Patron Perks
Printed From: Community Theater Green Room
Category: Theater Administration
Forum Name: Running Your Theater
Forum Discription: General questions about how to make it work
URL: http://www.communitytheater.org/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=2052
Printed Date: 11/22/24 at 6:57am
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 8.05 - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: Patron Perks
Posted By: john woods
Subject: Patron Perks
Date Posted: 9/30/06 at 8:29pm
|
I volunteer for a small suburban/rural community theater. Like other theaters, we have different levels of patron memberships based on cash levels ($75 - Patron, $150 - Sustaining Patron, $300 - Friend of the Theater, $500 - Supporting Friend, $1000 - Leading Friend). I am asking other theater groups: What kind of perks do you give your patrons? We give season tickets (number of books increase with donation amount), subscription to our newsletter, plus an individual or business name in our program and on our patron board in the lobby. Higher level patrons get their names on a plaque in the lobby. We have had catered post-performance receptions after Sunday matinees with the cast and crew. We are currently holding an open rehearsal of the first act of our musical a few weeks before opening (with our set still under construction, actors without costumes). But we are always looking for other opportunities that we can give our patrons to thank them for their support. I hope our ideas help other theater groups. I would love to see a few dozen examples of what perks other theaters give their patrons. |
Replies:
Posted By: castMe
Date Posted: 9/30/06 at 9:15pm
|
Hi John. Be careful about inviting an audience to a
rehearsal. This may be considered a performance (whether a fee is
charged or not) and the rightsholder may be due royalties.
------------- Investigate. Imagine. Choose. |
Posted By: Gaafa
Date Posted: 10/01/06 at 12:36am
|
A very good point Castme! There was a case many years ago, that came before a fellow Justice of mine, at the time. Where he ruled in favour of the plaintiff [Rights holder] because the community theatre group, had done an unlicensed performance. This wasn?t a celebrated case as such, because it happened pre-Net & in a small one horse town in the bush, which probably took place in the back of a pub, somewhere beyond the black stump! The apparent defence put forward by the group Chairman, was that it was free performance for their own small amateur theatre membership & not a public performance at all? Apparently the court action came about, because the performance was linked under the shows title, which happened to be mentioned in the local community rag newspaper. My rule of the black ?n blue thumb nail is, while you may get away with a performing up of 10% of the Small rights, this might not hold up with the Grand rights? The best bet is be up front with the rights holder/agent & advise them what you want to do! They are really very helpful & will assist you greatly! While I know I?m of topic or just ?off? as usual! Depending on your contract performance licence, even the issuing of comps to cast, crew &/or punters. Must be accounted for as part of the box office returns, with some of the rights holder/agents.  But as mentioned by Castme be careful, because a Preview or even a Dress Rehearsal with an invited audience. Is considered a performance attracting a rights fee & should be include within the performance licence But anyway it is a great idea John & always pays to offer perks to the Bos's!  ------------- Joe Western Gondawandaland turn right @ Perth. Hear the light & see the sound. Toi Toi Toi Chookas {{"chook [chicken] it is"} May you always play to a full house} |
Posted By: Guests
Date Posted: 10/03/06 at 2:37pm
|
How about a backstage tour of the operation? Or even do a raffle to let someone sit in the booth during a show (if you have room). Some patrons get a real kick out of the behind-the-scenes aspect. Or, hold a special forum with the company and these select members after a performance. Some local theatre groups do this, and it's really interested to hear the questions the audience comes up with and the company's answers. If you build your own costumes, how about allowing these members to rent from your costume stock not currently in use for the current show? ------------- |
Posted By: MartyW
Date Posted: 10/03/06 at 3:02pm
|
I don't know if it is as much of an issue at other theaters, but being a small house, seat reservation is one of thier favorite perks. Top tier patrons get all that you mentioned, plus they get to reserve seats two weeks before the general public, mid tier get a week ahead and the bottom tier get like two days ahead of general public sales..
------------- Marty W "Till next we trod the boards.." |
Posted By: castMe
Date Posted: 10/03/06 at 9:50pm
|
Oooooooh, I love the prefered seating perk, Marty. Sort of a "Put Your Money Where Your Butt Is" thing
------------- Investigate. Imagine. Choose. |
Posted By: kiwiholly
Date Posted: 10/04/06 at 4:21am
| In our theatre you get different numbers of show comps depending on what sort of membership you have, i.e single, family, couples, life etc. We also run a costume hire shop and members can hire for free/very cheap :) |
Posted By: dougb
Date Posted: 10/06/06 at 11:12am
|
If you give comps or other value in return for a donation at a specific level from a donor, make sure that your IRS Receipt shows the value received by the donor in the form of perks. The donor will not be able to deduct the value they receive for their donation. For example, if a donor joins at the $500 level and receives four tickets worth $60, his donation for IRS purposes is $440. In the receipt you provide you show the donation of $500 and the value received by the donor of $60. My guess is that there is no real "value" to a back stage tour unless you normally charge for the tour. There is also a de-minimis value that does not need to be reported. I have never heard exactly how it is calculated but an "I gave" button does not need to be included. I have also heard that social events for prospective donors (even if they have given in the past) do not have to be included as long as the event does not require a donation but I don't know that first hand. Maybe someone else does. I have heard from a couple of sources that the IRS is looking into this subject when they audit someone. |
Posted By: MartyW
Date Posted: 10/06/06 at 11:36am
|
We calculate the cost of tickets and services and deduct them from "donation" listed on the reciept....
------------- Marty W "Till next we trod the boards.." |
Posted By: dancingbarefoot
Date Posted: 2/26/07 at 1:42am
|
Our theatre has been looking at this as well. We have a Member level that really is not a donor level- it's a season ticket. Then we have 5 other levels that are various donation amounts. Primarily each donor level is entitled to 2 (or more depending on level) season tickets plus a designated number of ticket vouchers (that can be given away to family or friends). All levels recieve a newsletter and advance notice of events. It's also been our practice that all levels can keep their same seats for the next season if they sign up by a certain date. I feel it's a bit unfortunate that this has been offered to those at the Member level (they pay only the cost of the ticket which will actually be a discount next season with a slight raise in our ticket prices for musicals). It was fine when the theatre was struggling but I now wish we could go back and offer this as a perk to donors - something I think people would really be willing to shell out a little extra for.
Anyway, we've been looking at boosting perks for donors so that there's a tangible benefit to donating (aside from vouchers which aren't always used anyway). Some things we're considering - a donor thank you reception (get food, etc donated by local businesses!), discounted or free tickets to performances outside of the normal season, coupon booklet for use at our concession stand, and a discount card/coupons for nearby resteraunts. Hope this helps. Any other ideas would be appreciated! |