Words of mouth

Logging 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