As we make our way into April, it’s time to start thinking about the best ways to market your upcoming shows. Keep reading for tips on spreading the word … and how On The Stage can help.
So your theatre is a little small … so what? You can easily expand your floor-plan – and your audience – by offering a hybrid performance. By marketing your show with in-person and digital streaming options, you allow yourself the freedom to hit a higher accessibility limit. Additionally, those with lower risk tolerances (like the immunocompromised) can still enjoy your work from a safe distance.
Along with a rise in viewership, the hybrid performance is a facet of theatre that’s here to stay. By embracing the concept now, you’ll prepare your actors and crew for that type of creative work in the future.
Simply put, people are suckers for the springtime climate. Offer your audience members an outdoor performance if it won’t stretch your cast and crew too far.
Along with the allure of time spent outside, you open up your audience number possibility with outdoor seating. Additionally, you’re keeping friends and family safe in case of a pandemic surge. Even if it’s just one showing, utilizing the great outdoors to market your show also allows your cast and crew a nice change of pace.
Using social media to promote your show isn’t a novel idea. But along with presenting customized social media posts, posters, unique domains and other branding materials (with help from On The Stage), you should lean into the ‘social’ aspect of social media.
Ask your audience members questions on your platforms about your show, and share things with them – whether it’s small costume choices or behind-the-scenes shenanigans. Even small teasers of rehearsals can go a long way in getting and keeping your audience engaged. After all, everyone wants to feel included in the creative process.
A smart marketing plan is one that’s thought out in advance. Stay ten steps ahead of your audience by prepping your marketing strategy before the first rehearsal starts.
Smart moves include teasing the reveal of your show choice, keeping followers engaged with casting, music and costume decisions, and ensuring your marketing is engaging but not excessive. You likely won’t have time to worry about posting during the hustle and bustle of tech week, but On The Stage offers help with automated posting and artwork. That way, you can focus on what matters.
The importance of community partnerships can’t be understated. If you don’t have any just yet, we’ve got you covered. If you do, these businesses can be a major resource to help your show gain momentum.
Ideas for embracing community partnerships include bringing posters to businesses to hang up in the front windows and partnering with restaurants or other stores to give discounts to patrons who bring a ticket from your show. Additionally, get involved with local arts and performance companies that share your vision. Create strong relationships with museums, local theatres, film clubs and other creatives; it’s a great bolster to your show’s success, as they may have resources you don’t.
Bottom line: More productive marketing measures mean more people viewing your spring show. Get started now by partnering with On The Stage to get the word out.