Showing posts with label theater. Show all posts
Showing posts with label theater. Show all posts
May 20, 2009
For all those Arts Administrators
Great post from Adam Thurman... His point regarding taking a year is a valid one.
April 14, 2009
A must read
For everyone starting a theater company... Courtesy of The Mission Paradox.
One thing that theater companies also fail to discuss is when they will stop producing work. If you remain a small ensemble, focused on doing work that showcases your ensemble members, eventually you will reach a point where that is no longer possible.
One thing that theater companies also fail to discuss is when they will stop producing work. If you remain a small ensemble, focused on doing work that showcases your ensemble members, eventually you will reach a point where that is no longer possible.
April 13, 2009
A difference of scale
In my past life as a theater marketer and fundraiser I worked really hard to get two nickels to rub together. A good day at my last place of employment was $500 in ticket sales. An amazing day was $1,000. We had a capacity problem when we brought in over $1,500 - our staff of 1 couldn't support that many calls!
Today, a rainy and unseasonably cold Monday, my new job brought in over $2,000. That translates into 4 new clients. To achieve that same sales goal, without ticketing fees, you need 100 new clients for most small theaters.
I sent out a team of 3 to the Addison el stop today, handing out brochures to people on their way to work in the morning and on their way to the Cubs game in the middle of the day. Cost = $125 (brochures were printed last year)
If I get 2 new customers out of that effort, I've made a huge return. And the beauty with sailing is that once people are taught the basics, they can handle our small boats. We keep making money off of them because they keep wanting to go out.
Often theater people talk about how small an audience there is for your work. It is rare for me to go see a show and not run into someone I know, they are usually in the industry. I'd guess this is true for other industries as well.
More theaters should think about ways to create their own industry audience. How do you give patrons a participatory element in your programming, that will keep them coming back for more?
There isn't really a thorough line to this post, I'm talking about a couple of different ideas.
1. how much effort it takes to get patrons in the door of theaters
2. ways to create an 'industry' member mentality within your audience
Run with these ideas where you want!
Today, a rainy and unseasonably cold Monday, my new job brought in over $2,000. That translates into 4 new clients. To achieve that same sales goal, without ticketing fees, you need 100 new clients for most small theaters.
I sent out a team of 3 to the Addison el stop today, handing out brochures to people on their way to work in the morning and on their way to the Cubs game in the middle of the day. Cost = $125 (brochures were printed last year)
If I get 2 new customers out of that effort, I've made a huge return. And the beauty with sailing is that once people are taught the basics, they can handle our small boats. We keep making money off of them because they keep wanting to go out.
Often theater people talk about how small an audience there is for your work. It is rare for me to go see a show and not run into someone I know, they are usually in the industry. I'd guess this is true for other industries as well.
More theaters should think about ways to create their own industry audience. How do you give patrons a participatory element in your programming, that will keep them coming back for more?
There isn't really a thorough line to this post, I'm talking about a couple of different ideas.
1. how much effort it takes to get patrons in the door of theaters
2. ways to create an 'industry' member mentality within your audience
Run with these ideas where you want!
April 6, 2009
12th Night
Yesterday I went to see 12th Night at Chicago Shakespeare Theater. It was actually quite enjoyable. Could have moved a little bit quicker and used the full stage better, but the director interpreted the text very well. And what's not to like in a Shakespeare mistaken identity love story?
It has been a few weeks since I've made it to the theater. On my current list of must-see's is The Tempest at Steppenwolf and God's Ear at the Viaduct. The House's Rose and the Rime has been extended, using the slot they had originally planned for Alan Infinitum.
Apparently the Chopin just got its liquor license. Fantastic news for this Chicago mainstay.
It has been a few weeks since I've made it to the theater. On my current list of must-see's is The Tempest at Steppenwolf and God's Ear at the Viaduct. The House's Rose and the Rime has been extended, using the slot they had originally planned for Alan Infinitum.
Apparently the Chopin just got its liquor license. Fantastic news for this Chicago mainstay.
March 26, 2009
World Theater Day
Is tomorrow!
