Support Us
Make a difference
Do you want to share your love of live theatre? Do you want to make a difference to the future of theatre in our community and our country? Supporting the Phoenix Theatre and the Department of Theatre makes a crucial difference in the education of Canada’s next generation of theatre artists.
Our department’s comprehensive and hands-on philosophy means it is not enough to merely study theatre. We believe that students learn by doing and should be engaged in every aspect of the performance and production as an integral part of their education.
Our funding dilemma
However, to continue this important work, the department must fundraise to cover essential expenses for sets, costumes and props that are essential to the our productions which are at the core of our curriculum. Each production is the result of 130-150 of our students participating through 10-15 different courses, whether on stage or backstage.
University funding does not cover all the costs of producing these plays. Our ticket prices – deliberately kept low to keep theatre accessible to all audiences – only cover two thirds of our production costs. We rely on donations and corporate sponsorship to remain fiscally responsible.
Please consider making a difference in the education experience of our students by making a tax-deductible donation, establishing a bursary or scholarship to help students directly, sponsoring a performance or program, contributing to a special fundraising project, or leaving a legacy for future generations.
From your parents you learn love and laughter and how to put one foot in front of the other. But when books are opened you discover you have wings.”
Helen Hayes, Actress & Philanthropist
No matter the size of your donation, your annual support contributes greatly to the costs of paint, lumber, fabric and other essentials for the production of theatre.
Individual donors are listed in the each play’s program and receive a personal letter from the department chair. Tax-deductible receipts are issued through the University of Victoria. 100% of donations given directly to the Department of Theatre are used to support department programming.
Theatre students have one of the busiest schedules on campus. Between classes during the day and rehearsals four nights a week and all day Saturday, it leaves little time for a part time job. Your support can help them achieve their best while at UVic. From entrance scholarships for first year students through to scholarships for graduate students, help ensure UVic continues to attract the best and brightest!
Consider setting up an endowment fund for the permanent annual support of a bursary or scholarship award.
- Bursaries are awarded to students who are able to show financial need.
- Scholarships are awarded to students who show academic excellence.
- Leave a legacy or honour someone in perpetuity by establishing an award in his or her name.
- Designate a Theatre award in a specific focus area.
- Awards are attributed to students through UVic Student Awards and Financial Aid in conjunction with the department.
For details contact Fine Arts Development Officer.
Contributing to one of the Department of Theatre’s special projects assists us to reach long-term creative goals and to maintain our state of the art facility and theatre spaces.
Here are some other opportunities in the department:
- New or restored theatre seating for Roger Bishop Theatre and Chief Dan George Theatre
- Endowed funding for annual guest artist/instructor
- Costume shop equipment
- Electric scenic elevator
For details about this or other opportunities contact Fine Arts Development Officer.
Theatre engages us to think more broadly, feel more deeply and aspire to greater things. We have all left a profound theatrical experience feeling more human and more connected to our world. Planned giving offers the opportunity for you to make a difference and leave a personal legacy for the future of theatre.
In consultation with your financial advisors, our planned giving program can assist you to reach your philanthropic goals and ensure the intent of your current or future gift. Whether through a bequest in a will or through life insurance, endowments, and trusts, planned giving can also offer significant tax benefits while allowing the donor to maintain financial security.
For more information see the UVic Planned Giving or contact Fine Arts Development Officer.
A successful business recognizes the benefits of working together, with your clients, your neighbours, and your community. Sponsoring a play at the Phoenix Theatre helps us share our audiences with your business as well as assist with the the cost of producing quality theatre.
Sponsoring the Phoenix offers you access to:
- 25,000+ community of students, staff and faculty at UVic
- Approximately 1500+ loyal Phoenix Theatre subscribers (many for over 20 years)
- Almost 10,000 regular Victoria area attendees
Spring subscription renewals for next season’s plays mean guaranteed audience attendance during the year. You can count on knowing that our professional, educated, above-average income subscribers will be here in their theatre seats this fall.
Consider the benefits supporting us can bring your business:
- Recognition or advertising for your business name in our house programmes.
- Complimentary ticket vouchers for your clients or guests.
- Logo recognition in print materials, local advertising and through social media.
- Promotional opportunities onsite during a play or for ticket holders.
- The knowledge that your support is making a difference to a new generation of theatre artists.
Become a Presenting Sponsor of one of our plays, or a Community Partner, and we will customize a sponsorship package to serve your corporate goals. For details contact our marketing and communciations office.