Behind the Curtain

Sheridan College, located in the western Greater Toronto Area in Ontario, launched a renaissance in music theatre when it founded the Canadian Music Theatre Project (CMTP) in 2011, creating space for writers and composers to develop new musicals. “Come From Away,” the international smash-hit musical, first took shape in CMTP workshops before making its Broadway debut in 2017. It has since grossed more than $400 million in revenue.

As the CMTP looked toward growth and engaging unique voices and stories to contribute to a diverse catalogue of music theatre, “The Canadian Music Theatre Project: The Next 10 Years” was created as a fundraising proposal targeted at prospective donors interested in joining the cause. The proposal was a collaboration of Sheridan’s advancement department, along with CMTP’s producing artistic director and internal graphic design colleagues from Sheridan’s marketing team. Collaboration was the key to an award-winning final product.

The producing artistic director’s passion for using musical theatre as a conduit to reveal diverse stories translated well into an engaging written case for support. Similarly, the graphic design team’s keen eye for photo choice and layout gave the language depth and made the document more compelling. This project was fortunate to win awards of merit for writing and publications, a result of what’s possible when a subject matter expert’s vision for a project inspires writers and designers.

View the Full Proposal

A Standing Ovation

Achieving Gold Quill recognition for this publication was an important reminder of the value of our work and its ability to have an impact on fundraising in support of our school and students. The process of creating the Gold Quill application, meanwhile, offered a chance for the team to reflect on what was successful during the process, and revisit any challenges to consider how they would be handled differently in the future.

In the midst of a project, when deadlines are looming, or when inspiration seems to be lacking, it can be easy to lose sight of the main objective. The Gold Quill process provides a goal post to use to stay focused. It’s an important reminder that the hard work will pay off.

The 2022 Gold Quill Awards program is now open! For details about how to enter, visit the Gold Quill website. The early-bird submission deadline is 9 January 2022. Looking for inspiration? Check out the Gold Quill section of Catalyst to review case studies and best practices from past recipients.