An image of a scene from the Fall play, The Crucible
Recently, Notre Dame’s Theater Company launched a new initiative, offering ad space in the show program for both downtown and student-run businesses and organizations. Downtown Businesses like Academic and Boba Bar have supported ND by paying for their ad space, and in return have gotten to reach even more community members. This year, there were the most student businesses yet. And the best part? Students get to have ad space for free.
In offering free ad space for students, every NDTC show gives students the chance to promote their ventures to real patrons. They get to practice outreach and branding, building traits needed to continue developing into community leaders. The program also fits NDTC’s student-led approach, where students already run design, production and marketing in a team of 20+ people.
In The Crucible’s program, eight student ads sit alongside one paid ad.
Those who browsed the program got to learn about Student-Led Businesses, such as:
Crowchet (crochetbyrylie@gmail.com): Handmade crochet plushies and patterns, from frogs to koi keychains.
Lucky Beads and Rocks (varunikarthik22@gmail.com): Friendship bracelets, painted rocks, clay figures and crochet trinkets.
Custom Pins + Art Commissions (eyeofluce-comms.straw.page): Custom pins starting at $2 and commissioned art from $5.
Stickers + Such (stickers.such1@gmail.com): Vinyl stickers, crochet chickens and hand-painted watercolor cards.
Performance goers also learned about student led ways to make an impact:
Notre Dame Dance (RSVP @ bit.ly/nddance26): Promoting Once Upon a Winter, Friday, Dec. 4 in JB Hall, with a 7:15 p.m. Winter Market and an 8 p.m. show.
Nova Arts (novaarts.nonprofit@gmail.com): A nonprofit that uses art to support girls in STEM, with volunteer chances that earn service hours.
Next Vision AI (nextvisionai.org): A youth-led group offering free workshops on using AI responsibly.
The Sunshine Squad (sunshinesquadco@gmail.com): A 501(c)(3) nonprofit that hosts art activities at nursing homes and advocates against elder abuse. It’s recruiting board members and volunteers.
NDTC is proud of the new free ad initiative, and they are glad to empower classmates with the chance to grow both their business ventures and marketing skills.
Interested? Keep an eye out for a chance to be featured in the program of our Spring Musical, Come From Away, with performances at 7 p.m. on April 21 (PWYC), April 22, April 23 and April 24. Matinees are at 1 p.m. on April 24 and April 25.