Z in the Middle is currently seeking a sponsor for Newton’s Forge Theater Company. We have an innovative theater project that promises a style of theater that Lubbock has never had the pleasure to encounter.
I. Newton's Forge Theater Company
Newton's Forge is a part of Z in the Middle Productions. Z in the Middle has been a part of the Lubbock community since March of 1999. Newton's Forge was added to our production company in July of 2006. The acting troupe is a growing ensemble of talented, hard working staff. Though our staff is small, we are committed to bringing success to Newton’s Forge. We are dedicated to perfecting our improvisational performances and making Lubbock’s theater community as memorable as our music scene. Our troupe will grow exponentially over the coming months with our auditions and talent searches. Once fully staffed we will have an assembly of 6 main actors, 10 crew members and a number of supporting cast, crew and production staff.
We have auditions for cast and crew scheduled for October 27, 2006. Our costume and prop drive is an ongoing effort to improve the quality of our sets and support local charities. We donate most of the larger items to charities in the Lubbock area after performances. A series of improvisational acting classes, Shakespeare readings, talent contests, script writing classes, and poetry readings are in the works for this coming January. Starting in November we will begin monthly fundraisers to support the costs of production.
The Lubbock community will benefit from Newton’s Forge because of our dedication to our craft and firm reliance on creative use of the theater medium. We will provide exciting opportunities for aspiring actors and talented crew members to embark on a unique form of the theater experience. After one year of performances we plan to take Newton’s show on the road to increase viewership and provide smaller communities with the opportunity to be a part of this theater style.
Newton's Forge is an acting troupe comprised of many individuals. Newton’s actors and crew are also available to other companies providing casting opportunities and behind the scene production capabilities. The local community will also benefit from Newton’s schedule of improvisational acting classes and readings. This will allow the public to be a part of the exciting Newton’s Forge experience and educate themselves about theater and acting in a fun environment. Our goal is to provide our community with accessible cultural arts that anyone can be a part of, be it through acting for our troupe, setting the scenes, or attending one of our scheduled classes or readings.
II. Benefits for the Sponsor
As a sponsor, you will receive promotional advertising on all Newton’s Forge publications, programs, flyers and your business logo on our t-shirts and marquee posters. Your business name and approximate contribution will be listed on our website and in our press notifications. All public ads concerning Newton’s Forge events will list your business as a sponsor. We will provide a link to your company on our site and ten free tickets to all of Newton’s shows. All of these promotional opportunities will provide your business with local and internet advertising and the added satisfaction of supporting the Lubbock arts community.
Sponsor reimbursement is based on the size of investment. Purchase of the full sponsor package earns your company a 10% point reimbursement based on profit earnings. Purchase of a package above $1,300 or a number of packages equaling over $1,300 will earn your company a 2% point reimbursement based on profit earnings. Purchase of a package or packages equaling between $800 and $1,300 will earn your company a 1% point reimbursement based on profit earnings. Purchase of a package less than $800 will earn your company all advertising benefits listed above and a business-advertising poster at the shows. All classes and fundraisers are a separate entity as Newton’s actors and crew are hired for those events on an individual basis. Classes and fundraisers are operated by Z in the Middle productions.
We divide our profits on a percent point basis. Profit percent points are defined, as one point equals one percent of the total profits from the event. The average sponsor will receive 2 points; therefore, they will be reimbursed 2% of all show profits. This will be calculated once a month and dividends will be paid on the 5th of the next month.
Though this style of theater has not had a chance to embrace the public, the idea basis comes from shows that Z in the Middle conducted from 1998 to 2001. The price for our tickets ranged from $9.00 to $5.00 per person. Our convention events at HubCon 2, 3, and Warfair ‘99 pulled a crowd of over 160 guests. Outside of convention events, we held private showings 2 to 4 times a month for over two years. Attendance ranged from 15 to 35 guests at $5.00 per person. Over a three-year period, Z in the Middle profited over $10,000.
III. Sponsor Investment Packages
For the convienence of our prospective sponsors, we have created packages for all levels of involvement. Each is an integral part of the theater production and every donation to our troupe is appreciated. Packages include an over view list of equipment to be acquired with your package purchase. If your company is able to provide any of the services or equipment, we will be happy to alter the package price. Your company may choose to purchase more than one package or single items.