I've seen some folks twitter about e-mails they have received from theater companies, specifically Chicago's experimental theater power-house The Neo-Futurists. Sadly, I haven't seen a whole lot in Chicago's press. Chris Jones' blog has not mentioned anything. Time Out featured Abraham Levitan's collaboration with Dog & Pony. (Kudos to D & P who I worked with in the past.)
What's going on? I know the League hosted a meeting to organize and secured Daley's support - tomorrow is World Theatre Day in Chicago. The last I heard from them was 2 weeks ago.
My two cents: We are missing out on a major collective marketing opportunity, to reach out to people who might not know about Chicago's role in the international theater community.
A friend of mine who now lives in Madrid, commented on the emphasis on World Theatre Day in the city. She sent me one of the posters posted all over the city. When she lived in Chicago she was dragged to all sorts of obligation theater, now she is excited to be in a city celebrating it's theatrical opportunities all month long and especially tomorrow night.
So, in short, if you don't have plans for tomorrow night... Go see some theater! And if you're in Chicago, order a round in honor of being the best theater city in the country. Make sure those around you hear what you're celebrating!
I've seen some folks twitter about e-mails they have received from theater companies, specifically Chicago's experimental theater power-house The Neo-Futurists. Sadly, I haven't seen a whole lot in Chicago's press. Chris Jones' blog has not mentioned anything. Time Out featured Abraham Levitan's collaboration with Dog & Pony. (Kudos to D & P who I worked with in the past.)
What's going on? I know the League hosted a meeting to organize and secured Daley's support - tomorrow is World Theatre Day in Chicago. The last I heard from them was 2 weeks ago.
My two cents: We are missing out on a major collective marketing opportunity, to reach out to people who might not know about Chicago's role in the international theater community.
A friend of mine who now lives in Madrid, commented on the emphasis on World Theatre Day in the city. She sent me one of the posters posted all over the city. When she lived in Chicago she was dragged to all sorts of obligation theater, now she is excited to be in a city celebrating it's theatrical opportunities all month long and especially tomorrow night.
So, in short, if you don't have plans for tomorrow night... Go see some theater! And if you're in Chicago, order a round in honor of being the best theater city in the country. Make sure those around you hear what you're celebrating!
March 2, 2009
A great post from Seth Godin
An awesome post from Seth regarding trade guilds.
I have felt similarly regarding the League of Chicago Theaters for many years. The League's most popular program for its members is discounted ad rates. Without fail these have been print ads in Chicago's dying papers. Last year, they finally got radio ad discounts beyond NPR... though I don't think that the radio industry is doing that much better. What about the many blogs that people now use for their news and events? How about Facebook? Or, the CTA (most people still notice ads on buses and trains as long as they are riding them)?
In January the League blogged about Web 2.0. Deb posed a lot of questions and eventually ended with, "Did it sell any tickets?" Can you ever attribute one single part of your marketing campaign as being the pivotal driver for a single ticket purchase? Or do theaters often measure the last impression prior to a ticket purchase, instead of the achievement of the marketing campaign as a whole?
Last week Thomas Cott alerted me to this article from Adage. The largest age group on Facebook is 35-45, even I was shocked! Not only that, the fastest growing age group is 55+. Denying the importance of Facebook and other social networking sites in any sort of community, audience-based industry is going to put you out of touch with your audience. In Kris Vire's words - You Will Die.
I have felt similarly regarding the League of Chicago Theaters for many years. The League's most popular program for its members is discounted ad rates. Without fail these have been print ads in Chicago's dying papers. Last year, they finally got radio ad discounts beyond NPR... though I don't think that the radio industry is doing that much better. What about the many blogs that people now use for their news and events? How about Facebook? Or, the CTA (most people still notice ads on buses and trains as long as they are riding them)?
In January the League blogged about Web 2.0. Deb posed a lot of questions and eventually ended with, "Did it sell any tickets?" Can you ever attribute one single part of your marketing campaign as being the pivotal driver for a single ticket purchase? Or do theaters often measure the last impression prior to a ticket purchase, instead of the achievement of the marketing campaign as a whole?
Last week Thomas Cott alerted me to this article from Adage. The largest age group on Facebook is 35-45, even I was shocked! Not only that, the fastest growing age group is 55+. Denying the importance of Facebook and other social networking sites in any sort of community, audience-based industry is going to put you out of touch with your audience. In Kris Vire's words - You Will Die.
