Open Forum

Just curious as to what have been the most successful (success being measured by largest audiences and largest profits) straight plays you have done (non-musicals). I live in a rural community and we have never sold out a show (our theatre holds around 630). I have been told that prior to my arrival they had sold out for a musical once or twice- but that's it. I would really love any recommendations on what you guys do to get your community to come out and see shows. It doesn't help that I do not live in the community- but I do all the traditional things like hang posters everywhere they will let me, put signs by the major roadways, an ad in the local paper, a Facebook event... Not sure what else to do? They don't have a radio station or a local news channel/ government owned channel either. The majority of the community has to commute out for work and almost everyone lives 10 minutes or more from a major grocery story or gas station. I feel like I am doing everything I can possibly do to be more visible- so I'm wondering if I just need to pick something that is a guaranteed crowd pull. The idea that if you get them to come to one show they'll be more likely to come to another? Does that make sense?

Thanks!

-------------------------------------------
Victoria Kesling Councill
Theatre Teacher
New Kent County Public Schools
New Kent VA
-------------------------------------------

I worked in a rural high school for 7 years with low community support and a large auditorium (900 seats). I knew I was never going to sell out, so I didn't worry too much about it. They did sell out every year for "Airband," a glorified lip sync contest with an expensive concert lighting system brought in. Anyway, I have found the best way to pull in an audience is to get your school behind you. Community members are going to come or not - mostly only if they know someone involved - but your school community can really help. This year I did You Can't Take It With You and talked it up to the history department. I sent the department chair and US History leader a viewing guide that asked questions about the historical references in the show. Most of the history department offered extra credit to students that saw the show and turned in the viewing guide. They loved it because it really supported their curriculum. I did the same thing with West Side Story and the English department in the spring. I already am looking for ways to tie in other shows. All that said, I think comedies work for drawing an audience. Ask teachers if they wouldn't mind a brief classroom visit and send kids to do a short selection from whatever play and promote the show directly. Or if admin allows, do an assembly and show about 15 minutes.

-------------------------------------------
Heather Brandon
Bakersfield CA
-------------------------------------------



Sent via Higher Logic Mobile



Original Message:
Sent: 6/1/2014 10:47:10 AM
From: vkesling@nkcps.k12.va.us
Subject: Most Successful Straight Plays

Just curious as to what have been the most successful (success being measured by largest audiences and largest profits) straight plays you have done (non-musicals). I live in a rural community and we have never sold out a show (our theatre holds around 630). I have been told that prior to my arrival they had sold out for a musical once or twice- but that's it. I would really love any recommendations on what you guys do to get your community to come out and see shows. It doesn't help that I do not live in the community- but I do all the traditional things like hang posters everywhere they will let me, put signs by the major roadways, an ad in the local paper, a Facebook event... Not sure what else to do? They don't have a radio station or a local news channel/ government owned channel either. The majority of the community has to commute out for work and almost everyone lives 10 minutes or more from a major grocery story or gas station. I feel like I am doing everything I can possibly do to be more visible- so I'm wondering if I just need to pick something that is a guaranteed crowd pull. The idea that if you get them to come to one show they'll be more likely to come to another? Does that make sense? Thanks! ------------------------------------------- Victoria Kesling Councill Theatre Teacher New Kent County Public Schools New Kent VA -------------------------------------------

We did Radium Girls this fall, and tied it to the History and Science curricula. My students created study guides that had to be signed by me at the end of the performance for extra credit in those classes. I have done this in the past with The Diary of Anne Frank, The Tempest, and The Miracle Worker, to name a few of the more successful.
If you do a show for children, you can possible have the students in your elementary schools do a coloring contest or take a teaser to the elementary school or PTA to garner support.
However, the most successful straight shows I've done, I've done in black box. I cut my stage in half, and put the audience on stage with the action, making a wing the backstage area, and switching lighting and sound around. I was marginally successful with Steel Magnolias, but I sold out John Lennon and Me and A Family Reunion to Die For. It works well for direct address plays and for audience participation plays. I reduced my house by 90%, and being there became more special.
Hope it helps!

