You Play a Vital Role with Forward Theater Company
Forward Theater Company was founded to fill a void in Madison – to provide inspiring and entertaining theater experiences to our audiences, establish an artistic home for area actors, directors, designers, and playwrights, and expand the cultural and economic life of southern Wisconsin. To fulfill this mission, Forward Theater produces full seasons of plays in Overture Center using an array of local and regional talent, encourages new work by hosting play readings and workshops, and engages with the community through educational outreach programs, public lectures, post-show talkbacks, theater classes, and performances at philanthropic events.
Local.
In 2009 a group of artists met around a kitchen table to imagine a new professional theater company in Madison. All those gathered agreed that this organization would mount productions that were exciting and meaningful to the audiences of southern Wisconsin. In order to be attuned to the needs of the community, FTC pledged to maintain an active, open, and ongoing dialogue with its supporters, and to employ artists who had chosen to make their homes in the area. Forward Theater relates to Madison because we are part of this amazing community.
Professional.
Forward employs roughly 100 theater artists per year – both union and non-union – contributing significantly to the livelihoods of the creative class in Madison and beyond. Actors, directors, and designers whose work has graced the best stages in the Midwest are “coming home” to perform with Forward. Everyone from the props person, to the audience services staff, to the lead actors in each show has professional expertise and experience in their craft, and is paid for their work. Our professionalism extends beyond the stage and into the office, where we combine fiscal responsibility with sound management and industry best practices.
Exceptional.
Forward Theater has made a name for itself by presenting outstanding productions of extraordinary plays. In our first three seasons, FTC’s offerings have been met with tremendous applause from audiences, and accolades from critics. Comments include:
“It’s a thrill to see the beginnings of an organization that has admirable artistic ambitions and the talent and passion to make those ambitions happen, and I’m confident that Forward Theater Company will become something the community can take pride in.”
– Christian Neuhaus, Dane 101
“Dedicated to professional theater and with an intriguing lineup of edgy plays in its season, Forward promises to live up to its home state’s namesake motto.”
– Bruce Bradley, Isthmus
Your Role in FTC’s Success
An actor in Forward Theater’s critically acclaimed production of The Farnsworth Invention recently wrote about the role of the audience in our endeavor.
He said; “Theater cannot exist in a vacuum. It should not exist in a vacuum. And that’s why the final step in the play-making process has to be flinging open the doors and inviting an audience to share in what has been created. . .We cannot do this play without you ‑ you are the final ingredient ‑ you are the community we wish to serve.”
– Nicholas Harazin, (Philo T. Farnsworth)
Just as we look forward to seeing you in the audience to make our art complete, your gift plays an important role in the success of Forward Theater Company. Ticket revenue covers only a fraction of the full cost of presenting live theater. Annual fund donors bridge that gap. Your tax deductible contribution will allow Forward Theater Company to grow, adding to the cultural fabric of our community and providing exceptional performances to audiences throughout southern Wisconsin.
Donor Benefits
Friend ($25-$99)
· Recognition in the performance programs for the 2012-2013 season
· Subscription to member e-newsletter
· Discount offers on tickets to selected shows
Patron ($100-$249)
All of the above, plus
· Preferred handling of subscription and individual ticket orders
· Invitation to the first rehearsal of a Forward Theater Company production
Benefactor ($250-$499)
All of the above, plus
· Invitations to special events
Founders’ Club ($500-$999)
All individual donor benefits, plus
· Invitation to a special Founder’s Circle season preview event
Platinum Founders ($1,000-$2,499)
All of the above, plus
· A season poster, signed by members of the company
To contribute, you may either click on the “donate now” button at the top of this page or mail your check to Forward Theater at P.O. Box 14574, Madison, WI 53708.
Thank you for your support of locally produced, professional theater in Madison.
Sponsorships
Our sponsors are local institutions that take great pride in serving southern Wisconsin. They share a common goal with Forward Theater Company ‑ to contribute to the area and improve the quality of life for its residents. Working together, both organizations and our audiences will undoubtedly benefit.
As a Forward Theater Company sponsor, your company will not only be linked with one of Madison’s most vibrant cultural resources, you will also receive valuable marketing benefits, including:
Monologue Festival Sponsor ($1,000)
· Sponsor name listed on all promotional material for the monologue festival, including press releases, posters, and print ads · Sponsor name/logo on the title page of the performance program and Forward Theater web page promoting the monologue festival
· Free half-page ad in the program for monologue festival
· Four tickets to monologue festival
Associate Sponsor ($2,500-$4,999)
· Sponsor name listed on all promotional material for the production, including press releases, posters, and print ads · Sponsor name/logo on the title page of the performance program and Forward Theater web page promoting the production
· Free half-page ad in the program for sponsored performance
· Four tickets to opening night and post performance reception
Premium Sponsor ($5,000-up) All of the above, plus:
· Verbal recognition in the announcement prior to each performance
· Free full page ad in the program for sponsored performance
· 10 tickets to opening night and post performance reception
· Discounts on additional blocks of tickets
Season Sponsor ($10,000 – up)
All of the above for every production in the season, plus:
· Sponsor name printed on all performance tickets
· Free full page ad in the program for entire season
· 20 tickets to opening night and post performance reception for each show
· Recognition at all other FTC events
· Other benefits, to be mutually agreed upon, specifically tailored to your company
Private Performances
For businesses that wish to support locally produced, professional performing arts in Madison while treating their partners, clients, or employees to an extraordinary evening at the theater, consider a private performance sponsorship. These events include reduced price tickets and season-long marketing benefits. Forward Theater is also happy to welcome your group to the theater with a pre-show discussion by one of the artistic staff, and help arrange catered receptions (through Overture Center) either before or after the play.
Private Performance Full Sponsor ($5,000)
· Sponsor name listed on all promotional material for the production, including press releases, posters, post cards, and print ads
· Sponsor name/logo on the title page of the performance program and Forward Theater web page promoting the production
· Verbal recognition in the announcement prior to each performance
· Free half-page ad in the program for sponsored performance
· 125 tickets to a performance, with additional tickets available for $13 each
Private Performance Partial Sponsor ($3,125)
· A company could forgo any marketing benefits and simply purchase the block of 125 tickets for $25 apiece to offer to employees and friends of the company.
