I may be new to the position of Artistic Director and CEO at The Colonial Theatre but I am not new to the world of the performing arts or to this region. Like all of you, I recognize that this theatre is a world class facility filled with world class events. David Sedaris, the Berenstain Bears, Blue Öyster Cult, John Lithgow, Rosanne Cash and local and soon to be stars like Billy Keane have helped shape seasons that are unforgettable. It is no wonder that artists like James Taylor have made this beautiful stage their home for recording. And as these artists lead the way, we never forget that we have a responsibility also to provide a civic home for local groups to meet, greet and entertain. Over one hundred local organizations have found their way to the Colonial.

As we approach the end of this remarkable year and you consider giving opportunities, we would like to take a moment to remind you that the experiences you enjoy here need your contributed support. Ticket sales only cover 50% of our expenses and your gift at this time makes all we do possible. The Colonial is stronger than it ever was and as we move forward with optimism and enormous excitement, we ask that you consider how important this theatre has become to this community. The Colonial Theatre has invigorated our region and as a result, the Berkshires become a more powerful engine of cultural vitality.

Several remarkable caretakers of this Historic Landmark have stepped forward with a challenge. Donald and Armand Feigenbaum, King Francis, Nick and Ruth Boraski, Michael MacDonald, Gary Scarafoni along with Andrea Nuciforo, Jr. will match any new gifts and any incremental increases in donations up to a total accumulated amount of $25,000. The Colonial Theatre needs your support to continue. There are many benefits for your kind generosity, but the real one is the unaccountable gift of artistry and culture this great theatre brings to our lives.

Sincerely,

Kate Maguire
Artistic Director/CEO
The Colonial Theatre & Berkshire Theatre Festival

Download PDF version of this letter

Membership Benefits:

Cameo $50+

• Membership Card
• First option ticket purchase privileges for Colonial season and added events

Colonial Family $75+

• Cameo benefits plus:
• Waived ticket exchange fee (value $5) with up to 24 hours advance notice

Theatre Buff $125+

• Colonial Family benefits plus:
• Donor recognition in Season Program Book
• Invitations to special events

Entertainer $250+

• Theatre Buff benefits plus:
• Two complimentary tickets to a Colonial presentation
• Complimentary upgrade of 2 tickets to box seats with beverage service
• 10% discount on rental of the Colonial’s lobby to host a private event

Center Stage $500+

• Entertainer benefits plus:
• Two additional complimentary tickets (4 total) to a Colonial presentation
• Donor recognition on Colonial digital lobby display
• 15% discount on rental of the Colonial’s lobby to host a private event

The Colonial Theatre Encore Society $1,000–$10,000+

Encore Society Membership offers exclusive and enriching opportunities to deepen your Colonial Theatre experience. In addition to the Membership benefits available at the highest level above,
Encore Society Members also enjoy:

• Invitations to special events throughout the year
• Private behind-the-scenes tours and receptions
• Complimentary tickets to performances
• Complimentary beverages at intermission
• Discounts on purchased tickets
• Opportunity to host a private event on the Colonial Theatre stage
• Opportunities to be recognized as an underwriter of subsidized tickets for schoolchildren

Contribute Online

Download contribution form

The Colonial Theatre
111 South Street
Pittsfield, MA 01201

For more information on the above, please contact
Craig Smith, Development Director (413) 448-8084 x12

Exclusive sponsorship of the Family Time performance series at The Colonial Theatre has provided Greylock Federal Credit Union with an exceptional opportunity to strengthen its relationship with current Members and build membership from the Colonial’s expanding patron base. The Colonial has been an enthusiastic and flexible partner that shares our customer-centered focus.

–John L. Bissell, Senior Vice President, Marketing & Administration, Greylock Federal Credit Union

Sponsorship Opportunities

The Colonial Theatre invites marketing partners who want to utilize the strong Colonial Theatre brand to reinforce their own image in the Berkshires and surrounding communities.

• Full Season Exclusive Naming Relationships (Official Hotel, Automobile Dealership, Phone, Cable, Beverage Distributor, and more).
• Performance Series Sponsorships (Broadway, Performing Arts For Schools, American Cabaret Theatre, Great Night Out and more).
• Individual Performance Exclusive and Shared Sponsorships are available.

The Colonial welcomes trade opportunities with other not for profit organizations.
When trade is not a possibility, with a not for profit, a 30% rate discount may apply. Please inquire.

Colonial Season Program Book

• The Colonial’s full season Program Book is printed in May
  for distribution throughout the entire June–May Season.
• The Program Book is distributed to all patrons attending performances
  (approximately 65,000+ patrons per year).
• The information for 2011–2012 book may be downloaded by clicking here.
• 1/2 page or larger color ads include a Colonial website ad
  free of charge for three months

Program Book advertising opportunities range in cost from $575 to $3,000.

