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Response 4.1: If your organization collaborates or has created partnerships with other organizations, groups, or other events,
<br />how is this accomplished?*
<br />Response 4.2: Describe how you will promote lodging establishments, restaurants, and business located in Kittitas County *
<br />Valley Theatre Company (VTC) is deeply committed to collaboration, both within the Laughing Horse Arts Foundation and
<br />throughout the region. Within the foundation, we work alongside organizations such as Central Washington University (CWU),
<br />local school districts, and other community and semi-professional theatres to advance the shared goal of producing high-quality
<br />musical theatre. Our partnerships extend to groups like the Warehouse Theatre in Yakima, which provides technical support,
<br />and with whom we routinely cross-lend sets, props, and equipment. VTC also rents costumes, props, and technical gear to
<br />theatre and dance organizations from Ellensburg to Leavenworth, Cle Elum, Yakima, and as far as Coeur d’Alene, helping
<br />strengthen the broader performing arts ecosystem.
<br />We maintain strong and growing relationships with CWU’s Music, Theatre, and Film departments, as well as the Ellensburg
<br />School District. Faculty and students contribute as performers, designers, and technicians, while our partnership with CWU’s
<br />Central Communication Agency (since 2024) brings marketing and social media support from student interns. As a SLICE-
<br />recognized community organization, we provide students with internship opportunities and real-world experience in theatre
<br />management, production, and promotion.
<br />Collaboration is also central to the Laughing Horse Arts Foundation’s structure, which includes multiple sub-organizations in
<br />Ellensburg and Cle Elum. We cross-promote events, share resources, and coordinate productions as needed. Every VTC
<br />production is powered by community volunteers—actors, musicians, backstage crew, set builders, costumers, and makeup
<br />teams—whose collective efforts ensure the professional quality of our work.
<br />VTC also plays a leadership role in the broader arts community. We are an active stakeholder in the Ellensburg Arts and Cultural
<br />Alliance (EACA) and have been engaged since 2021 in its investment, strategic planning, and implementation process. Our
<br />Executive Director is current Vice President of the board, chairs EACA’s Resource Development Committee, and serves on the
<br />Steering Committee for the Ellensburg Creative District, helping guide the vision of a thriving artist community that connects
<br />cultural, civic, and business leaders.
<br />2500 character limit
<br />Promoting Local Lodging, Restaurants, and Businesses
<br />Valley Theatre Company (VTC) actively promotes and partners with Kittitas County businesses to enhance visitor experiences
<br />and drive economic impact:
<br />• Restaurants: Partner with local dining establishments to offer cross-promotions such as ticket-holder discounts, themed
<br />menus, and custom cocktails. Restaurants display VTC flyers/table tents, while we advertise their specials on our website,
<br />ticketing platform, and social media. This flexible approach allows each restaurant to tailor a promotion that works for them,
<br />while giving theatre patrons a reason to explore local dining before or after the show.
<br />• Lodging: Continue to develop “stay-and-see a play” packages with hotels and provide rack cards and show posters for lobby
<br />displays. These partnerships not only encourage overnight stays but also strengthen our shared goal of showcasing Ellensburg
<br />and Kittitas County as a cultural destination.
<br />• Reader’s Theatre: Since 2025, monthly script-in-hand readings have rotated among downtown businesses (e.g., Gard and
<br />Valo tasting rooms, The Ink). These events bring audiences directly into local venues, generating foot traffic and exposure for
<br />participating businesses.
<br />• Business Sponsorship & In-Kind Support: In 2025, local businesses contributed approximately $7,200 in goods and services
<br />(costume cleaning, set materials, sound equipment, concessions, etc.), all of which are recognized in programs and sponsorship
<br />signage. Wheel Line Cider named VTC their 2026 Rodeo City Community Cider beneficiary, and we are currently planning a few
<br />co-hosted events in 2026.
<br />• Cross-Promotion Impact: By combining arts programming with local hospitality and business partnerships, VTC ensures that
<br />visitors not only attend productions but also dine, shop, and stay locally.
<br />Through these collaborations, VTC strengthens the cultural destination appeal of Kittitas County, encouraging visitors to support
<br />restaurants, lodging, and businesses while enjoying live theatre.
<br />2500 character limit
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