Along with the Schoolhouse Children’s Museum, the York Little Theatre was a MetamorphoSIGN contest winner in 2011. The 78-year old nonprofit community theatre is located in York, Pennsylvania where it’s mission is to engage the citizens of Southern Pennsylvania in the dramatic arts by providing affordable educational and participation opportunities, as well as putting on professionally-directed performances.

Like many nonprofit organizations, York Little Theatre focused the majority of their energy and money into providing services to their community. Over time, their visual communications—their signs, graphics and visual marketing—became dated and didn’t fully reflect what the theatre provided. Deb Thro, Public Relations Manager for York Little Theatre, submitted an entry to the 2011 MetamorphoSIGN makeover contest:

“YLT welcomes community participation in all aspects of production and operation, and believes that involvement in the arts not only gives people a creative outlet, but also expands horizons, opens doors, creates communities, builds bonds and generates friendships. New signage is desperately needed to help in our effort to grab the attention of passers-by and help them better understand who we are and what we have to offer.”

The Challenge

Once York Little Theatre was selected as a recipient for a makeover, Jon Toy, owner of the FASTSIGNS in York, PA, met with Deb and the theatre’s Board of Directors to understand their challenges.

The biggest frustration the theatre expressed was while their location was ideal for exposure, their lack of effective visual communications kept people who were passing by from realizing that the theatre was there. Also, while they updated their logo and branding the year prior, they had not been able to reflect that in their signage. The only place that showed their new branding was in one small section on the window of their front door; they also used it in their digital marketing collateral (blog, email newsletters, etc.).

“We provided $5,000 worth of signs and graphics to give a much needed update to their visual communications,” said Jon. “We brainstormed product solutions to fit this budget, while best achieving their goals.”

The Solution

Located on a well-trafficked street next to an exit ramp of a major freeway, FASTSIGNS recommended putting an attention-getting sign on the side of the theatre building. A large outdoor reader board was installed. The theatre is now able to update the board with information on every production which helps promote the events.

FASTSIGNS also updated all of the exterior signs and those in the parking lot. Lastly, they provided custom flags that could be hung on weekends to signify to the public that a performance was happening.

The Results

As a result of the makeover, York Little Theatre has a fresh, updated and more cohesive appearance that better communicates their image to the public.

“York Little Theatre can’t thank FASTSIGNS enough for the wonderful new exterior signage makeover,” said Deb, upon completion of the makeover. “We have always had a terrific location for traffic but minimal visual appeal to gain the attention of passersby. Our spectacular new signs and graphics really did the trick! We survey our audiences…one of our questions asks how they heard about the show they attended. Since the new signage has been installed, we have received many responses citing ‘the signs on the building’ as the reason they came. As our new marquee says, “Thanks, FASTSIGNS!”