Hi!
In addition to teaching and directing plays, I am also the Director of Development at our independent school. The school currently has a Corporate Partner program, so we cannot offer advertising benefits outside of that for our productions, but drawing from that program, here's what would dovetail nicely into a theatre sponsorship:
- Program ads
- Social Media shout outs
- signage in the theatre or lobby (we have a banner on a stand that with the logos of all the partners, as well as separate signs on the athletic fields)
- event tickets/ VIP seating (front row, goody bags, cast meet and greet)
- opening night "red carpet" event
- logo on the show t-shirt
- opportunities to sponsor specific aspects of the production or season ( the show shirt, the program printing, a whole production in your season, materials or rental fees for sets or costumes)
Also think about which businesses in your parent or wider community might be able to offer an in-kind donation for those programs, the t-shirts, a restaurant for a cast party or meals during tech, goodies for concessions, lighting or sound upgrades, in exchange for these benefits. Many small businesses don't have cash, but have goods and services they may be willing to donate.
And don't disregard larger companies in your area, even if you have no connection. Many times corporations can write off this kind of marketing and it makes them feel philanthropic.
I am happy to help you brainstorm more ideas or think about how this might be structured. Hope that is helpful!
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Elana Kepner
Theatre Instructor
The Oakwood School
Greenville NC
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