Managing Vibrant Theatres with Lower Subsidies

Perhaps the greatest challenge facing Performing Arts Theatres is finding the appropriate balance between the creative goals of the organization and the need for a financially successful business strategy. While “creative expression” and “event excitement” are important components of a Theatre operation, VenueTech recognizes the need to express these elements within the context of fiscal responsibility.

Even in small and mid-sized cities, it is not uncommon for financial subsidies for arts venues to exceed $1 to $2 million. When the economic climate was healthy this was not seen as a significant problem, as the cost of supporting the arts is easily justified as a tool for developing strong communities, enhancing the Read More…

5 Tips for Your Sponsorship Program

VenueTech Sponsorship Rule #1: Quality Sponsorships are relationships. Both parties give and both parties receive.
As with advertising aimed at your patrons, it is essential to target the demographics of potential sponsors.
Don’t give sponsorships away! The level of a sponsorship should have a commensurate relationship to the cost of the event or production. (A sponsor should not be given top billing for a $250 contribution, if the event costs $20,000 to produce.)
Take care of your sponsors. Their assistance is an important factor in making your event a success. It is important to keep your sponsors happy. Follow through with your agreement to include them in your promotional and advertising materials. Be Read More…

Nobody Works for Free!

The “win-win” relationship has almost become a cliché. This is unfortunate because it may be the single most powerful tool available to arts organizations (and other nonprofits). No one chooses to enter into a business or personal relationship that will not support his or her individual needs. The volunteer relationship is no different!

So why will people decide to volunteer at your Theatre?  Obviously everyone has their own unique motivations. VenueTech’s Rule #1 for Volunteerism: NOBODY WORKS FOR FREE!

Here are a few of the many benefits you can offer someone to create a “win-win” relationship in your volunteer program:

IF YOU BECOME A VOLUNTEER AT OUR PERFORMING ARTS THEATRE, YOU WILL …

Develop Read More…

Fundraising 101: People Give to People They Know!

This is VenueTech’s #1 rule of community based fundraising… People Give to People They Know!  The best way to ensure success in your organization’s fundraising effort, is to have your volunteers focus on people they know.  This is especially important when you are just getting started on the fundraising campaign.  It is always helpful to have a few people say “yes” during the early stage of a campaign.  This helps build the volunteer’s confidence and help overcome the “nos” that people will hear as they continue the fundraising effort.  Teach your volunteers that the best place to start is with friends, family or perhaps people who have encouraged them to Read More…