Thursday, September 17, 2026 at 6pm
The Society Room in Downtown Hartford
A night to celebrate our theater, our community, and our future.
The Spotlight Soirée marks an exciting new chapter for Hartford Stage — an elegant evening that brings together business leaders, philanthropists, artists, and community champions in support of world-class theater and transformative arts education.
Event Program
6pm
Cocktail Hour – Season Preview
7:30pm
Dinner
8:15pm
Program Begins
Performance
Inspiration Award Ceremony
Paddle Raise
8:45pm
Dancing and Dessert
10pm
End of Event
We invite you to join us in the ✨spotlight✨
Individual Tickets
$150
Under 40 and Artists
limited availability
$350
Supporter
includes $200 charitable contribution
$750
Benefactor
includes $600 charitable contribution
Invitations Coming Spring 2026!
Group Tables
$2800
8 Supporter Guest Seats
Recognition as a Table Host
$6000
8 Benefactor Guest Seats
Recognition as a Table Host
Upgraded Wine Service during dinner
Premiere table location for Program
Exclusive gift for all guests
Proceeds from The Spotlight Soirée support Hartford Stage’s:
Award-Winning Productions
Education & Community Engagement Programs
Access Initiatives for Students & Families
Ongoing Commitment to Artistic Innovation
Sponsorship Opportunities
As a sponsor, your company will be recognized as a vital partner in sustaining artistic excellence and expanding access to live theater across our region. The Spotlight Soirée offers meaningful brand visibility, exceptional client hospitality, and alignment with one of Connecticut’s most respected cultural institutions.
Premiere Corporate Visibility & Leadership Recognition
- Eight (8) VIP tickets with premiere seating accompanied by Hartford Stage Leadership
- Exclusive recognition as Presenting Sponsor of The Spotlight Soirée
- Prominent logo recognition on:
- Print & Digital Invitation to over 15,000 households
- Event website (top-tier placement)
- Step & repeat and major event signage
- Select pre-event emails to Hartford Stage patrons and supporters
- On-stage verbal recognition during the program
- Opportunity for company executive to offer brief welcome remarks
- Dedicated sponsor spotlight in Hartford Stage’s September 2026 e-newsletter
- Dedicated sponsor spotlight in Hartford Stage social media posts
- Full-page ad in the event printed program
- Recognition in post-event impact communications
- Optional backstage experience or private theater tour for company leadership/employees/clients
High-Impact Brand Exposure & Client Engagement
- Eight (8) VIP tickets with priority seating
- Prominent logo recognition on invitation, website, and event signage
- Verbal recognition during the program
- Sponsor recognition in pre-event email & social media communications
- Full-page ad in the event printed program
- Recognition in post-event communications
Community Leadership & Brand Visibility
- Four (4) tickets with premium seating
- Logo recognition on event website and onsite signage
- Half-page ad in the event printed program
- Exclusive social media recognition
- Four (4) tickets
- Logo recognition on website and event signage
- Quarter-page ad in the printed event program
- Recognition in shared sponsor listings on social media and event materials
- Two (2) tickets
- Name recognition on event website
- Listing in the printed event program
- Recognition in shared sponsor listings on social media and event materials
- Name recognition on event website
- Listing in the printed event program
- Recognition in shared sponsor listings on social media and event materials
Exclusive Branded Sponsorship Opportunities
Customized sponsorships provide unique engagement and enhanced visibility, plus two (2) VIP tickets.
$10,000
Cocktail Hour Sponsor
Signature drink naming opportunity and branded cocktail napkins
$12,500
Dance Party Sponsor
Exclusive branding of live music act and dance floor activation
$15,000
Inspiration Award Sponsor
Recognition tied directly to the evening’s honorees and awardees
Gala Chairs
David & Kathleen Jimenez
Gala Committee
Jill Adams
Patti Broad
Marla Byrnes
Jamie Cohen
Kate Collins
Sue Ann Collins
Rick Costello
Alona Croteau
Jennifer L. DiBella
Karen Fitzgerald
Devon Francis
Hannah Granfield-Horton
Jackie Iacovazzi
Mersini Keller
Mike Nicastro
Malia Peres
Bridget Quinn
Leslie Reynolds
Chrissie Ripple
Jack Sennott
Judy Thompson
Max Toth
Josye Utick
Maureen VanDeHoef
Nicole Vitrano
Alia Walwyn-James
Patty Willis
Yvette Yelardy
Questions
Please contact Sonya Thiel for more information. You can email her at sthiel@hartfordstage.org or call 860-520-7250
Yes, all guests will receive a plated dinner as part of the evening’s program.
The MAT garage next to the theater at 55 Chapel Street, Hartford, CT 06103. The Hartford Stage Parking Fee at the MAT Garage is $7. Cash or credit cards are accepted. Alternatively, street parking is free after 6pm.
Spotlight Chic
Step into the spotlight—elevated, expressive, and ready to shine.
Dress up from your workday look with something that feels special—think cocktail attire with personality. Feel free to add a standout element that catches the light or attention: bold color, metallics, statement accessories, or dramatic silhouettes.
Yes! Enjoy drinks on us from specialty cocktails to your favorite beverages!
Yes! It wouldn’t be a Hartford Stage Gala without dancing at the end of the night!
Of course! We are looking for sponsors at all levels! See the information above for details. You also may simply make a donation to Hartford Stage at: www.hartfordstage.org/how-to-give
Seating will be assigned. But don’t worry, we will make sure you are at the fun table!
The Spotlight Soiree is Hartford Stage’s annual fundraising event. All proceeds for the night support Hartford Stage’s award-winning productions, education and community engagement programs, access initiatives for students and families, and artistic innovation.
There will be a silent auction with items for everyone! If you are not interested in bidding on an item, but would still like to donate, don’t worry! There will also be a paddle raise for you to pledge your support to Hartford Stage.
