Gifts
Bay Street Players at the State Theatre would cease to exist without the support of its community. Revenue from our patrons’ subscriptions and ticket sales accounts for less than 50% of our annual operating budget. Donations, grants, and sponsorships are vital for Bay Street Players to continue to succeed in its many efforts to enrich its community.
Season/Corporate Sponsors
Circle Donations
Funds and Memorials
Special Gifts and End of Year Giving
General Giving
Donor Recognition
United Arts
Limited Time Matching Gifts
Season/Corporate Sponsors
Benefits:
- 4 Tickets good for any MainStage performances during sponsorship.
- Business Listing on sponsor page in Five Main Stage Programs
- 1/8 page advertisement in 5 MainStage production programs (business card size )
- Estimated reach of 6,200-10,000 viewers
- Listed as Community Partner in Season Brochure
- Listed as Community Partner with link on Bay Street Players website
- Displayed on video projected prior to performances
*”MainStage” refers to the official season shows. This does not include Young People’s Theatre performances, other Bay Street Players events or shows, or performances presented by a third party. Partner benefits begin at the next regularly scheduled production and continue for 5 productions. This may extend across two “seasons.”
Questions? Schedule a Call.
Benefits:
- 8 Tickets good for any MainStage performances during sponsorship.
- 1/4 Page ad in 5 MainStage production programs (2.25” x 3.75”)
- Estimated reach of 6,200-10,000 viewers
- Business Listing with Logo in Five Main Stage Programs
- Logo placement with link on Bay Street Players website
- Displayed on video projected prior to performances
- Logo placement with link within promotional emails for each MainStage production
- Recognition on ticket and season pass purchase confirmation emails throughout the season
*”MainStage” refers to the official season shows. This does not include Young People’s Theatre performances, other Bay Street Players events or shows, or performances presented by a third party. Partner benefits begin at the next regularly scheduled production and continue for 5 productions. This may extend across two “seasons.”
Questions? Schedule a Call.
Benefits:
- 10 Tickets good for any MainStage performances during sponsorship.
- 1/2 Page ad in 5 MainStage production programs
- Estimated reach of 6,200-10,000 viewers
- Business Listing with Logo in Five Main Stage Programs
- Logo placement with link on Bay Street Players website
- Displayed on video projected prior to performances
- Logo placement with link within promotional emails for each MainStage production
*”MainStage” refers to the official season shows. This does not include Young People’s Theatre performances, other Bay Street Players events or shows, or performances presented by a third party. Partner benefits begin at the next regularly scheduled production and continue for 5 productions. This may extend across two “seasons.”
Questions? Schedule a Call.
We are sharing the spotlight at this level, offering EXCLUSIVITY to allow for even more benefits and flexibility for this special partnership.
You can choose any one of our MainStage productions, events, or educational programs individually for a more targeted audience base, and we’ll work with you to make it extra special.
Benefits:
- 15 tickets for selected production
- Business Listing with Logo in Five Main Stage Programs
- 1 Full Page ad with premium placement in the selected production program
- Recognition of your valued support during curtain speech
- Logo placement with link on Bay Street Players website
- Displayed on video projected prior to the sponsored performance(s)
- Prominent Logo placement with link within promotional emails for selected production
- Recognition on ticket and season pass purchase confirmation emails for 5 MainStage perfomances.
- 2 dedicated shout-out posts on both Facebook and Instagram during the selected production.
- Sponsor recognized on select production posters (distributed to local business)
- Recognition on signage in the Lobby for the duration of the production
- 1 VIP night during the scheduled show run
- Includes private use of our Founder’s Room for pre-show snacks and refreshments and a private behind-the-scenes tour
*”MainStage” refers to the official season shows. This does not include Young People’s Theatre performances, other Bay Street Players events or shows, or performances presented by a third party. Partner benefits begin at the next regularly scheduled production and continue for 5 productions. This may extend across two “seasons.”
Questions? Schedule a Call.
As a Season Sponsor, your company will receive prominent placement and recognition of your support within all of our promotional materials throughout an entire season*
Benefits:
- 2 Season Passes
- 10 Tickets good for any MainStage performances during sponsorship.
