How To Land A Sponsorship To Fund Your Next Theater Event

Whether your next theater event is a play, an opera, a musical, a comedy show, an inspirational speaker, a music concert, or something else, you may find that you are in need of sponsorship in order to make things possible. Event sponsors can help to support the arts by covering fees associated with putting on arts events. Sponsorship dues might help to cover theater space rent, advertising, costumes, staff, and other important associated costs.

Tip No 1: Make It Well Known That You Are Looking for Sponsors

Cast a wide net in your community. Be sure to let people know early and often that your theater is in need of sponsorship for an upcoming event. You may want to create a press release and distribute it to local news outlets like newspapers, radio stations, and local tv networks.

Tip No 2: Personally Ask Businesses and Individuals to Sponsor the Event

Remember, the worst thing that can happen when asking an individual or business to become a sponsor for your theater event is that they would say no. Be fearless in the face of rejection as you await yes answers. If there is a specific individual or business with whom you would love to connect, you should specifically contact them and request sponsorship.

Tip No 3: Throw Fundraising Events

Fundraising events can help you to collect extra funds for your upcoming theater event. At your fundraiser events, you will meet people who are already willing to show support. While mingling and thanking people for their attendance, you can also share information about sponsorship with the attendees.

Cupcakes and cookies.

Tip No 4: Attend Networking Mixers

If you are unable to throw your own mini-events prior to the main theater event for which you require sponsorship, then you can utilize other networking mixers to your benefit. Have a professional and personable representative from your theater organization attend networking events and connect with local art enthusiasts and business owners.

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Tip No 5: Demonstrate the Value of the Sponsorship

The goal of sponsorship is to make it easier and less costly for your theater to put on high-quality shows. Potential sponsors need to understand exactly where their money will be going before they are able to make any donations. Let them know what specifically will be funded by sponsorship – for example, new lighting equipment, the printing of play programs, or costuming. You should also demonstrate the benefit of your theater to the sponsor. Let them know how you will promote their business as a part of the sponsorship. Commonly, this is done by mentioning them on programs where play attendees will see the names of local individuals and businesses with who they may choose to connect in the future. If sponsored by a restaurant or other food and drink venture, you may choose to allow vending at intermission.

Landing a sponsorship for an upcoming theater event can be a challenge. Some of the best theaters in the world have learned to handle the area of sponsorship with finesse and professionalism in order to properly fund extravagant productions. By following some tips and advice from those who have been there before, however, the process of seeking theater sponsors can become just a little bit easier. These tips can provide a good start for anyone looking into theater sponsorship.

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