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Response 1.1: Please provide a description of your project/event.*
<br />Response 1.2: Please provide us link to a brief video summary of you organization's event/project.*
<br />Valley Theatre Company (VTC), established in 1999, is a cornerstone of live performance in Ellensburg and Kittitas County,
<br />drawing audiences locally and from across Washington. Our 2026 season is designed to increase tourism, theatre attendance,
<br />and volunteer participation, enhance accessibility for theatre patrons, and strengthen partnerships with local businesses.
<br />Our season features four major productions and monthly Reader’s Theatre events rotating through downtown venues, fostering
<br />collaboration with restaurants, wineries, and businesses. In 2026, we will present Murder on the Orient Express (January 30–
<br />February 14, including a new themed pre-show experience), Tuck Everlasting (April 24–May 2, highlighting youth and high
<br />school student leaders), The Addams Family (July 2-11, summer musical), and the Cabernet Cabaret dinner theatre and revue
<br />(November 6-8). Together, these events create year-round tourism opportunities.
<br />VTC desires to expand accessibility by licensing closed-captioning software, ensuring that each production includes a captioned
<br />performance. This new service will welcome audience members who are hard-of-hearing, broadening participation and aligning
<br />with our mission of inclusive community arts.
<br />Data from 2025 demonstrates the tourism impact of VTC productions: 15–25% of attendees traveled from over 50 miles away,
<br />with the Cabaret reaching 24.9%. To increase this reach, we will employ a robust marketing campaign utilizing social media ads,
<br />online ads on local community and regional websites, print ads, posters, yard signs, video and radio advertisements, and at
<br />other VTC and community activities throughout the year. Cross-promotional partnerships with EACA, CWU, EHS, regional
<br />theatres, and local businesses—such as themed menus, cocktail pairings, and store discounts—further extend our draw to
<br />visitors beyond the county.
<br />Lodging tax support will directly fund marketing, facility rental, royalties, and production expenses, enabling us to maintain the
<br />professional quality of our programming while offering new accessible services. By providing distinctive and original live theatre
<br />experiences in every season, VTC enriches community life, supports local businesses, and drives cultural tourism that benefits
<br />Ellensburg and the greater Kittitas Valley.
<br />2500 character limit
<br />Note: You MUST be present at the Q&A meeting to qualify for funding.
<br />https://youtu.be/q8KCBny7MIs
<br />Response 1.3: List of Intended Use of Funds *
<br />Note: This language will be related in the contract if awarded.
<br />The CLTAC cannot approve funds not listed under RCW 67.28.1816. However, the committee has the right to be more restrictive.
<br />Advertising, Promotions and Graphic Design
<br />Equipment rentals for productions
<br />Closed Captioning and Accessibility services/software licensing
<br />Facility Rental for productions
<br />Royalties
<br />Production Expenses and rentals (set pieces, props, costumes, hair, makeup, printing programs, etc.)
<br />Website and IT support
<br />2| Supporting Kittitas County as a tourism destination.
<br />1. Away from their place of residence or business and staying overnight in paid accommodations;
<br />2. To a place fifty miles or more away from their place of residence or business for the day or staying overnight;
<br />3. Or from another country or state outside of their place of residence or business.
<br />You must provide the evidence utilized in determining your projections.
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