How to Increase Your Audience
Theatre on Mondays
ToM Talks: How to Increase Your Audience
Theatre On Monday's Larisa Netterlund tells how to raise attendance at community theatres by trusting your audience to embrace new material.
Increasing your audience is a common goal for anyone involved in the performing arts, whether you're a community theatre group, an independent performer, or part of a larger production. Here are some strategies to help you expand your audience:
- Online Presence: Establish a strong online presence through a website and social media platforms. Regularly share updates, behind-the-scenes content, and promotional materials to engage your existing audience and attract new followers.
- Targeted Marketing: Identify your target audience and tailor your marketing efforts to reach them effectively. Use online ads, email newsletters, and collaborations with relevant organizations to expand your reach.
- Word of Mouth: Encourage your current audience to spread the word about your performances. Positive word-of-mouth recommendations can have a significant impact on attracting new attendees.
- Community Engagement: Participate in community events, workshops, or festivals to raise awareness of your productions. Engaging with the local community can help build a loyal and supportive audience.
- Discounts and Special Offers: Offer early bird discounts, group rates, or special promotions to incentivize new audience members to attend your performances.
- Collaborations and Cross-Promotion: Collaborate with other local artists, organizations, or businesses to cross-promote each other's work. This can help you tap into each other's networks and reach a broader audience.
- Accessibility: Ensure that your performances are accessible to different demographics, including families, students, and seniors. Consider offering subtitles, audio descriptions, or relaxed performances to cater to diverse audiences.
- Feedback and Surveys: Gather feedback from your audience to understand their preferences and expectations. Use surveys to collect valuable insights that can inform your future marketing strategies and production decisions.
- Media Coverage: Work on building relationships with local media outlets, such as newspapers, radio stations, and online blogs. Positive reviews and coverage can attract new attendees.
- Community Outreach Programs: Develop community outreach programs or school partnerships to introduce theatre to new audiences, particularly younger individuals.
- Unique Experiences: Consider adding unique elements to your performances, such as post-show discussions, Q&A sessions with the cast, or interactive elements that make attending your shows a memorable experience.
- Consistent Quality: Ensure that your productions consistently deliver high-quality performances. A reputation for excellence will attract both repeat and new audience members.
Remember that building an audience is a gradual process, and patience is essential. By implementing a combination of these strategies and staying dedicated to providing meaningful and engaging performances, you can increase your audience over time.