Getting my play produced, #28: final draft of letter to distilleries

The letter to distilleries, ready to be sent

I added a few more things to the letter. One was, I said that they might have questions that aren’t answered in the letter, so they should get in touch with me if there’s something else they need to know. This removes one obstacle to their deciding to participate in the tour. It’s harder for them to unconsciously decide not to participate, because they’re not sure how it’ll work.

Second thing I added, was putting in a deadline. That gives them some sense of urgency.

The final letter

Dear –

I have a neat community collaboration idea to help you get more customers, get publicity, and share the products and work that you are passionate about. Best of all, it is easy, fun, and low cost.

I would like to partner with you to host an evening of entertainment at your distillery. I am producing a simple production of a play of mine to tour distilleries in the Puget Sound area. The play, “Lessons from the Still,” is about pride in distilling and defying authorities during Prohibition. It is funny and thought-provoking, and just the kind of unusual night of entertainment that sticks in people’s minds and encourages them to talk to their friends and neighbors about their night out and your business.

I would like to bring this production to _________________________, and create a special event around it. I can even help you create flyers, get press mentions, and spread the word to keep the process simple and easy.

While I don’t know of any distilleries that have used live theater to promote and grow their business, I do know that local wineries have found it to be a tremendously successful PR and marketing tactic. And it is low cash outlay.

The performance needs space for six actors. The available dates are Fridays and Saturdays, February 24th and 25th, March 2nd and 3rd, and March 9th and 10th. The performance lasts about an hour and 15 minutes. We can start anytime between 7:00 and 8:00.

The tour is limited to one distillery in Seattle, one in Woodinville, and one on Bainbridge Island. You set the ticket prices, and – of course – keep all profit from liquor sales. My prices are a 60/40 split of the ticket revenue per show, with a $500 minimum.

As for me, I am a playwright and producer in Seattle. I have been writing for five years and producing for nine years. If you want to check me out before you respond, you can find more info about me at http://www.playwrightsmuse.com/ and http://talent.tpsonline.org/?U=louisep.

Please let me know if you have any questions; I know this letter doesn’t cover all of the details. I expect to have most of my slots filled by November 14th. You can reach me at…

Next steps

• send the letters!