kids theatre?

*Cringe*

...this is the reaction many people have to the prospect of going to see a bunch of children performing theatre, but our little (and grown,  we have an age range from 6-19) actors have the skills and talents of professionals.  Many of our students have gone on to university training and/or professional theatre. Our kids win regional and even provincial competitions.  They sometimes have to split rehearsal time with us and a local and quite famous professional theatre.

But despite the talent, we have a major problem filling seats.  The families of our students come to the shows, sometimes a few of their friends will join the audience. But typically we are way under our desired goal in this respect.  While this is not the only way we gain an bit of an income for our not-for-profit organization, the lack of an audience is contributing greatly to our slight financial peril.

Any ideas, tips or advice on how to fix our 'Bums in Seats' problem?  We dont have lots of money and few actullay ACTIVE board members to help us, but any suggestions you have would be greatly appreciated.

 Thanks in advance!

--Just found this site and am so relieved to see that other groups struggle as well, we are not alone!--

 How do you name the theatre on the marque?
As a student or kids theatre, if so drop the age designation & call it the whatever theatre company.
Start by changing the attitude of the committee &/or members, by referring to it as the ?What its name? theatre. Don?t pigeon hole IT.
As Topper suggests get a marketing person on board.
Use all the promotion tricks your think tank can pull out of the box.
Even those Button badges that you make up yourself & can stamp out like biscuits for a few coppers, are a good idea. With your production printed up from a home PC & get them out to all the take away foods, other business outlet staff to wear. For a few comps. Along with the  cast/crew/friends to wear around town.
You don?t have to go to this level, but it might not hurt?

http://www.toolsforstagecraft.com/mini-motion.htm

I've wanted to do that during a production of SoM before . . . .

Originally posted by red diva Oh, POB.....how I agree with you.  As a matter of fact, the play is commonly known around our theatre as "The Sound of Mucus".

I have heard that Christopher Plummer used "Sound of Mucus" on the set of the movie, so don't worry, you're in good company!

(Don't get me wrong, I love the show . . . but sometimes . . . .)