When Civic Theatre West, formerly Magic Circle Theatre, announced its name change, the organization also made a renewed promise: To encourage lifelong participation and community involvement in the arts.

The theater company is fulfilling its pledge by reaching out to fellow nonprofit organizations with a new group ticket sales program.

Under the program, northern California nonprofit groups can purchase blocks of tickets to main stage performances at Civic Theatre West at a significant discount. Then, the organization can either sell the tickets at face value to raise funds or offer the tickets as a complimentary promotional item to key partners.

“Reaching out to other community nonprofit organizations is just one way Civic Theatre West is living up to its renewed mission and vision of being an enduring nonprofit organization that not only offers inspired theater performances, but also gives back to the community,” said Calvin Stevens, president of the board of directors, in a press release. “In these challenging times, nonprofits of all kinds are in need of new and innovative ways to raise funds.”

The theater’s fall and winter 2010 season features, “The Drowsy Chaperone,” “Crimes of the Heart,” “Deathtrap,” “Forever Plaid: Plaid Tidings” and “Annie.”

The tickets can be purchased by 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations in blocks of 50 or 100 on select dates during the run of each show.

For more information, call the box office at (916) 782-1777.

~Sena Christian