February 26, 2009
Some unrelated things
As I mentioned this morning, About Face is in dire straights. When I signed on to Facebook this afternoon, I saw a video of one impassioned plea for support. There is a call out for videos on About Face's website as well. They should be applauded for using the best that the web has to offer for stating their case. I'm curious to see what develops and how they use this work further.
This morning I caught up on Kris Vire's blog and noticed that Kelly Kleiman had received a call from Bob Falls. Kelly's take on the conversation is on her blog at WBEZ's website, very interesting.
Rob Kozlowski made an excellent observation regarding the discussion on his blog. Check it out here.
As you were.
This morning I caught up on Kris Vire's blog and noticed that Kelly Kleiman had received a call from Bob Falls. Kelly's take on the conversation is on her blog at WBEZ's website, very interesting.
Rob Kozlowski made an excellent observation regarding the discussion on his blog. Check it out here.
As you were.
Shows to See...
There's a lot of theater going on right now. I have been bad about going out to see it, February was a busy month. And who wants to go out in January? It's too bad, given that I am a regular theater consumer, what about those that are not as avid fans?
So here's my list of shows to see:
Beer
The Neo's with Metropolitan Brewing
Closes this weekend, so if you're interested go see it soon (I'm going Saturday)
More info here.
Rose and the Rime
The House Theatre's show at the Chopin
Last November and December the House got a lot of bloggers going with their save theater end of year campaigns. Kris Vire discussed it here.
Regardless, they do good work and need support of the community that they helped create. Even if, in my opinion, they aren't doing a great job marketing the show right now.
Seeing it Sunday, get your tickets.
Stupid Kids
About Face Theatre became the first Equity company in Chicago to have massive budget problems. Yesterday they launched a $300,000 "Save the Theater" campaign, after canceling their last show of the season. I suspect the community, especially the LGBTQ section of it, won't let them fold. But just in case, go see the currently running show before it closes!
Get tickets and read more about the appeal.
So here's my list of shows to see:
Beer
The Neo's with Metropolitan Brewing
Closes this weekend, so if you're interested go see it soon (I'm going Saturday)
More info here.
Rose and the Rime
The House Theatre's show at the Chopin
Last November and December the House got a lot of bloggers going with their save theater end of year campaigns. Kris Vire discussed it here.
Regardless, they do good work and need support of the community that they helped create. Even if, in my opinion, they aren't doing a great job marketing the show right now.
Seeing it Sunday, get your tickets.
Stupid Kids
About Face Theatre became the first Equity company in Chicago to have massive budget problems. Yesterday they launched a $300,000 "Save the Theater" campaign, after canceling their last show of the season. I suspect the community, especially the LGBTQ section of it, won't let them fold. But just in case, go see the currently running show before it closes!
Get tickets and read more about the appeal.
February 19, 2009
The arts won, sorta
Check out these articles for ongoing debate regarding the NEA stimulus money.
Wall Street Journal: The Arts Need Better Arguments
NY Times: Count the Arts In
Of course, there are still people saying that the theater industry did a good job. See the League's blog. I'd hazard a guess that the letter writing campaigns did not elevate the NEA above the other issues. It is more the personal contacts that were used in the last week that actually had sway. That's slightly similar to what lobbyists do, right?
If you encountered someone in the business world that refused to use e-mail, is that an excusable idiosyncrasy? Doubtful.
What about a PR professional who didn't read blogs?
You have to stay relevant in relation to the world you engage in. Is letter writing, even if delivered through e-mail, consistent with what other people lobbying our national government are doing? I don't think so.
It's time to re-evaluate our engagement with our audience, including the government.
Wall Street Journal: The Arts Need Better Arguments
NY Times: Count the Arts In
Of course, there are still people saying that the theater industry did a good job. See the League's blog. I'd hazard a guess that the letter writing campaigns did not elevate the NEA above the other issues. It is more the personal contacts that were used in the last week that actually had sway. That's slightly similar to what lobbyists do, right?
If you encountered someone in the business world that refused to use e-mail, is that an excusable idiosyncrasy? Doubtful.
