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Highlands Today

Highlands Little Theatre Sponsorships Available

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Special to Highlands Today

Published: August 18, 2008

SEBRING - Highlands Little Theatre Inc. (HLT), a not-for-profit organization, is seeking community-minded businesses/organizations to sponsor productions during the upcoming 2008 - 2009 season featuring "Beauty and the Beast," "Don't Drink the Water," "Thoroughly Modern Millie," "Shakespeare in Hollywood" and "Smokey Joe's Cafe."

Sponsors have the opportunity to put their information in front of up to 2,400 people who may not otherwise be aware of the business's products or services, as each production is performed at least 11 times to a maximum audience of 200 each time. Depending on the level of sponsorship, the sponsoring company's name will appear in several media outlets (HLT Web site and membership newsletter, newspaper, press releases, lobby placards, programs, announcements prior to each sponsored show), as well as tickets to the sponsored production. The company also is able to position itself as s supporter of local performing arts.

HLT relies on the support of sponsoring businesses to offset the cost of production, as some shows have royalty costs alone of $5,000 and higher. Those costs do not include marketing, set construction supplies, props, etc. Ticket sales only account for two-thirds of the cost of production. To avoid raising ticket prices or lowering production standards, the difference must come from caring corporate sponsors or individual donors.

HLT now offers four levels of sponsorship:

•Bronze ($1,000-$2,499) - Two dinner theater tickets for opening night and a listing under special acknowledgements in the production program.

•Silver ($2,500-$4,999) - Includes the media outlets mentioned above plus four dinner theater tickets for opening night.

•Gold ($5,000-$9,999) - Includes the media outlets mentioned above, plus a link to the sponsor's Web site from Highlands Little Theatre's Web site, eight dinner theater tickets for opening night, and two complimentary tickets to the annual Zenon Awards Show.

•Platinum ($10,000+) - Receives top sponsorship billing, all the perks of the Gold sponsorship, including the media outlets, two additional opening night tickets (10 total), plus a private house performance for 195 friends, family, business associates and potential clients.

Sharing sponsors will be carefully designated to ensure synergy of all the companies, such as pairing a real estate company with a title company. We will not pair co-sponsors who are direct competitors with one another.

•Other support and advertising opportunities include program ads (over 10,000/year with various ad sizes available) and Direct Mail Underwriter (postcards sent to over 2,000 households of previous ticket holders. Underwriter's name or logo added for $750 per mailing.)

•One of the newest additions to Highlands Little Theatre is the Youth Theatre group. With two productions under its belts, this troupe has big plans, and a $500 sponsorship will go a long way in helping it achieve its goals. Youth Theatre sponsors will be listed in any advertising and programs for youth productions.

Separate from the main stage productions, special events usually occur two or three times a year to raise funds for anything from building improvements to new stage equipment. This $750 sponsorship will include the company name or logo in all advertising, and that show's program.

Contact Vanessa Logsdon at 863-385-2175 for more information.

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