- 1 Full Page ad in 5 MainStage production programs
- Estimated reach of 6,200-10,000 viewers
- Business Listing with Logo in Five Main Stage Programs
- Logo placement with link on Bay Street Players website
- Displayed on video projected prior to performances
- Logo placement with link within promotional emails for each MainStage production
- Recognition on ticket and season pass purchase confirmation emails throughout the season
- 1 dedicated Shout out post on both Facebook and Instagram per MainStage production
- Recognition of your support during curtain speech
- Recognition on Season Sponsor signage in the Lobby for the duration of the sponsorship
- Invitations to select events and celebrations throughout the season
- Private behind-the-scenes tour of the historic theater
- BONUS: Recognition as a sponsor in additional promotional messaging
*”MainStage” refers to the official season shows. This does not include Young People’s Theatre performances, other Bay Street Players events or shows, or performances presented by a third party. Partner benefits begin at the next regularly scheduled production and continue for 5 productions. This may extend across two “seasons.”
Questions? Schedule a Call.
For information about advertising and sponsorship opportunities, please contact Madison Colpitts at madison@baystreetplayers.org
Generous ongoing support from our sponsors: UNITED ARTS OF CENTRAL FLORIDA · CULTURE BUILDS FLORIDA · CYNTHIA T. BAILY FOUNDATION · HESTIA LEGAL· THE SCHOLL FAMILY ENDOWMENT · PINESMOKE BEE CO. · STAR SECURITY · STONE AND GERKMIN · WT BLAND JR CHARITABLE TRUST ·BERTRAM PEST CONTROL
Season/Corporate Sponsors
Circle Donations
Funds and Memorials
Special Gifts and End of Year Giving
General Giving
Donor Recognition
United Arts
Individual Donations: Circle Members
Perks:
- Name listed in five main stage programs
- Digital thank-you certificate
- Invitation to Play Your Part
Questions? Schedule a Call.
Perks:
All Friend Circle perks, plus:
- Recognition on website donor wall
- Complimentary concession voucher (1 per show)
- Thank-you shoutout on social media
- Total of 2 complimentary tickets per season and discount on additional tickets
- Early access to Play Your Part tickets
Questions? Schedule a Call.
Perks:
All previous perks, plus:
- Invitation to one open dress rehearsal per season
- 2 additional complimentary tickets per season (total of 4)
- Signed show poster or cast photo (1 per year)
- Backstage tour (by request)
- Special recognition during Play Your Part
Questions? Schedule a Call.
Perks:
All previous perks, plus:
- Invitation to post-show reception (1 per season)
- Recognition in pre-show slideshow or lobby signage
- 2 additional complimentary tickets per season (total of 6)
- Priority reserved seating for Play Your Part (with ticket purchase)
Questions? Schedule a Call.
Perks:
All previous perks, plus:
- Opportunity to “sponsor a show” with name/logo in program
- 2 additional complimentary tickets per season (total of 8)
Questions? Schedule a Call.
All previous perks, plus:
- Invitation to exclusive Producer’s Night (rehearsal + Q&A)
- Recognition each performance during the pre-show speech, for one of the next five main stage productions – your choice of which show.
- 2 additional complimentary tickets per season (total of 10)
- Opportunity to dedicate a performance in honor/memory of someone
- 2 complimentary tickets to Play Your Part
- Recognition in Play Your Part printed materials
Questions? Schedule a Call.
Perks:
All previous perks, plus:
- Personal concierge for ticket reservations
- Recognition during the pre-show speech for each performance of the main stage season, for the next five shows
- Private backstage tour and meet-the-cast opportunity
- Season-long sponsor recognition on print/digital materials
- Name on permanent engraved plaque
- Total of 12 complimentary tickets per season
- Total of 4 complimentary VIP tickets to Play Your Part
- Invitation to season planning preview night with Artistic Team
Questions? Schedule a Call.
Unique circumstances?
Season/Corporate Sponsors
Circle Donations
Funds and Memorials
Special Gifts and End of Year Giving
General Giving
Donor Recognition
United Arts
Legacy, trust or something else unique? Schedule a call
PREVIOUS DONORS
Bay Street Players extends its deep gratitude to the below donors for their ongoing support. As a direct result of their continued generosity, we have been able to provide live theatre to downtown Eustis since 1974.