What about a PR professional who didn't read blogs?
You have to stay relevant in relation to the world you engage in. Is letter writing, even if delivered through e-mail, consistent with what other people lobbying our national government are doing? I don't think so.
It's time to re-evaluate our engagement with our audience, including the government.
February 12, 2009
The debate rages on
Are arts professionals - artists, fundraisers, janitors, ushers, and the list goes on - actually employed? Are those 'real' jobs? That is the question raised by the $50 million allocated for the NEA in the stimulus plan.
The latest report from the NY Times is that a deal has been reached on a $789 billion dollar stimulus plan, read the article here. Leaving out the proposed NEA funding.
Chris Jones' article has sparked an ongoing debate with two pages of very interesting comments. Check it out again and read through what has been said. I believe that Luke is being sarcastic, unfortunately his comments do nothing to further the argument that the arts have a relevant argument for receiving stimulus money.
Andrew Taylor had a great view on the argument, read it here.
LA's Culture Monster blog had an interesting post regarding Senator Tom Coburn which sparked debate regarding 'artistes' and navel gazing.
The can of worms that has been opened with this debate is at the core of the issues debated during the National Performing Arts Convention. We will not increase federal funding or support if we cannot collectively advocate for $50 million to stave off incredible job losses (at the heart of what the stimulus plan is supposed to do).
As arts professionals continue to debate this issue, I don't see anyone raising more effective tools for galvanizing support other than writing letters. I guess there are those wonderful Americans for the Arts ads... In times like these, are letter writing campaigns effective?
The auto industry poured millions into lobbying for a bail-out. I'd be curious to see if the total spent lobbying comes relatively close to the $50 million earmarked for the NEA.
Who is lobbying for the arts? How are our advocacy organization - American for the Arts, TCG, etc. - furthering our cause in the national press and with law makers?
There is a lot of traffic right now regarding the role of government funding in the arts and its role in society. Over the next few posts I am going to take some time framing my own arguments for support.
The latest report from the NY Times is that a deal has been reached on a $789 billion dollar stimulus plan, read the article here. Leaving out the proposed NEA funding.
Chris Jones' article has sparked an ongoing debate with two pages of very interesting comments. Check it out again and read through what has been said. I believe that Luke is being sarcastic, unfortunately his comments do nothing to further the argument that the arts have a relevant argument for receiving stimulus money.
Andrew Taylor had a great view on the argument, read it here.
LA's Culture Monster blog had an interesting post regarding Senator Tom Coburn which sparked debate regarding 'artistes' and navel gazing.
The can of worms that has been opened with this debate is at the core of the issues debated during the National Performing Arts Convention. We will not increase federal funding or support if we cannot collectively advocate for $50 million to stave off incredible job losses (at the heart of what the stimulus plan is supposed to do).
As arts professionals continue to debate this issue, I don't see anyone raising more effective tools for galvanizing support other than writing letters. I guess there are those wonderful Americans for the Arts ads... In times like these, are letter writing campaigns effective?
The auto industry poured millions into lobbying for a bail-out. I'd be curious to see if the total spent lobbying comes relatively close to the $50 million earmarked for the NEA.
Who is lobbying for the arts? How are our advocacy organization - American for the Arts, TCG, etc. - furthering our cause in the national press and with law makers?
There is a lot of traffic right now regarding the role of government funding in the arts and its role in society. Over the next few posts I am going to take some time framing my own arguments for support.
February 9, 2009
YES!
The Chicago theater critics have a disproportionate number of Chris's. Time Out Chicago has two, Christopher Piatt (editor) and Kris Vire (his own blog is Storefront Rebellion). The Tribune has the impressive Chris Jones, who I don't always agree with but commands an impressive ability to sell out shows in Chicago.
Mr. Vire had a great post on Time Out's theater blog here.
Mr. Jones has joined the debate over the $50 million stimulus aid for the NEA. Read his article and join in on the great debate here. His thoughts are similar to what I said a little over a week ago.
Mr. Vire had a great post on Time Out's theater blog here.
Mr. Jones has joined the debate over the $50 million stimulus aid for the NEA. Read his article and join in on the great debate here. His thoughts are similar to what I said a little over a week ago.
