Anniversary CelebrationSponsorship Package

Bushfire Theatre of Performing Arts 35th

Thursday, October 17, 2013 Temple Performing Arts Center

Philadelphia, PA

Inscribing the future of African American Theatre:A new paradigm of giving

35th Anniversary CelebrationThe mission of Bushfire Theatre of Performing Arts is dedicated to offering opportunities to African American professional and non professional actors,

playwrights, directors and other theatre personnel. Included in our mission is having these theatre artists present their talents to the community.

Founded in 1977 by Al Simpkins, Bushfire Theatre of Performing Arts is located at 52nd and Locust Streets in the old Locust Street Theater that dates back to 1914. For the past 35 years, Bushfire Theatre has been committed to providing the Philadelphia community with professional theatre and offering African American artists professional theatre opportunities.

Our ongoing objectives are:

• To offer opportunities to African American artists in all facets of theatre.

• To provide the community with theatre through main stage productions, workshops and classes for adults and children.

• To maintain a professional status.

• To present a season plays consisting of World and Philadelphia Premieres.

• To continue to collaborate with Lincoln University on the Langston Hughes Playwright’s Workshop.

• To offer opportunities for local, national and international playwrights at the Langston Hughes Playwright’s Workshop at Lincoln University.

• To continue Bushfire’s Children's Ensemble.

• To continue Bushfire’s Literacy Education Programs.Provide scholarships / financial support for students

• To continue daytime play performances for school aged children.

• Promote volunteer service in the community

• To annually honor the achievements of African Americans of stage, screen and television on Bushfire’s Walk of Fame.

35th Anniversary Celebration35th Anniversary Co-Chairs

Co-Chair: Tyree JohnsonCo-Chair: Gerald T. DavisCo-Chair: Pamela Rich-WheelerCo-Chair: Dionne RogersCo-Chair Irv RandolphCo-Chair: Richard R. Snow

Bushfire Theater Company of Performing ArtsFounded: 1977501(c)3: 1980

Theatre Ensemble Members 33 Adult Members (23 Professional)

21 Children Members

Bushfire Theatre of Performing Arts Education Program

Literature: A Source of Pride and PurposeThrough all history, ancient, modern; each land, each nation, impresses most painstakingly upon the rising generation the fact that it possesses a history and a literature, and that it must live up to the traditions of its history, and make that literature a part of its life. Alice Dunbar Nelson, 1922 At Bushfire Theatre of Performing Arts we understand that literacy development is not bound by the walls of traditional classrooms. The theatre is committed to supporting literacy for children and adolescents through the arts. Our programs for school aged children have worked to engage a rising generation through partnerships comprised of home, school and community working together to support achievement and empower children through literacy practices. These programs include: the Children’s Acting Ensemble, the Literary Club, “Theatre Talks”, the school play program, the Puppet Theatre and the Youth Choral Readers. These programs have reached over 20,000 children.

    

Please join us at the Temple Performing Arts Center

6:00PM 35th Anniversary Celebration Sponsors Dinner Located at TPAC in Baptist Temple Chapel

7:30PM

35th Anniversary Celebration

SponsorshipAs a sponsor, your support enables us to continue to raise public knowledge of Bushfire Theatre of Performing Arts. In the city of Philadelphia, Bushfire Theatre is responsible for producing an unparalleled number of African American professional actors some of which are now performing on stages across the nation and many others are enjoying the benefits of Actors Equity pensions. Among our most rewarding successes are the testimonies of families participating in our educational programs that have witnessed their child’s development in reading fluency, comprehension and writing.

Your sponsorship is significant in ensuring the long-term sustainability of Bushfire Theatre of Performing Arts as the oldest African American professional theatre company in the city of Philadelphia. It will also enable financial stabilization through increased audience/participation in all programs.

Sponsorship Opportunities All sponsors are entitled to the following event recognition:

Company name and logo featured on all marketing, media and collateral materials - including but not limited to - thank you advertisement in the Philadelphia Business Journal, save-the-date

cards, invitations, newsletter articles and event program book.

Signage at the event

Invitation to 35th Anniversary Celebration reception and dinner

Tickets for entertainment: An Evening with Bill Cosby

Verbal acknowledgement from the podium during the event

Acknowledgement in rolling slide presentation

Featured Bushfire Theatre of Performing Arts print and electronic newsletter.

Recognition in the 2013 – 2014 Annual Theatre Season Booklet

35th Anniversary Celebration

August Wilson Sponsor $3,000 Recognition as presenting sponsor in all publicity efforts. Listed as presenting sponsor in all 35th Anniversary event programs and invitations One reserved table of 10 with table signage at the event Ten invitations to Reception Speaking opportunity at the event Full page, color ad in program book Company name/logo on Bushfire Theatre Website

35th Anniversary Celebration

Bill Cosby Sponsorship 5,000Pre-eminent listing as a sponsor of Bushfire Theatre’s 35th Anniversary Celebration in all promotional materials, including event invitations distributed to more than 1,100 attendees Speaking opportunity at the event One reserved table of 10 with table signage in a prominent location Ten Invitations to Reception Full color double page center spread in program book Company name/logo on Bushfire Theatre Website Prominent signage at the event Verbal acknowledgment from the podium during the event

Langston Hughes $1,000 Recognition as presenting sponsor in all publicity efforts

throughout the Centennial year Four invitations to dinner and table signage and prominent seating Four invitations to Reception One-half page, color ad in program book Company name/logo Bushfire Theatre Website

35th Anniversary Celebration

Lorraine Hansberry $1,500 Recognition as presenting sponsor in all publicity efforts. Listed as presenting sponsor in all 35th Anniversary event programs and invitations Six invitations to dinner with table signage and

prominent seating Six invitations to Reception Prominent signage by the stage Full page, color ad in program book Company name/logo on Bushfire Theatre Website

Inscribing the future of African American Theatre: A new paradigm of giving

 Corporate Partnership Agreement  Company / Organization:  _______________________________ Name/Title: ______________________________Mailing Address: _______________________________ Phone: ______________________________Fax:   ______________________________Email Address: _____________________________Contact Person: _______________________________Title: ______________________________Mailing Address: _______________________________Phone:  ______________________________Fax:  _______________________________Email Address  ____________________________________________Please list the partnership opportunity selected and amount: _______________________ $______________________  Please mail completed form to:Al Simpkins Bushfire Theatre of Performing Arts 224  S. 52nd StreetPhiladelphia, PA 19139www.bushfiretheatre.orgCompany Phone: (215) 747-9230

Authorized Signature: _______________________________________________________ Title: ____________________________________________________________________ Date: ____________________________________________________________________

35th Anniversary Celebration