For nearly 97 years, Sunrise Theatre has been a gem of the Treasure Coast. Now owned and operated by the City of Fort Pierce, Sunrise truly is a community theatre — one that relies on the support of its members to continue to bring in unique, star-studded shows that are unlike anything else you’ll find locally.
While the 2018-2019 season is winding down, you can support next season — preparations for which are already well under way — by becoming a member of Sunrise Theatre or renewing your membership for another season. Here’s what it means to be a member, and why your support matters so much.
Why members matter
Members help ensure Sunrise can continue bringing in crowds for national touring shows, comedy acts, country stars, ballets and more. In turn, these shows help boost the local economy, so supporting Sunrise supports the entire community. Last year, over 51% of Sunrise’s ticket sales came from counties north and south of Fort Pierce.
Supporting the arts helps this historic venue continue to benefit the economy and quality of life in St. Lucie County. The Sunrise Theatre has an overall economic impact of $32 million annually, creating a solid foundation to ensure a positive, healthy downtown Fort Pierce. The theatre, with the help of more than 600 members and over 200 volunteers, serves more than 85,000 patrons and guests annually through its cultural programs.
As a public non-profit organization, Sunrise Theatre counts on the generosity of members, donors and sponsors. Your support ensures you can keep seeing your favorite shows close to home, and your tax-deductible contribution also helps support the Sunrise Theatre’s educational programs, which open the world of the arts to thousands of the community’s school children each year. Studies show that watching live theatre can help boost students’ empathy, tolerance and compassion.
A Sunrise membership is the perfect gift for someone who “has everything.” We often feel more emotionally connected to experiences than to things, so this gift truly does keep giving.
Membership perks and benefits
This season, individual memberships start at $75 and family memberships are only $125. Memberships offer advanced notice of shows and the opportunity to purchase tickets before the general public, so you never miss out.
Here are the details:
Individual membership, $75
- Advance notice of shows
- Purchase 2 tickets in advance per show
- Member priority purchase date – 3 days ahead
- Recognition in season playbill
- Membership cards
- Annual member’s reception
- No reprint fee
- Annual subscription to Indian River Magazine
Family membership, $125
- Advance notice of shows
- Purchase 4 tickets in advance per show
- Member priority purchase date – 3 days ahead
- Recognition in season playbill
- Membership cards
- Annual member’s reception
- No reprint fee
- Annual subscription to Indian River Magazine
Want to get more involved? Sunrise offers several different membership options. By becoming a “Friend” of Sunrise Theatre, you get even earlier notice for ticket purchases and “meet and greet” opportunities with the stars before or after select shows. Other benefits at the higher levels include free and discounted tickets and much more.
Friend, $250+
- Benefits from family membership level
- Purchase unlimited tickets in advance – per show
- Member priority purchase date – 6 days ahead
- Free ticket exchange privileges (3 days prior)
- Members-only coupons
- 2 free tickets to select shows (online sales excluded – 2 per show)
- Get 4 meet & greet opportunities
- If you’ve ever wanted to be on stage at Sunrise Theatre, you’ll have that chance as a member. The theatre will be hosting a membership kickoff reception on stage (details coming soon). While it’s not quite the same as seeing your name up in lights (although that is an option for “Executive Producer” members), it’s fun to be on stage where the magic happens.
Sunrise is finalizing the lineup for the 2019-2020 season, which will be announced soon. (A couple of shows have already been announced.) But know this: It’s going to be impressive!
Ready to sign up for a membership? You can buy online or contact the box office and learn about the full table of benefits for each level. Want more information? Call the Sunrise box office at 772-461-4775.
About Sunrise Theatre
The pristine, beautifully restored, intimate 1,200-seat Sunrise Theatre, located in Historic downtown Fort Pierce, presents national touring Broadway shows, musical and comedy acts, ballet, country stars and classic rock icons.
Also located within the theatre complex is the 220-seat Black Box Theatre, a state-of-the-art venue offering a variety of national, regional and local programming.
Visit the Sunrise Theatre website for a complete listing of confirmed shows.
Members of the editorial and news staff of the USA Today Network were not involved in the creation of this content.