January 30, 2009
Two minutes
Just a reminder to take two minutes today to contact your U.S. Senator regarding inclusion of a $50 million package to the NEA in the stimulus plan.
Americans for the Arts make it easy, just click here.
The arts are still a long ways away from the auto industry and others in terms of lobby power and that continues to create issues for us. For instance, Backstage's blog pulled a quote from an NPR interview with Brian Riedl of the Heritage Foundation: "Government policies that make people and workers more productive will increase productivity. But simply borrowing money out of the economy in order to transfer it to some artists doesn't increase the economy's productivity rate. It doesn't help workers create more goods and services, and it won't create economic growth."
So for one, the NEA is incredibly hard to get funding from. Organizations go through a very impressive vetting process to obtain funding. Out of all of the 'stimulus' spending that is going on, the NEA may be one of the more fiscally cautious organizations out there. My other issue is the 'some artists' comment. I'm appalled and am going to send the Foundation an e-mail. And I fiscally believe in many of the same principles that the Foundation supports on their website.
Americans for the Arts make it easy, just click here.
The arts are still a long ways away from the auto industry and others in terms of lobby power and that continues to create issues for us. For instance, Backstage's blog pulled a quote from an NPR interview with Brian Riedl of the Heritage Foundation: "Government policies that make people and workers more productive will increase productivity. But simply borrowing money out of the economy in order to transfer it to some artists doesn't increase the economy's productivity rate. It doesn't help workers create more goods and services, and it won't create economic growth."
So for one, the NEA is incredibly hard to get funding from. Organizations go through a very impressive vetting process to obtain funding. Out of all of the 'stimulus' spending that is going on, the NEA may be one of the more fiscally cautious organizations out there. My other issue is the 'some artists' comment. I'm appalled and am going to send the Foundation an e-mail. And I fiscally believe in many of the same principles that the Foundation supports on their website.
January 21, 2009
The Cheese Cupid
This morning HARO (Help a Reporter Out) had a fascinating advertiser. The Wisconsin cheese board got together and created an amazing website, that fits what they're trying to sell (cheese) in a way that helps their audience. Brilliant!
Called the Cheese Cupid, this site lets you put in what you are drinking and it tells you what cheeses to pair with it. Say you're drinking a pilsner, apparently havarti is a good pairing. The site even goes a step further and suggests what food items could be paired with the cheese.
I adore cheese. This website just makes it even easier to consume.
Critics might say that the consumer has to take the additional step of going out and buying the cheese in a supermarket. And that there's no way to compel the consumer to purchase Wisconsin cheese. So what? The Cheese Cupid is building a larger group of educated cheese consumers. If they're successful, more people will buy cheese at the grocery store and more shelf space will be found.
We have gone through the wine trend and that has become an integral part of Chicago's foodie scene. We're definitely in the midst of a beer trend, with bars expanding their beer list and people seeking out those bars that have always curated their draft and bottle lists with extra care (Edgewater Lounge, Jakes Pub, Long Room are just a few).
Could the cheese revolution be next? Are we already in the midst of it? There are already a few stores dedicated to cheese (Pastoral is a favorite) and many have opened and closed in recent years. Trader Joe's and Whole Foods certainly dedicate a lot of shelf space to quality cheeses. One of my favorite places to get regionally produced cheese is Paulina Meat Market. If there are even more quality places for cheese purchasing, I may end up with a serious imbalance in my diet.
Are there ways that we can market theater in the same way? Could a collective group like the League of Chicago Theater's make a website that is highly interactive and takes an audience's preference into account when recommending shows? Maybe even take it a step further and give direct links to reviews and the box office website for purchasing tickets. Add in maps and restaurant recommendations (I smell sponsorship opportunities) and you have a one stop place for planning on evening out on the town enjoying theater.
Of course, a website this robust is a massive undertaking of time, research, and money. Can we afford to not make an investment of this kind? Will we remain relevant if we fail to find ways of communicating and building our audience on the internet?
Called the Cheese Cupid, this site lets you put in what you are drinking and it tells you what cheeses to pair with it. Say you're drinking a pilsner, apparently havarti is a good pairing. The site even goes a step further and suggests what food items could be paired with the cheese.