-------------------------------------------
Leslie Weinstein
Monongahela PA
-------------------------------------------






Original Message:
Sent: 06-01-2014 13:57
From: Heather Brandon
Subject: Most Successful Straight Plays

I worked in a rural high school for 7 years with low community support and a large auditorium (900 seats). I knew I was never going to sell out, so I didn't worry too much about it. They did sell out every year for "Airband," a glorified lip sync contest with an expensive concert lighting system brought in. Anyway, I have found the best way to pull in an audience is to get your school behind you. Community members are going to come or not - mostly only if they know someone involved - but your school community can really help. This year I did You Can't Take It With You and talked it up to the history department. I sent the department chair and US History leader a viewing guide that asked questions about the historical references in the show. Most of the history department offered extra credit to students that saw the show and turned in the viewing guide. They loved it because it really supported their curriculum. I did the same thing with West Side Story and the English department in the spring. I already am looking for ways to tie in other shows. All that said, I think comedies work for drawing an audience. Ask teachers if they wouldn't mind a brief classroom visit and send kids to do a short selection from whatever play and promote the show directly. Or if admin allows, do an assembly and show about 15 minutes.

-------------------------------------------
Heather Brandon
Bakersfield CA
-------------------------------------------



Sent via Higher Logic Mobile

It seems that just like off-off-Broadway showcases most tickets for school shows are sold to people who are connected to students in the production.

I think Leslie and Heather have great ideas in tying the plays to curriculum. You might consider WOMEN OF LOCKERBIE, which uses Greek theatre as a structure to tell the story of the town of Lockerbie after the Pan Am 103 bombing, And LETTERS TO SALA, a true Holocaust story. Both are published by Dramatists Play Service, and have large casts, more women than men, that can be expanded to include more students. 

Leslie's comment about reconfiguring the space is really good. 

-------------------------------------------
Arlene Hutton
playwright
New York NY
-------------------------------------------






Original Message:
Sent: 06-02-2014 08:04
From: Leslie Weinstein
Subject: Most Successful Straight Plays

We did Radium Girls this fall, and tied it to the History and Science curricula. My students created study guides that had to be signed by me at the end of the performance for extra credit in those classes. I have done this in the past with The Diary of Anne Frank, The Tempest, and The Miracle Worker, to name a few of the more successful.
If you do a show for children, you can possible have the students in your elementary schools do a coloring contest or take a teaser to the elementary school or PTA to garner support.
However, the most successful straight shows I've done, I've done in black box. I cut my stage in half, and put the audience on stage with the action, making a wing the backstage area, and switching lighting and sound around. I was marginally successful with Steel Magnolias, but I sold out John Lennon and Me and A Family Reunion to Die For. It works well for direct address plays and for audience participation plays. I reduced my house by 90%, and being there became more special.
Hope it helps!

-------------------------------------------
Leslie Weinstein
Monongahela PA
-------------------------------------------






Original Message:
Sent: 06-01-2014 13:57
From: Heather Brandon
Subject: Most Successful Straight Plays

I worked in a rural high school for 7 years with low community support and a large auditorium (900 seats). I knew I was never going to sell out, so I didn't worry too much about it. They did sell out every year for "Airband," a glorified lip sync contest with an expensive concert lighting system brought in. Anyway, I have found the best way to pull in an audience is to get your school behind you. Community members are going to come or not - mostly only if they know someone involved - but your school community can really help. This year I did You Can't Take It With You and talked it up to the history department. I sent the department chair and US History leader a viewing guide that asked questions about the historical references in the show. Most of the history department offered extra credit to students that saw the show and turned in the viewing guide. They loved it because it really supported their curriculum. I did the same thing with West Side Story and the English department in the spring. I already am looking for ways to tie in other shows. All that said, I think comedies work for drawing an audience. Ask teachers if they wouldn't mind a brief classroom visit and send kids to do a short selection from whatever play and promote the show directly. Or if admin allows, do an assembly and show about 15 minutes.

