Sponsorship Opportunities

The Chester Playhouse is a lovely little building located right in the heart of Chester village. Built in 1938, the theatre operated for thirty years as the Keneric movie theatre, then the playhouse held its first live performances in 1963 when Dick and Teka Burwell directed the Chester Jesters in the first of five annual summer productions. In the fall of 1987 the building was purchased by Sir Christopher Ondaatje, and was later donated by him to the Chester Theatre Council Society. Since that time a series of renovations have greatly enhanced the building to include a backstage and greenroom, a new reception space called the Ondaatje Room, expanded office space and most recently a new entry lobby, box office and washroom facilities. Our facility has become more than just a rural theatre, but a year round cultural centre that offers enhanced opportunities for our corporate affiliates.

Funds raised through sponsorship for a cultural centre such as ours generally have a direct impact on the quality of performances year round and during our summer festival. This year for instance, we will produce four main stage plays during our Summer Theatre Festival, as well as the annual Chester Theatre summer school production, the Playhouse Gala, The Chester Film Festival and our Spring and Fall Music Series.

When an affiliate decides to sponsor our program at the Playhouse, we try to give as much exposure to the company as possible and provide certain benefits to the employees who wish to support our endeavors.
The direct benefits are:

• Year round promotion of the company logo on our web site, on our posters, on promotional brochures and in the theatre festival program
• Recognition of sponsors at the champagne gala event held each summer.
• Public recognition of company sponsors prior to each performance.
• Direct links to your company web page on our internet site.
• By arrangement before a specific performance, a group reception in the Ondaatje Room and reserved tickets for the play.
• Discounted tickets for company employees
• Discounted rental rates for use of the Ondaatje Room
• Invitations to participate in cultural workshops and exhibitions
• Receipts will be issued for the full amount of the sponsorship.

On the administrative level, the Chester Playhouse has never been stronger. Since taking over as General Manager in 2004 the revenues have increased almost 40%. We have had a small surplus every year through diversified revenue sources and we have built solid fundraising models. As a result, the CTC has no mortgage, and has established modest reserves to support building maintenance and cash flow needs. The Board of Directors is in the process of establishing an endowment fund to secure the future financial stability of The Playhouse and the Board has worked diligently to complete the many governance requirements resulting from our participation in the Sustainability Program of the NS Foundation for Heritage and the Arts. The Theater has been successful in attaining continuous Financial Operating Status from the Province of Nova Scotia, as well as a series of project grants from the province, The Canada Council and Canadian Heritage.
Thank you for taking the time to consider a corporate sponsorship of the Chester Playhouse. Your support is essential for the presentation of quality performances and the development of the arts within our community. If there is any other activity that we can supply in order to help promote this association, and increase your exposure, please let us know.

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