Community Theater Green Room Discussion Board: training the audience

Message

   This is an important question that I'm about to start working on, actually.  I was just named publicity chair for a CT and the first play on our 2008 slate is Misery.  This is a huge departure from what this theatre usually does, so we will probably not have as much attendance from our usual crowd (an older, more conservative group.) Unless they surprise me and show up anyway, we will need to really promote this show.  I'm thinking about making up some "wanted ads" for Annie Wilkes and some "missing posters" for Paul Sheldon using pictures of the actors to go in the local newspapers, and I'm going to deliver the press releases and publicity photos to the local entertainment editors tied to a plastic axe (if you've read the play or the book, you know why I would use an axe!)  I think this show has amazing potential to bring new blood into our theatre, and I'm extremely excited about promoting it.  (I'm also auditioning for Annie)

Anyway, I think the best approach is to catch everyone's attention.  Do something that applies to the play, something that will get people talking.  Even if you can't "train" your audience to accept unknown or different plays, you may find a new audience that is willing to experience something new.  Chances are, your old audience will still be there when you do plays that they know they will enjoy, and you will have introduced a new group of people to your quality in the meantime.

Author	Message
AngelSong76 Walk-On Joined: 5/08/07 Location: United States Online Status: Offline Posts: 0	Posted: 9/12/07 at 10:13pm
	This is an important question that I'm about to start working on, actually. I was just named publicity chair for a CT and the first play on our 2008 slate is Misery. This is a huge departure from what this theatre usually does, so we will probably not have as much attendance from our usual crowd (an older, more conservative group.) Unless they surprise me and show up anyway, we will need to really promote this show. I'm thinking about making up some "wanted ads" for Annie Wilkes and some "missing posters" for Paul Sheldon using pictures of the actors to go in the local newspapers, and I'm going to deliver the press releases and publicity photos to the local entertainment editors tied to a plastic axe (if you've read the play or the book, you know why I would use an axe!) I think this show has amazing potential to bring new blood into our theatre, and I'm extremely excited about promoting it. (I'm also auditioning for Annie) Anyway, I think the best approach is to catch everyone's attention. Do something that applies to the play, something that will get people talking. Even if you can't "train" your audience to accept unknown or different plays, you may find a new audience that is willing to experience something new. Chances are, your old audience will still be there when you do plays that they know they will enjoy, and you will have introduced a new group of people to your quality in the meantime.
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Topper Celebrity Joined: 1/27/05 Location: United States Online Status: Offline Posts: 543	Posted: 9/13/07 at 1:02am
	How about giving a sneak preview to a local company's employees? Then you can put a headline in the newspaper "Company Loves Misery!"
	"None of us really grow up. All we ever do is learn how to behave in public." -- Keith Johnstone
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Gaafa Celebrity Joined: 3/21/04 Location: Australia Online Status: Offline Posts: 1181	Posted: 9/13/07 at 1:24am
	Good one Topper! Or how about;- Actor in Misey after recieving the chop!
	Joe Western Gondawandaland turn right @ Perth. Hear the light & see the sound. Toi Toi Toi Chookas {{"chook [chicken] it is"} May you always play to a full house}
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AngelSong76 Walk-On Joined: 5/08/07 Location: United States Online Status: Offline Posts: 0	Posted: 9/13/07 at 2:53pm
	hahaha... those are hilarious!
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