-------------------------------------------
Heather Brandon
Bakersfield CA
-------------------------------------------



Sent via Higher Logic Mobile

Great ideas.  Don't forget the Senior Center, esp. if they have daily lunches.  It would be easy to do a short scene or song.  I know people in their 80's who have gone to the high school shows since their own kids were in schools.  Ask the Center if there is a certain day of the week where the attendance is higher. 

-------------------------------------------
Vicki Bartholomew
Playwright
Sherwood OR
-------------------------------------------






Original Message:
Sent: 06-01-2014 13:57
From: Heather Brandon
Subject: Most Successful Straight Plays

I worked in a rural high school for 7 years with low community support and a large auditorium (900 seats). I knew I was never going to sell out, so I didn't worry too much about it. They did sell out every year for "Airband," a glorified lip sync contest with an expensive concert lighting system brought in. Anyway, I have found the best way to pull in an audience is to get your school behind you. Community members are going to come or not - mostly only if they know someone involved - but your school community can really help. This year I did You Can't Take It With You and talked it up to the history department. I sent the department chair and US History leader a viewing guide that asked questions about the historical references in the show. Most of the history department offered extra credit to students that saw the show and turned in the viewing guide. They loved it because it really supported their curriculum. I did the same thing with West Side Story and the English department in the spring. I already am looking for ways to tie in other shows. All that said, I think comedies work for drawing an audience. Ask teachers if they wouldn't mind a brief classroom visit and send kids to do a short selection from whatever play and promote the show directly. Or if admin allows, do an assembly and show about 15 minutes.

-------------------------------------------
Heather Brandon
Bakersfield CA
-------------------------------------------



Sent via Higher Logic Mobile

I have had the most success when I reached out to the English department in our school.
  They are remarkably supportive especially when production tied directly with the curriculum.  I also decided not to worry about selling out even though that means more fundraising on my part.    
I also thought about approaching community organizations or school clubs who might have a tie- in with the show.   
 I do the straight plays in my classroom which is larger than most and was easily turned into a black box theatre.  This helped the morale of the actors a lot- easy to sell out and I did not have to worry about their ability to project to the back of a huge auditorium.
I have also allowed anyone who wants to see the show twice ( parents and friends often do)  admission by donation the second time.

Next year, I am going to try opening up one rehearsal to the middle school- for free. We do this with our school's musical and it seems to help build an audience.  For the musical, the middle school drama  students come with their teachers to watch a rehearsal of a few scenes.  They eat dinner with the cast and then head home before rehearsals continue.  This seems to make them curious and the often return to see the show.
I am considering the best way to do this for the non-musicals next year.

Finally, I decided last year that I would do my best to publicize the shows and then let it go.  I was proud of what we accomplished and believed the people who wanted to enjoy the shows were there and did.  It is tough I know when we are under pressure to generate our own budget.


-------------------------------------------
Jan Jensen
Tucker GA
-------------------------------------------






Original Message:
Sent: 06-01-2014 13:57
From: Heather Brandon
Subject: Most Successful Straight Plays

I worked in a rural high school for 7 years with low community support and a large auditorium (900 seats). I knew I was never going to sell out, so I didn't worry too much about it. They did sell out every year for "Airband," a glorified lip sync contest with an expensive concert lighting system brought in. Anyway, I have found the best way to pull in an audience is to get your school behind you. Community members are going to come or not - mostly only if they know someone involved - but your school community can really help. This year I did You Can't Take It With You and talked it up to the history department. I sent the department chair and US History leader a viewing guide that asked questions about the historical references in the show. Most of the history department offered extra credit to students that saw the show and turned in the viewing guide. They loved it because it really supported their curriculum. I did the same thing with West Side Story and the English department in the spring. I already am looking for ways to tie in other shows. All that said, I think comedies work for drawing an audience. Ask teachers if they wouldn't mind a brief classroom visit and send kids to do a short selection from whatever play and promote the show directly. Or if admin allows, do an assembly and show about 15 minutes.

