How to support this program

I am writing to let you know about an exciting program coming to the area. In these times of budget woes in local school districts, a new program is being developed to recognize student achievement in theatre arts. Seeking a way to recognize those students who put months of work into their productions each year, the Excellence Awards were created. Public and private high schools in both Barry and Eaton Counties are invited to participate in this event.

Recognition of outstanding achievement by students and educators will be made in the areas of performance, design, direction, choreography, technical production and overall production excellence. The Excellence Awards judges are comprised of area theatre professionals, performing artists, theater arts educators and those with a history in the theatre field. Three judges will attend each participating school and evaluate their production. In May, the Tony Awards-style ceremony will be presented on the Charlotte Performing Arts Center stage, complete with guest presenters and live music. Schools nominated for best musical production will perform one musical number from their show. The winners of best actor and best actress will also be entered in the National High School Theatre Awards, The Jimmy’s. They will be invited to travel to New York where they will join winners from throughout the country in a gala awards ceremony.

How can you help? We are looking for sponsors to help cover the costs of the awards and use of the facility for the ceremony. We need to purchase 18 personalized awards at a cost of $50 each. Sponsors of the awards will be announced with the award, featured in all publications for the Excellence Awards and will be engraved on the awards themselves as well as listed in the program.

We are also seeking donations to help cover the cost of using the Charlotte Performing Arts Center for the event. Custodial services, along with other costs need to be covered and we are asking your help in meeting this need. Any amount, no matter how small will help put on an outstanding show to recognize local students.

If your organization would like to sponsor the entire awards ceremony, at a cost of $2,500, the awards will be renamed after your organization. For example, if Hometown Lumber were to sponsor the awards, the title would become The Hometown Lumber Excellence Awards. The return in advertising dollars and marketing potential far outweighs the investment. If you are interested in sponsoring the event, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Thank you for your consideration in helping out this worthwhile endeavor that seeks to recognize our local students and their achievements.

Sincerely,

Amy Jo Kinyon

Excellence Awards Director

(517) 231-1554