What It Takes to Produce a Show at HCCT

Ever wonder how a show comes to life at the Hill Country Community Theatre?

With our seating capacity, ticket sales alone can’t fully cover the cost of producing high-quality theatre and keeping the lights on. That’s where show underwriting comes in.

Since Daniel and I arrived in 2022, many patrons have noticed an increase in production quality and more ambitious show selections. That growth comes with increased costs — and underwriting plays a big role in making it possible.

Producing a Show Costs More Than You Think

One thing that surprises many people is that HCCT has to pay just to be allowed to perform a play or musical. That cost is called royalties, and they can range from about $1,000 for lesser-known plays to $6,000 or more for larger musicals.

And that’s just the beginning.

  • Sets, costumes, and props
  • Designers, directors, and stage managers
  • Playbills and marketing materials
  • Concessions and front-of-house supplies
  • Utilities and facility costs

Underwriting is one of the ways we help cover these costs while maintaining the quality you’ve come to expect.

Season 40 Production Budget Ranges

To give a little perspective, production budgets typically fall within these ranges:

  • Plays: $14,109 – $14,782
  • Musicals: $16,744 – $25,991

Budgets vary based on cast size, design needs, technical requirements, and licensing.

So… What Exactly Is Underwriting?

Underwriting is a tax-deductible donation that supports a specific production at HCCT.

HCCT is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and underwriting is designated specifically for the show of your choosing. Underwriting can support all or part of a show.

Anyone can be an underwriter:

  • Individuals
  • Businesses
  • Foundations

Underwriting helps us maintain production quality, cover costs responsibly, keep ticket prices accessible, and reinvest ticket revenue back into the theatre for maintenance and capital improvements.

We are deeply grateful to the individuals, businesses, and foundations who have already served as underwriters this season. Your support plays a vital role in making our productions possible.

Looking Ahead

At the moment, Lend Me a Tenor and Lost in Yonkers are two productions that have not yet secured underwriting support.

There’s absolutely no pressure — we simply want to share how underwriting works and why it plays such an important role in bringing great theatre to our stage.

Interested in Underwriting a Show?

If you’d like to learn more (or just explore what underwriting could look like), we’d love to talk.

Learn More About Underwriting   Call 830.693.2474 or Email director@thehcct.org

Hill Country Community Theatre is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Your underwriting contribution may be tax-deductible as allowed by law.