-------------------------------------------
Heather Brandon
Bakersfield CA
-------------------------------------------



Sent via Higher Logic Mobile

We just sold out our theater for To Kill a Mockingbird
Other successful shows (measured by large audiences):
One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest
Steel Magnolias
Hamlet (English teachers gave extra credit for attendance)
Noises Off
Lend Me a Tenor

Good luck.

-------------------------------------------
Kimberly Taylor
Oakland CA
-------------------------------------------






Original Message:
Sent: 06-01-2014 10:47
From: Victoria Kesling Councill
Subject: Most Successful Straight Plays

Just curious as to what have been the most successful (success being measured by largest audiences and largest profits) straight plays you have done (non-musicals). I live in a rural community and we have never sold out a show (our theatre holds around 630). I have been told that prior to my arrival they had sold out for a musical once or twice- but that's it. I would really love any recommendations on what you guys do to get your community to come out and see shows. It doesn't help that I do not live in the community- but I do all the traditional things like hang posters everywhere they will let me, put signs by the major roadways, an ad in the local paper, a Facebook event... Not sure what else to do? They don't have a radio station or a local news channel/ government owned channel either. The majority of the community has to commute out for work and almost everyone lives 10 minutes or more from a major grocery story or gas station. I feel like I am doing everything I can possibly do to be more visible- so I'm wondering if I just need to pick something that is a guaranteed crowd pull. The idea that if you get them to come to one show they'll be more likely to come to another? Does that make sense?

Thanks!

-------------------------------------------
Victoria Kesling Councill
Theatre Teacher
New Kent County Public Schools
New Kent VA
-------------------------------------------

If you're doing a straight play, I agree that comedies tend to sell well, or plays that are adaptations of known titles--particularly, as others have noted, if you can tie them in to something that's being studied in another part of the curriculum, whether that be English or history or science.

One of the things we did when I was teaching and directing--and it depends on the size of your stage--is actually seat the audience on the stage, making for a much more intimate experience.  That would be a great way to do a newer show if you're worried about house and still make it feel full--and a new experience for your actors (very much like the 99-seat theaters here in LA).  Or tape off the back rows and force everyone down to the front.

Or do "dinner and a show" and tie the play into some kind of food event--perhaps where a portion of the revenue benefits a local charity or group like the firefighters, so you get them to help market it for you--and make it a big community/family thing.

Cheers,
Jonathan

-------------------------------------------
Jonathan Dorf
Playwright/ Co-founder of YouthPLAYS/ Co-chair of The Alliance Of Los Angeles Playwrights
Los Angeles CA
-------------------------------------------






Original Message:
Sent: 06-02-2014 09:30
From: Kimberly Taylor
Subject: Most Successful Straight Plays

We just sold out our theater for To Kill a Mockingbird
Other successful shows (measured by large audiences):
One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest
Steel Magnolias
Hamlet (English teachers gave extra credit for attendance)
Noises Off
Lend Me a Tenor

Good luck.

