• Share QR code: Display the auto-generated QR code in programs, posters or on screens. Audience members will have instant access to performer pages.

• Receive tips: Fans browse performer profiles and directly tip through secure digital payment services.

Pricing begins at $29 per event, or organizations can choose the Plus Plan for $169 per year or the Elite Plan at $499 per year.

Little said she won't be making money off the app.

"We’re just trying to give our gift back to the world for being so kind to me and for opening all these doors through the years," Little said.

The first to try this new digital form of appreciation was Matthews Playhouse in North Carolina during a September production of "Peter and the Starcatcher." Locally, Aspire Community Theatre has used Tiplify during three recent shows.

"As an administrator, I find Tiplify extremely easy to set up and very user friendly," Aspire Artistic Director Trigger Weddle said. 

It's a great tool for Aspire, Weddle said.

"Our actors are not paid; their involvement is completely volunteer," she said. "There are exceptional performers in our area and Tiplify offers a way for audiences to show their appreciation with zero pressure. It's a completely private transaction between an audience member and a performer, and, like any other tip, is given if the audience member is moved to do so. There's also no set amount, so it can be anything a patron is willing or wants to give."

The past two times Aspire used it, actors reported they received tips easily and seamlessly.

"We like to present ourselves as being a little ahead of the curve; so being able to offer this for our performers and audiences in partnership with a legitimate theater producer is cool," Weddle said.

It beats passing around a tip bucket or basket, which Weddle appreciates. Patrons can be specific about where they want their tip to go. If patrons drop money in a bucket, it's divied amongst the cast, Weddle said. This way, it can go directly to whomever they want, in whatever amount they're willing to give. 

"It's a civilized and up-to-date way to recognize the actors in a show," she said.

She said while Little is a Broadway-caliber producer, she's still "local" to North Idaho, "and it's great to support this application she and Ryan have created," Weddle said.

    Tiplify, a new cashless app developed in the Inland Northwest, allows organizations to generate event-specific QR codes. Audience members can scan the code from a program or lobby display to view performer profiles and send tips directly via Venmo, CashApp or PayPal. Tiplify takes 0% of the tips, ensuring artists keep what they earn.