Theatre in the Park Visits More Communities Than Ever With Tour Support Grant

Mackenzie Dawson was a successful grant recipient of our Tour Support Grant for his project: Theatre in the Park 2023 Provincial Tour.

Mackenzie Dawson and Sum Theatre take a different approach to being paid for their work.

For over a decade, Sum Theatre has created and produced Theatre in the Park. Instead of charging for admission through tickets, though, the team works closely with community associations, municipalities, and businesses to earn revenue through show sponsorships. For many audience members, especially children, Theatre in the Park is their first experience with theatre.

“Our show is our product, but instead of selling it to individuals we sell it to our sponsors and partners,” Dawson says. “Sponsorship income and partner presentation fees cover the expenses of the show and give us unrestricted revenue we can use to grow other aspects of our business.”

Prior to setting out on tour, Sum Theatre meets with every community association and municipality in which they’d like to host a show. The staff meets with potential local business and corporate sponsors seeking the unique opportunity to serve their community and sponsor a show. Then, through posters, flyers, social media, and media relations, Sum Theatre secures a large audience for each show.

With the help of a Creative Saskatchewan Tour Support Grant, Dawson and Sum Theatre connect with 38 communities province-wide, including Northern Saskatchewan.

Sum Theatre travelled to more communities than ever in 2023. In doing so, they made professional live theatre free and accessible to the people of Saskatchewan, regardless of age, culture, or socio-economic status, while also bringing in revenue and growing their business.

“We are grateful for the opportunity to inspire audiences of all ages,” says Dawson.