-------------------------------------------
Kimberly Taylor
Oakland CA
-------------------------------------------






Original Message:
Sent: 06-01-2014 10:47
From: Victoria Kesling Councill
Subject: Most Successful Straight Plays

Just curious as to what have been the most successful (success being measured by largest audiences and largest profits) straight plays you have done (non-musicals). I live in a rural community and we have never sold out a show (our theatre holds around 630). I have been told that prior to my arrival they had sold out for a musical once or twice- but that's it. I would really love any recommendations on what you guys do to get your community to come out and see shows. It doesn't help that I do not live in the community- but I do all the traditional things like hang posters everywhere they will let me, put signs by the major roadways, an ad in the local paper, a Facebook event... Not sure what else to do? They don't have a radio station or a local news channel/ government owned channel either. The majority of the community has to commute out for work and almost everyone lives 10 minutes or more from a major grocery story or gas station. I feel like I am doing everything I can possibly do to be more visible- so I'm wondering if I just need to pick something that is a guaranteed crowd pull. The idea that if you get them to come to one show they'll be more likely to come to another? Does that make sense?

Thanks!

-------------------------------------------
Victoria Kesling Councill
Theatre Teacher
New Kent County Public Schools
New Kent VA
-------------------------------------------

I've mentioned this in other threads but Don Zolidis' The Birds was one of our most successful shows. Sold out two performances! It uses a lot of students and most of the bird chorus can be girls. I've attached a photo of the masks we made.

Also, if you have any kind of an audience, it is considered a performance and you have to pay performance royalties. If you have a school group observing final dress, it's considered a performance according to your contract.



-------------------------------------------
John Perry
Drama Instructor
Atherton High School
Louisville KY
-------------------------------------------






Original Message:
Sent: 06-02-2014 11:00
From: Jonathan Dorf
Subject: Most Successful Straight Plays

If you're doing a straight play, I agree that comedies tend to sell well, or plays that are adaptations of known titles--particularly, as others have noted, if you can tie them in to something that's being studied in another part of the curriculum, whether that be English or history or science.

One of the things we did when I was teaching and directing--and it depends on the size of your stage--is actually seat the audience on the stage, making for a much more intimate experience.  That would be a great way to do a newer show if you're worried about house and still make it feel full--and a new experience for your actors (very much like the 99-seat theaters here in LA).  Or tape off the back rows and force everyone down to the front.

Or do "dinner and a show" and tie the play into some kind of food event--perhaps where a portion of the revenue benefits a local charity or group like the firefighters, so you get them to help market it for you--and make it a big community/family thing.

Cheers,
Jonathan

-------------------------------------------
Jonathan Dorf
Playwright/ Co-founder of YouthPLAYS/ Co-chair of The Alliance Of Los Angeles Playwrights
Los Angeles CA
-------------------------------------------






Original Message:
Sent: 06-02-2014 09:30
From: Kimberly Taylor
Subject: Most Successful Straight Plays

We just sold out our theater for To Kill a Mockingbird
Other successful shows (measured by large audiences):
One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest
Steel Magnolias
Hamlet (English teachers gave extra credit for attendance)
Noises Off
Lend Me a Tenor

Good luck.

-------------------------------------------
Kimberly Taylor
Oakland CA
-------------------------------------------






Original Message:
Sent: 06-01-2014 10:47
From: Victoria Kesling Councill
Subject: Most Successful Straight Plays

Just curious as to what have been the most successful (success being measured by largest audiences and largest profits) straight plays you have done (non-musicals). I live in a rural community and we have never sold out a show (our theatre holds around 630). I have been told that prior to my arrival they had sold out for a musical once or twice- but that's it. I would really love any recommendations on what you guys do to get your community to come out and see shows. It doesn't help that I do not live in the community- but I do all the traditional things like hang posters everywhere they will let me, put signs by the major roadways, an ad in the local paper, a Facebook event... Not sure what else to do? They don't have a radio station or a local news channel/ government owned channel either. The majority of the community has to commute out for work and almost everyone lives 10 minutes or more from a major grocery story or gas station. I feel like I am doing everything I can possibly do to be more visible- so I'm wondering if I just need to pick something that is a guaranteed crowd pull. The idea that if you get them to come to one show they'll be more likely to come to another? Does that make sense?

Thanks!

