Stage Lights & Shop Signs: How HCTC Puts Local Business in the Spotlight

Work collaboratively is one of Hub City Theatre Company’s core values, which means we are committed to “Be better together, from the macro business community level to the micro cast and crew level.” While many of our activities (auditions, rehearsals, and performances) highlight the benefits of cast and crew members working together, I want to take this opportunity to highlight how our non-profit organization strives to be a positive influence for local businesses.

One of the ways that the Hub City Theatre Company (HCTC) works collaboratively is our effort to feature local businesses in our theatre experiences. Jackson is home to hundreds of employers in retail, food, and service sectors, and HCTC prioritizes local partnerships when making production decisions. Whether we are sourcing costumes at The Nine Oh Six, concessions at Sprinkle Me Sugar, or performance space at Turntable Coffee Counter, we identify quality businesses to meet our needs, and we provide public recognition for these local partners.

Another key component of our collaboration at the macro business community level is the opportunity for HCTC corporate sponsorship. We have benefited from multiple businesses and organizations who have made monetary or in-kind donations toward our shows, and we return the favor by spotlighting these sponsors in promotional materials and at each of our productions. HCTC may put on “odd shows in intimate spaces,” but that doesn't mean that we have a limited reach when it comes to shout-outs for sponsors! In fact, we sold more than 1,500 tickets to shows in 2024, and we expect that number to increase this year. That’s thousands of people who will hear about the generosity of sponsors such as Wagging Tail Resort, Turntable Coffee Counter, Jackson Industrial Sales, and Friends of the Jackson-Madison County Library. Here's how Chad Carlson of Wagging Tail Resort expresses his thoughts on being an Encore-level sponsor:

“We quickly saw how HCTC provides Jackson with compelling stories and valuable opportunities for artistic engagement.  In addition to the value brought to our community and the value afforded me personally, our sponsorship has added value for our business as well. Sponsorship is truly a partnership, and HCTC has promoted our Resort exceptionally. I am confident it would do the same for you.” (edited for brevity)

Hub City Theatre Company offers 4 levels of corporate sponsorship, ranging from $200 to $2,000+. Since HCTC is recognized as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, these gifts are tax deductible, but the benefits for sponsors don’t stop there. Based on the gift level, HCTC provides ad space in programs, acknowledgement in curtain speeches, and credit in social media posts. We also invite corporate sponsors to join us at our preview parties for the chance to get a first look at our performances. A full list of corporate levels can be found at https://www.hubcitytheatreco.com/sponsor

Whether you would like to become a corporate sponsor or not, thank you for engaging with the Hub City Theatre Company newsletter. I hope this look into our value, “Work collaboratively” helps you to understand how spotlighting local partners can benefit our organization, our business sponsors, and our audience members! Everyone wins when we work together to provide exceptional experiences both inside the theater and around our beloved Hub City.

Alfred Custer, Development Director