How to get sponsorship for your show without selling your soul?

Think of sponsorship as a selfish act.  Ask what will the brand want to achieve.  It might be different from your assumptions.

Think of your show/theatre company as a slice of chocolate cake rather than as a begging bowl.  What you are offering to them is delicious.  

Ask does the brand sit within your ethical framework?

Important to know what the ask is, don't scare them off, and consider how to hold your own boundaries.  

The brand may have resources and skills, time and talent that you could use for marketing the show.

There is already a corporate compromise that is hidden behind Trusts and Foundations.  

Audiences are so used to seeing advertising in other formats that they are likely to tune out thus minimising effect on the show.

Brandscapes are big in immersive theatre but are less likely to compromise non-immersive forms that have a tighter narrative form.

Consider existing connections and reach out to LEPs and Chamber of commerce - some unions have small pots of money that can fund shows - no strings attached.

Charities might be able to offer in kind support and audience reach via their channels and it is sometimes within their remit to spread the word - look for alternative ways to communicate their brand's visibility.  

Make a list of people who might give you £50 and those who might give £500.  And of those who might actually give you £5,000

Build your network - play the long game.

Many companies have CSR budgets - can you tap into these?  It can be a delicate dance but important to get in the room with them.

Investors might want to invest in a production that whilst not giving them a multiple on their investment gives them a chance of getting their money back and over a shorter time frame.