All prices are negotiable and every inquiry is welcomed. Donation payments can be made by check, money order, or store credit. Donations should be made to Sarazann Greenwood, Z in the Middle Producer, and received by December 5, 2006 to sponsor our upcoming show. To sponsor another show please contact Sarazann Greenwood to review the details. Sponsor reimbursement will be the same for future shows, however, the packages may change due to different production needs.
Full Sponsor Package - $8,500
This investment will cover all preproduction costs and opening weekend. All other show weekends will be covered by an additional Stage Package.
This package includes stage rentals and program printing, ad placement and sound equipment.
Stage Package - $1,500
Purchase of this package satisfies all stage rentals and requirements. This package makes our show a performance.
This package includes theater rental and fees, insurance and permits, sound and lighting equipment and backgrounds.
Construction Package - $1,400
Set design and construction is a key element to our play. High quality sets offer a great dimension to the theater experience.
This package includes lumber and paint, carpet, doors, windows, hardware, electrical equipment and cable.
Sound Package - $975
The sound department is one of the most overlooked areas of theater productions. Our sound team is optimistic about the quality and placement of sound. A live musician will perform throughout the show.
This package includes microphones, speakers, cable, rigging, recording equipment, and musicians.
Publication Package - $875
Publications and printing are highly valued as an advertising medium and for informational purposes. Hard copy prints are very useful to inform the public of our upcoming events and shows.
This package includes printing of programs, tickets, copies, faxes, postage, mailers, posters, flyers, and newsletters.
Advertising Package - $750
The most effective way of letting the community know about shows and events is, of course, advertising. We have an aggressive ad campaign planned for this coming year.
This package includes newspaper ads, TV spots, radio ads, flyers, programs, tickets, and newsletters.
Concessions Package - $650
Offered at every show, concessions are an important part of Newton’s earnings. The box office pulls in more currency but a good concession stand can almost double profits.
This package includes concession stand rental, permits, catering, supplies and stock food.
Costume and Props Package - $450
Our costumes are typically made by our crew because of the rarity of styles in modern stores. Props are an integral part of the actor’s experience and we have teams of people making sure the correct ones are on at the right times.
This package will contribute to cloth, sewing implements and the purchase of props and accessories for the stage.
Office Package - $375
This package investment covers all office and storage requirements. Though not on the stage, maintaining our office is the most important part of creating a successful theater group.
This package includes office space and storage rentals, copying, faxing, printing, postage, hardcopy documents and web maintenance.
Set Dressing Package - $250
The appearance of the set is a small but important part of the production. Newton’s is focused on making unique and beautiful sets.
This package includes set dressing, accessories, wallpaper, linens, drapes, paint and some lumber.
Transportation Package - $200
As with every business, our crew has to travel to many surrounding communities for advertising and donation pick-ups. Newton’s plans to paper our nearby towns with opportunities to see our shows and be a part of the Newton’s Forge experience.
This package includes gas, rental cars, insurance, and maintenance.
IV. Working Together
Newton’s Forge will host an introductory sponsor meeting to inform you of our purpose, answer any questions and allow your company to meet our valuable cast and crew members. After that initial meeting, we will hold other meetings to inform you of the progress of the show and additional advertising opportunities. Your company will receive a notification, once a month, of our profits earned and prospective profits for the coming months. Z in the Middle will provide any other information your company requires in that notice. Additionally, your company members are invited to all rehearsals and performances. If your company so chooses, we have, opportunities to be involved at the production level and manage certain aspects of the performance. Direct inquiries for hands on involvement to Sarazann Greenwood, Z in the Middle Producer.
V. Review Dates
We will review all sponsorship inquiries by December 30, 2006. We will notify your company of acceptance by January 5, 2007. Inquiries received after December 5, 2006 will be reviewed by January 30, 2007 and your company will be notified of acceptance by February 5, 2007. This schedule of review and notification will continue as we receive sponsorship offers. Once our needs are met, we will no longer seek sponsors and all investing companies will be notified of the end date.
VI. Conclusion
Newton's Forge Theater Company and Z in the Middle Productions want to thank you for reading our proposal and any interest in our companies and future shows. We welcome you and your company members to attend one of our performances, classes or readings. Community art programs are vital to the fabric of our cultural education and provide many opportunities for community involvement. Art makes a difference.
