ExxonMobil sponsors Summer Chills intent to draw new crowd to the Alley
A given in the energy industry is that ExxonMobil is heavily involved. Involved, not only in all cycles and sectors of the industry itself, but in the communities in which it serves. Not surprisingly, the company contributes to the education of tomorrow’s leaders through various outreach and volunteer programs, especially in math and science - two subjects at the core of the industry. In addition to its efforts to promote education and awareness of science, technology, engineering and mathematics careers, ExxonMobil is supportive of the arts.
This year the company celebrates its 15th year as the presenting sponsor of Houston’s Alley Theatre’s Annual Summer Chills series.
The perfect summer outing for Houstonians seeking a cool respite from the summer heat, ExxonMobil Summer Chills is a great way to introduce live theatre to first-timers, giving them an opportunity to thrill in suspenseful moments and unexpected revelations.
Thomas Walters, president, ExxonMobil Gas & Power Marketing Company, sits on the Corporate Council at the Alley Theatre, where members provide support and guidance to enhance the theatre’s outreach, marketing, business operations, and more.
“ExxonMobil is proud to celebrate 15 years of support to the Alley Theatre’s Summer Chills series. The wonderful productions of classic mystery have become a summer staple in the Theatre District and the entire Houston community,” stated Walters.
The company contributed $75,000 as the presenting sponsor for the series with the hopes of attracting and engaging the non-traditional, underserved Houstonians/audiences by offering them a chance to attend the theatre at a discounted rate. Summer Chills also welcomes guests from across the US and around the world to experience Houston’s own theatre production and witness the liveliness and accessibility of Downtown Houston.
The company also gives college interns a chance to participate. Each year ExxonMobil holds its Community Summer Jobs Program, an 8-week paid internship where college students experience and gain knowledge about the non-profit sector. This year, 65 non-profits and college students are participating in the program. Every year as the program comes to a close, ExxonMobil and Alley Theatre host an “Evening at the Alley,” giving the interns a chance to mingle for the last time as a group. The night is topped off with a viewing of the Summer Chills performance. When the opportunity permits, the interns meet and photograph with the Summer Chills cast.
Last year’s production, Agatha Christie’s The Unexpected Guest, included 26 scheduled performances and reached 22,106 guests. The Alley Theatre was at 96% capacity for the run of the season.
This year’s production, Paul Giovanni’s Sherlock Holmes and the Crucifer of Blood, is being directed by Alley Theatre Artistic Director Gregory Boyd.
Photo courtesy of ExxonMobil
With help from ExxonMobil, the Alley Theatre is staged to attract a full house of theater-goers, and of those, many will be experiencing the thrill of a live performance for the first time.