The Current Program Book may be viewed here.

Title: Graphic Designer
Department: Marketing & Public Relations

Job Summary:

Berkshire Theatre Group is seeking an experienced designer to join our marketing team. Design responsibilities would include all advertising, branding, signage, season guides, program books/inserts, brochures and development initiatives. You must be a creative, well-organized self-starter who can take on rebranding campaigns, juggle multiple projects with competing deadlines and collaborate on a website redesign project. Berkshire Theatre Group is the combination of Berkshire Theatre Festival in Stockbridge and The Colonial Theatre in Pittsfield. This one of a kind arts institution features both produced theatre and presented entertainment on five stages in the Berkshires providing you with an opportunity to stretch your creative muscles while also being held to a high work standard.

Essential Functions:

Two to five years of working design experience preferred with exceptional InDesign, Photoshop and Illustrator skills. Knowledge of Flash, Dreamweaver and HTML is preferred. Photography skills are ideal. Salary is commensurate with experience and includes benefits. Please send your resume and design work via pdf file or URL link to an online portfolio to  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Volunteering

While there are no paid possitions currently available, the Colonial is always looking for volunteers to help with performances.
Click here for more info.

Theatre means business – invest in us, invest in your success.

Berkshire Theatre Festival attracts over 30,000 patrons each year, upscale consumers who are potential customers for your business.  Recent studies by Americans for the Arts indicate that these educated, affluent individuals spend over $40 per person in non-event related purchases and create 90+ local jobs in our community.  A corporate partnership is the perfect way to reach this lucrative market, while also supporting theatre that matters. Please become a Berkshire Theatre Festival Corporate Partner and grow your business while supporting the arts.

All BTF Corporate Partners also receive the benefits outlined below, as our way of saying “thank you.”  Contact Craig Smith, Director of Development, for more information.

Business Affiliate $250

• Subscription to the Colonial and Berkshire Theatre Festival e-Newsletters
• Access to all advertising opportunities at The Colonial and BTF
• Company listing with logo in business member section of 2011-2012 Season Program Book (Distribution 100,000)
• Company listing with logo and hyperlink on Colonial and BTF websites, under “Local Info,” in either “Activities,” “Dining,” “Lodging” or “Services.”
• Link to company listing sent with every ticket purchased online at The Colonial via email confirmation (30% of tickets purchased online annually
• $50.00 off ad in Season Program Book

Business Colleague $500

• Subscription to the Colonial and Berkshire Theatre Festival e-Newsletters
• Access to all advertising opportunities at The Colonial and BTF
• Company listing with logo in business member section of 2011-2012 Season Program Book (Distribution 100,000)
• Company listing with logo and hyperlink on Colonial and BTF websites, under “Local Info,” in either “Activities,” “Dining,” “Lodging” or “Services.”
• Link to company listing sent with every ticket purchased online at The Colonial via email confirmation (30% of tickets purchased online annually)
• 15% off all advertising at The Colonial or BTF

Business Supporter $1,000

• Subscription to the Colonial and Berkshire Theatre Festival e-Newsletters
• Access to all advertising opportunities at The Colonial and BTF
• Company listing with logo in business member section of 2011-2012 Season Program Book (Distribution 100,000)
• Company listing with logo and hyperlink on Colonial and BTF websites, under “Local Info,” in either “Activities,” “Dining,” “Lodging” or “Services.”
• Link to company listing sent with every ticket purchased online at The Colonial via email confirmation (30% of tickets purchased online annually)
• 20% off all advertising at The Colonial or BTF*

*Some restrictions apply on advertising opportunities

Ticket sales and other earned revenue cover roughly two thirds of the cost of maintaining and programming The Colonial Theatre each year. Individual annual gifts of support from friends, combined with support from area businesses, are essential to achieve excellence in programming and service at the Colonial.

If you are not already part of the growing group of your friends and neighbors listed in this book who have made The Colonial Theatre one of their gift priorities, we hope you’ll consider joining today! We are pleased to provide some benefits for membership. But the most important benefit of supporting the Colonial is the knowledge that you have helped sustain one of the Berkshire’s most important year-round, cultural assets.

Save Me A Seat!

Become a part of history today by naming a seat at the Colonial!

A beautiful brass plaque, engraved as you wish, will be installed on the arm of the seat type you choose, in permanent recognition of your generous support. It makes a perfect tribute for your support or a one of a kind gift for that special person in your life. A certificate with the exact location of the seat will be sent to you.

Volunteer ushers are the Colonial's public ambassadors. We are extremely grateful for their generous donation
of time and talent. Their support and personal service is an essential component of the Colonial’s success as a theater and as a community institution.

Your help as a Volunteer would be very much appreciated!