Community Theater Green Room Discussion Board: Cheap Publicity in a Major City

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   Publicity, publicity, publicity.  I teach high school in a major US city, and I will boast--our drama team is producing at the same level of quality of the local community theatres. We've won first place at different acting competitions in the area, and the professionals at the theatre house we rent have given us great reviews.  
However, we can't get any cheap advertising.  Most of the radio stations have their "favorite" non-profits they run their PSA's for--usually the larger theatres in the area.  Community theatres and schools never get a fair shake.  And let's not even mention the cost of a newspaper add in our papers.  
Also, because of the size of the area, many of the restaurants are national chains and do not allow table tents--although we have tried it with some local restaurants.
Any other ideas?  Right now our budget is so strapped we can't pay for advertising that can't at least pay for itself in future ticket sales.

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Guests Guest	Topic: Cheap Publicity in a Major City Posted: 10/14/05 at 6:47pm
	Publicity, publicity, publicity. I teach high school in a major US city, and I will boast--our drama team is producing at the same level of quality of the local community theatres. We've won first place at different acting competitions in the area, and the professionals at the theatre house we rent have given us great reviews. However, we can't get any cheap advertising. Most of the radio stations have their "favorite" non-profits they run their PSA's for--usually the larger theatres in the area. Community theatres and schools never get a fair shake. And let's not even mention the cost of a newspaper add in our papers. Also, because of the size of the area, many of the restaurants are national chains and do not allow table tents--although we have tried it with some local restaurants. Any other ideas? Right now our budget is so strapped we can't pay for advertising that can't at least pay for itself in future ticket sales.

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Topper Celebrity Joined: 1/27/05 Location: United States Online Status: Offline Posts: 543	Posted: 10/15/05 at 12:05pm
	Public appearances are always cheap publicity. If there is a farmer's market, an art fair, an outdoor concert, sidewalk sale or other community gathering it is not uncommon for local theatre groups to have several of their performers dress up in costume and pass out leaflets. Be sure to check with the organizers of the event first to get the proper permission. And as a courtesy to the participants place yourselves where you can interact with the crowds without blocking traffic or vendors. This works great if you're doing a colorful musical or period piece where the costumes will stand out and draw attention. If you're doing a contemporary drama -- then not so much.
	"None of us really grow up. All we ever do is learn how to behave in public." -- Keith Johnstone
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Guests Guest	Posted: 10/16/05 at 9:35pm
	Great idea! Thanks!
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looking2bcast Player Joined: 10/05/05 Location: United States Online Status: Offline Posts: 21	Posted: 10/18/05 at 3:07pm
	I had posted this in another topic area but we use posters we have found a printer online that will print posters for .48 cents each (or even cheaper if you get lower quality paper) and then we run off about 150 of them. Each of the board members then split up the area and put them up in local businesses (a good way to see who the supporters are too). It comes out to be about 15-20 per person to post so it takes no time at all. Then we also give some to the cast to put up at thier favorite watering holes etc. We also went to National Public Radio (they are nationwide so you can find one in your area) and they run us for free as well as they do a feature story on each show (also alot of the artsy folks listen to NPR). Then you can also make fold out versions of your schedules for pretty cheap and put them in all your local hotels,chamber of commerce, tourist information booths etc. Also business cards are good with you schedule on them etc.
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PatrickArmagh Lead Joined: 10/05/05 Location: United States Online Status: Offline Posts: 33	Posted: 10/26/05 at 3:44am
	Contact the newspaper publishers directly. Sometimes with non-profit status, you can get cut rate advertising rates from the publisher that you can't get from the Advertising Sales Mgr. Also, talk to the Federal Government, also kind of known as your local postmaster. You can sometimes get posters up in the post office, and reach a whole new audience. Take posters/flyers to local hotels and Chamber of Commerce. You got to hustle to hear the audience bustle.
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th8rguykc Player Joined: 5/27/04 Online Status: Offline Posts: 28	Posted: 10/26/05 at 4:35pm
	On the Public appearances line of thought:Libraries! Most public Libraries would be happy to host some sort of pre-view. Put some folks in costumes, maybe do a bit of the show, or a song, etc.
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