ANGELS CIRCLE
Carlos Francisco Asse, Peter Nero, Mary Ann and Charles Revell Elizabeth and Michael Scholl, Nina and Bernie Vatter, Star Security
PRODUCERS CIRCLE
Mike Flynn, Doss and Chris Hermann, The Irving Family, Ken Lloyd, Scott Merklinger, John and Lisa Corneilson
DIRECTORS CIRCLE
Ares Training Facility, Senator Carey Baker, Rick and Beth Breese, Anthony Candalino, Dr. and Mrs. James Christman, Dunn Billing, LLC, Kerie Strong/Kamy Kakes, The Jenness Family/Peddler’s Wagon, Lake County Arms, Magnolia Wine Garden, Mystic Ice Cream, Kate and Seford Olsen, Joe Ott Photography, Tonya and Jay Pippin, Mary Ann and Charles Revell, The Shoop/Zimmermann Family, Mandy and Dave Vatter, Joseph Vatter, Wolf Branch Brewing Co., Jaqueline Williamson, Branden Freeman, Dr. Dennis Cutter
PATRONS CIRCLE
Sharon Barrow, Stephen Fisher, James Flynn, Stephanie Glass, Dr. Harry and Yvonne Knobloch, Marita Nierth, Laurie Hughes
PLAYWRIGHTS CIRCLE
David Ackerman, Kathryn Baldeck, Gesa Barto, Robert Balkus, James Barnes, Jennifer Barrett, Ryne Bennett, Chantal Bernhard, Nicholas Bird, D. Welles Borie and Olivia Hnatyshin, Brenda Bullock-Paget, Lisa Cain, Sandra Campbell, Joe Coppolo, Dennis Cutter, Zaba (Frank) Couch, Brandy Cranford, John Crosby, Fred and Amy Drew, The Elrod Family, The Fairclough Family, Thomas N. Grant John Hatfield, Paula Hayden, Susan Howard, Dr. Maen Hussein and Dr. Michelle Viveiros, Darlin Kalmes, Katharine Ikeler, Kirk Klemash, Erin Lachut, Hiemann Lee, Leesburg Center for the Arts, Allison Lendman, Jay Marshall, Amanda Mapp, Samuel Chase Martin, Heather McFall, Mellisa McHaffie, W.A. and Mary, Ellen Milton, Marie Nierth, Joan Nyarady, Rolene O’Brien, Molly O’Neill, Richard Ramello, The Ramirez Family, The Rhodes Family, Susan Roberts, Alexine Rodenhuis, Rick Rogers, Carol Ross, Brenda Rote Maria Rubin, The Scibilia Family, Jake Skolnick, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Sloan, Charlene Smith, Nina and Stuart Smith, Dennis Sobeck, Johan Sohn, Bonnie Swanson, Bryan Swintek, Louise Thompson, The Trask Family, David Wagner, Heather Walker, Lydia and Jordan Walker, The Waller Family, Maeve Wilson, Ann Wood, Thomas Young, Sally Zonner
The State Theatre would also like to extend its thanks to Elizabeth and Michael Scholl for establishing the Scholl Family Endowment in 2011. Elizabeth—a former Bay Street Players Executive Director—and Michael, along with their children and extended family, have contributed their time and efforts to the success of our organization over the years in ways that are incalculable.
For more information about donations or other ways to support Bay Street Players at the State Theatre, please contact us at 352.357.7777 or info@baystreetplayers.org.
Join our mailing list to stay updated on forthcoming fundraising events and other opportunities to show your support.
Season/Corporate Sponsors
Circle Donations
Funds and Memorials
Special Gifts and End of Year Giving
General Giving
Donor Recognition
United Arts
Funds
Julia Nora Vatter Technical Theatre Fund
Established to honor Julia Nora Vatter (1991-2009), a young woman who left an indelible mark on Bay Street Players, this fund recognizes her love of…
Ed Dawkins Memorial Scholarship Fund
The State Theatre awards annual need-based tuition scholarships to youth to attend our Young People’s Theatre classes. This fund continues the generous legacy…
Legacy Fund
We have lost many loved ones over the years, including three of our founders: Deborah J. Carpenter, Dale Carpenter, and Ed Mitenius. This…
Leave Your Mark Fund
Leave your mark on The State Theatre. With a gift of $1000 or more, receive an engraved brass plaque on the seat of…
James Irving Memorial Scholarship
In honor of James Irving (1969-2025), previous Board Member and active Volunteer for our YPT Program. James served as a Board Member, Actor,…
United Arts of Central Florida
Special thanks to United Arts and the Collaborative Campaign for the Arts with contributions to the Bay Street Players and other arts and sciences in Florida.
The 2025 Donor List is available here.
Since 1989, United Arts has raised over $200 million towards art, arts education, culture, science, and history — an ongoing effort to enrich our community and inspire future generations.
Season/Corporate Sponsors
Circle Donations
Funds and Memorials
Special Gifts and End of Year Giving
General Giving
Donor Recognition
United Arts
Bay Street Players at The State Theatre is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and all donations may be tax deductible. A copy of the official registration and financial information may be obtained from the Division of Consumer Services by calling toll-free: 800-435-7352 within the state. Registration does not imply endorsement, approval or recommendation by the state.