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. 

 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!

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..

 

 

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 :)

We calculate the cost of tickets and services and deduct them from "donation" listed on the reciept....