I adore cheese. This website just makes it even easier to consume.
Critics might say that the consumer has to take the additional step of going out and buying the cheese in a supermarket. And that there's no way to compel the consumer to purchase Wisconsin cheese. So what? The Cheese Cupid is building a larger group of educated cheese consumers. If they're successful, more people will buy cheese at the grocery store and more shelf space will be found.
We have gone through the wine trend and that has become an integral part of Chicago's foodie scene. We're definitely in the midst of a beer trend, with bars expanding their beer list and people seeking out those bars that have always curated their draft and bottle lists with extra care (Edgewater Lounge, Jakes Pub, Long Room are just a few).
Could the cheese revolution be next? Are we already in the midst of it? There are already a few stores dedicated to cheese (Pastoral is a favorite) and many have opened and closed in recent years. Trader Joe's and Whole Foods certainly dedicate a lot of shelf space to quality cheeses. One of my favorite places to get regionally produced cheese is Paulina Meat Market. If there are even more quality places for cheese purchasing, I may end up with a serious imbalance in my diet.
Are there ways that we can market theater in the same way? Could a collective group like the League of Chicago Theater's make a website that is highly interactive and takes an audience's preference into account when recommending shows? Maybe even take it a step further and give direct links to reviews and the box office website for purchasing tickets. Add in maps and restaurant recommendations (I smell sponsorship opportunities) and you have a one stop place for planning on evening out on the town enjoying theater.
Of course, a website this robust is a massive undertaking of time, research, and money. Can we afford to not make an investment of this kind? Will we remain relevant if we fail to find ways of communicating and building our audience on the internet?
January 15, 2009
Drip, drip, drip
It's cold in Chicago. I'm wearing long underwear and wool socks and my feet are still cold. The last thing I want to do is leave the house. Except there's a perpetual dripping sound because the pipes in my unheated basement might freeze - necessitating the running of water in my bathroom.
So I'm making plans!
This Friday I'm catching American Theater Company's True West, which is apparently running in repertory with topdog/underdog (for the non-theater people that means the same actors are doing both shows with performances of the scripts alternating). I have been slightly tuned out of all things theater, but have literally not heard a thing about this project that ATC and Congo Square Theater have put together. Tickets are a little pricey at $40/person, but it looks like you can get them on Goldstar.
Saturday will find me at Matilda's celebrating with a friend. Despite the economy, she took the brave step of quitting her job for greener pastures and I'm happy to join her at this Lincoln Park bar that isn't too Lincoln Park. Martinis are $11, but it appears the old standby of PBR is on tap for $3.50.
Sunday is a toss-up. Laying low, reading the paper, and making brunch might be the plan. Or, if I'm motivated I'll try to get down to see the Exquisite City in the Chicago Tourism Center. Exhibits there are free. The man-friend and I tried to see this city made of cardboard when it was at the Viaduct last year. Maybe we'll actually make it this time.
As for tonight, I have a date with my hair dresser (Virginia @ Strange Beauty Show). Stay warm!
So I'm making plans!
This Friday I'm catching American Theater Company's True West, which is apparently running in repertory with topdog/underdog (for the non-theater people that means the same actors are doing both shows with performances of the scripts alternating). I have been slightly tuned out of all things theater, but have literally not heard a thing about this project that ATC and Congo Square Theater have put together. Tickets are a little pricey at $40/person, but it looks like you can get them on Goldstar.
Saturday will find me at Matilda's celebrating with a friend. Despite the economy, she took the brave step of quitting her job for greener pastures and I'm happy to join her at this Lincoln Park bar that isn't too Lincoln Park. Martinis are $11, but it appears the old standby of PBR is on tap for $3.50.
Sunday is a toss-up. Laying low, reading the paper, and making brunch might be the plan. Or, if I'm motivated I'll try to get down to see the Exquisite City in the Chicago Tourism Center. Exhibits there are free. The man-friend and I tried to see this city made of cardboard when it was at the Viaduct last year. Maybe we'll actually make it this time.
As for tonight, I have a date with my hair dresser (Virginia @ Strange Beauty Show). Stay warm!
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