-------------------------------------------
Victoria Kesling Councill
Theatre Teacher
New Kent County Public Schools
New Kent VA
-------------------------------------------

We're looking at going to a big name literary children's show for our winter main stage performance, at least for a bit.  Next year it will be Charlotte's Web, and we'll work to do a literary tie in with our elementary schools.  I'm learning that the more recognizable the name is to people, the more likely they are to come even if they have no connection to the school or cast/crew.

-------------------------------------------
Laura Steenson
Theatre Director
Reynolds High School
Troutdale OR
-------------------------------------------






Original Message:
Sent: 06-02-2014 13:46
From: John Perry
Subject: Most Successful Straight Plays

I've mentioned this in other threads but Don Zolidis' The Birds was one of our most successful shows. Sold out two performances! It uses a lot of students and most of the bird chorus can be girls. I've attached a photo of the masks we made.

Also, if you have any kind of an audience, it is considered a performance and you have to pay performance royalties. If you have a school group observing final dress, it's considered a performance according to your contract.



-------------------------------------------
John Perry
Drama Instructor
Atherton High School
Louisville KY
-------------------------------------------






Original Message:
Sent: 06-02-2014 11:00
From: Jonathan Dorf
Subject: Most Successful Straight Plays

If you're doing a straight play, I agree that comedies tend to sell well, or plays that are adaptations of known titles--particularly, as others have noted, if you can tie them in to something that's being studied in another part of the curriculum, whether that be English or history or science.

One of the things we did when I was teaching and directing--and it depends on the size of your stage--is actually seat the audience on the stage, making for a much more intimate experience.  That would be a great way to do a newer show if you're worried about house and still make it feel full--and a new experience for your actors (very much like the 99-seat theaters here in LA).  Or tape off the back rows and force everyone down to the front.

Or do "dinner and a show" and tie the play into some kind of food event--perhaps where a portion of the revenue benefits a local charity or group like the firefighters, so you get them to help market it for you--and make it a big community/family thing.

Cheers,
Jonathan

-------------------------------------------
Jonathan Dorf
Playwright/ Co-founder of YouthPLAYS/ Co-chair of The Alliance Of Los Angeles Playwrights
Los Angeles CA
-------------------------------------------






Original Message:
Sent: 06-02-2014 09:30
From: Kimberly Taylor
Subject: Most Successful Straight Plays

We just sold out our theater for To Kill a Mockingbird
Other successful shows (measured by large audiences):
One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest
Steel Magnolias
Hamlet (English teachers gave extra credit for attendance)
Noises Off
Lend Me a Tenor

Good luck.

-------------------------------------------
Kimberly Taylor
Oakland CA
-------------------------------------------






Original Message:
Sent: 06-01-2014 10:47
From: Victoria Kesling Councill
Subject: Most Successful Straight Plays

Just curious as to what have been the most successful (success being measured by largest audiences and largest profits) straight plays you have done (non-musicals). I live in a rural community and we have never sold out a show (our theatre holds around 630). I have been told that prior to my arrival they had sold out for a musical once or twice- but that's it. I would really love any recommendations on what you guys do to get your community to come out and see shows. It doesn't help that I do not live in the community- but I do all the traditional things like hang posters everywhere they will let me, put signs by the major roadways, an ad in the local paper, a Facebook event... Not sure what else to do? They don't have a radio station or a local news channel/ government owned channel either. The majority of the community has to commute out for work and almost everyone lives 10 minutes or more from a major grocery story or gas station. I feel like I am doing everything I can possibly do to be more visible- so I'm wondering if I just need to pick something that is a guaranteed crowd pull. The idea that if you get them to come to one show they'll be more likely to come to another? Does that make sense?

Thanks!

-------------------------------------------
Victoria Kesling Councill
Theatre Teacher
New Kent County Public Schools
New Kent VA
-------------------------------------------

John, thank you for mentioning the issue of dress rehearsals and royalties, as that's one place where people tend to cut corners, despite the fact that almost all publishers define a royalty paying performance as any time a play is performed for anyone outside of the cast and crew, even if it is called an "invited dress."

