Four years after Theatre Under the Stars looked like it might wind up underground, the Stanley Park summer attraction has secured corporate funding for the first time in its 64-year history.

TD Bank will provide the non-profit theatre group with $50,000 for the 2010 season.

"I hope what they saw was an opportunity to be our first angel," said James Cronk, managing producer of TUTS.

TUTS announced the sponsorship on June 21, four years after they were forced to cancel their 2006 season.

Cronk said he hoped the partnership would continue past 2010. TD signed a one-year deal with TUTS, which includes first right of refusal for 2011, according to Cronk. The current season runs July 9 to Aug. 21.

The sponsorship will allow for discounted, last-minute seating for students. High school and university students will also be able to purchase tickets for $20. TUTS tickets usually cost between $29 and $42.

Cronk said getting corporate sponsorship was especially important due to government cutbacks to the arts.

The Public Dreams Society has lost half its funding since 2009 for its Illuminaires lantern festival due to provincial budget cuts, according to artistic director Sam Shem.

Samantha Jo Simmonds, social enterprise manager for Public Dreams Society, stated in an email that Public Dreams received significantly less funding from Canada Council and the B.C. Arts Council, as well as losing all gaming funding. She wrote that the City of Vancouver also reduced their event funding.

Public Dreams Society is currently looking for corporate sponsorship, according to Simmonds.

Cronk said there was no backup plan if TUTS couldn't work out a deal with TD. "Without [corporate] support, TUTS would not be able to continue," he said.

"One of the challenges is getting our name out there," he said, explaining the importance of the partnership with TD in terms of gaining exposure. "Marketing dollars are always at a premium."

Cronk added that one of the key factors in making the deal was TD's "desire to connect youth with music." TD also sponsors the Vancouver International Jazz Festival.

Before TUTS found a sponsor, Cronk stressed that any corporation would have to appreciate Theatre Under the Stars' emphasis on mentoring young actors.

The cast of TUTS' upcoming production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat consists largely of high school students.

Claire Townsend, corporate communications manager for TD, stated in an email that TUTS' emphasis on mentoring young actors was congruent with the company's philosophy.

"One of the focuses of our TD community giving programs is to create opportunities for young people," she wrote.

Townsend also stated that there were no plans to change anything for TUTS. "They must be doing something right as TUTS is now entering its 64th summer season," she wrote.

The partnership with TD comes just one month after TUTS made a deal with the Vancouver Park Board and the federal government for funding to renovate Malkin Bowl, where the productions are staged.

The park board and the federal government will each donate $300,000 to the project, which includes insulation for the stage and a huge retractable door to cover the stage and shield it from the elements when it's not in use.

The project is scheduled to cost $700,000 and conclude in 2011.

TUTS currently has a 10-year lease with the City of Vancouver. In addition to Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, TUTS 2010 season includes Singing in the Rain.

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