New Theatre group?

Question

Some friends and I are starting a new community theatre and we need help with the buisness side of it. What are good ways to raise money so we can build our own theatre?

Answer 1

Write letters asking businesses to sponsor the arts. Tel them about the programs you want to have in your new theatre and who they will be open to. Have annual seat sponsorship (a small gold plate with the business name on it) for $500 each, have a general donation with a plaque in the foyer that you will put their business name in different catergories depending on the amount they give (Founder's circle for $10k, Gold circle $5k, etc.) or name them what you want. Look at other theatre's websites for ideas. Perhaps you can offer links to their websites as well for that year duration so that it offers incentive to renew their giving :-) Also, make sure you're non-profit so that their donation is tax deductible. That's another great incentive. Maybe offer free tickets, or first shot at season tickets, or some theatres I know of does a preview night reception for certain season ticket holders or certain donors. They have food before the show and at intermission and they get to see the show before anyone else. You may also offer them additional ticket at half price... they love anything that sounds like a perk. Maybe you can offer that same day as show only if tickets are still available.

good luck!

Answer 2

get your non-profit status with the state. apply for government grants. There must be a lawyer or business man in town who is a patron of the arts. Set up a board of directors and get these people on it. Also you might want an achitect on the board. The least expensive theatre to build is an arena theatre. The most expensive is proscenium. when you get a good following for your plays it will be easier to raise money.
Make sure your plays are well produced!`