Words of mouth
Mon, 29 Oct 2012, 06:03 pmJohnny Grim29 posts in thread
Words of mouth
Mon, 29 Oct 2012, 06:03 pmLogging on this site today for my daily look see, I see yet another crtically acclaimed show alomost pleading with people to come see. Having had our own share of disappointing audiences, one is left to wonder why people don't come along, especially when the show is publically acclaimed. To that end, I did a little survey of those folk who take the trouble to email / facebook or text their congratulations (thankfully there was enough to make the survey viable.) Having received their praise for the show, I asked them the following questions.
1: Having seen and enjoyed the show, had they taken the trouble to recommend the production to others?
ANS: NINE out of eleven, confessed they hadn't.
2: I asked if that they'd seen a 'professional' production at Burswood or the Heath Ledger Theatre would they be likely to tell others of it?
ANS: EIGHT out of the eleven confessed they probably would.
My conclusions to the above are:
A: Theatre patrons being the lavish lot we are, love to name drop..'Oh yes, I was at the Heath Ledger the other day, saw a marvellous show blah blah blah...'
B: We 'Non professional' / Community / Independent Theatre Groups are possibly seen as the poor relation, or in such a good financial state we don't require bums on seats.
Fascinating really. Even more fascinating in my case, when the people interviewed, know how we operate (trust me, there's no skin left on my teeth.) Surely, the question must beg, (and I've dared to touch on this before) is what can we do collectively (going it alone to me would seem to be a tiny voice in the wilderness) to have people 'Amway' our shows in the same way they would ANNIE or THE JERSEY BOYS...? I know there's no magic wand, our own fairy has been waving her wand so enthusiastically this past two weeks the poor love has put in a claim for RSI...
Footnote: In several conversations with theatre people this week, audience numbers were touched upon, and sadly there was a general (almost accepted) view that audiences are dwindling, particulary for, dare I say original /lesser known productions. As a theatre lover, I have trouble with accepting our future demise (not for me of course but for those youngsters who share the same passion.) Perhaps we need employ a guru.
Position vacant. Theatre Resource Technical Solution Forecasting Administrator
Not a bad title really, I'd love to drop that one next time I'm at the 'Ledge.'
The up the road from the Mersey boy
Ticket sales
Sat, 3 Nov 2012, 11:24 amWalter Plinge
Class Act: No please do not leave Perth, what you do for the schools and young people cannot be easily replaced in this City I respect what you do and would rather send you $100 each season than sit through Ibsen,Checkhov,Ben Johnson, Wilde, some of the Shakespeare pantheon and,lord love us, some of the ancient Greeks. And yes that is a firm offer! I suspect a modern audience would as soon see Ibsen as applaud their dentist after a particularly bloody root canal with no anaesthetic.But have you tapped their support, not their viewing habits? There is no point in berating an audience that doesn't get it, and, furthermore, does not want to. These relic plays are now in the category of "actors plays" and Directorial vanity whatever their message or how relevant to today's society.
Whatever my personal admiration for the fine actors and crew of Class Act, Ibsen and the like are the actors prize for performing the light entertainment and glitter that does get an audience.
Dear Johnny, love ya, come on. You can't write plays for a cast of hundreds and neglect the marketing side. You've lost enough moola to maybe think of a change of business model? Flogging tickets at the door for an underpublicised event does not work unless, like the latest at Mill Point, you have done the market research, sorted out the demographic and got a damn good mailing list. Flogging tickets to other unemployed actors on facebook or these esteemed pages is hardly a passport to paradise. Yes I will help you where I can...horses, water, drinking...you have my email.
Amateur Dramaticks have a long and proud tradition, changing their name just confuses the purpose. Amateur is unpaid, driven for the love of it Many professionals and those of a high standard 'do' amateur theatre. If you are involved in amateur theatre be proud of it, be proud of the errors the fun the teamwork. If you are an aspiring professional then use it for experience then try and work for a good pro outfit like Class Act and maybe get a chance to go further.
We live in evolving world and entertainment habits are changing more rapidly still. "Amdram" will have a place if the time and energy is spent recreating itself and its audiences and keeping up with the marketing changes.