Cheers,
Jonathan

-------------------------------------------
Jonathan Dorf
Playwright/ Co-founder of YouthPLAYS/ Co-chair of The Alliance Of Los Angeles Playwrights
Los Angeles CA
-------------------------------------------






Original Message:
Sent: 06-02-2014 13:46
From: John Perry
Subject: Most Successful Straight Plays

I've mentioned this in other threads but Don Zolidis' The Birds was one of our most successful shows. Sold out two performances! It uses a lot of students and most of the bird chorus can be girls. I've attached a photo of the masks we made.

Also, if you have any kind of an audience, it is considered a performance and you have to pay performance royalties. If you have a school group observing final dress, it's considered a performance according to your contract.



-------------------------------------------
John Perry
Drama Instructor
Atherton High School
Louisville KY
-------------------------------------------






Original Message:
Sent: 06-02-2014 11:00
From: Jonathan Dorf
Subject: Most Successful Straight Plays

If you're doing a straight play, I agree that comedies tend to sell well, or plays that are adaptations of known titles--particularly, as others have noted, if you can tie them in to something that's being studied in another part of the curriculum, whether that be English or history or science.

One of the things we did when I was teaching and directing--and it depends on the size of your stage--is actually seat the audience on the stage, making for a much more intimate experience.  That would be a great way to do a newer show if you're worried about house and still make it feel full--and a new experience for your actors (very much like the 99-seat theaters here in LA).  Or tape off the back rows and force everyone down to the front.

Or do "dinner and a show" and tie the play into some kind of food event--perhaps where a portion of the revenue benefits a local charity or group like the firefighters, so you get them to help market it for you--and make it a big community/family thing.

Cheers,
Jonathan

-------------------------------------------
Jonathan Dorf
Playwright/ Co-founder of YouthPLAYS/ Co-chair of The Alliance Of Los Angeles Playwrights
Los Angeles CA
-------------------------------------------






Original Message:
Sent: 06-02-2014 09:30
From: Kimberly Taylor
Subject: Most Successful Straight Plays

We just sold out our theater for To Kill a Mockingbird
Other successful shows (measured by large audiences):
One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest
Steel Magnolias
Hamlet (English teachers gave extra credit for attendance)
Noises Off
Lend Me a Tenor

Good luck.

-------------------------------------------
Kimberly Taylor
Oakland CA
-------------------------------------------






Original Message:
Sent: 06-01-2014 10:47
From: Victoria Kesling Councill
Subject: Most Successful Straight Plays

Just curious as to what have been the most successful (success being measured by largest audiences and largest profits) straight plays you have done (non-musicals). I live in a rural community and we have never sold out a show (our theatre holds around 630). I have been told that prior to my arrival they had sold out for a musical once or twice- but that's it. I would really love any recommendations on what you guys do to get your community to come out and see shows. It doesn't help that I do not live in the community- but I do all the traditional things like hang posters everywhere they will let me, put signs by the major roadways, an ad in the local paper, a Facebook event... Not sure what else to do? They don't have a radio station or a local news channel/ government owned channel either. The majority of the community has to commute out for work and almost everyone lives 10 minutes or more from a major grocery story or gas station. I feel like I am doing everything I can possibly do to be more visible- so I'm wondering if I just need to pick something that is a guaranteed crowd pull. The idea that if you get them to come to one show they'll be more likely to come to another? Does that make sense?

Thanks!

-------------------------------------------
Victoria Kesling Councill
Theatre Teacher
New Kent County Public Schools
New Kent VA
-------------------------------------------

The Crucible was huge for us.  We thrust the stage out into our pit/orkestra (it's kind of a Greek choral space in front of the apron) area a bit.  Had a really simple set and made a ton of costumes-- big cast.  Sold out all performances.  Did not do a school show due to length, but it was a lot of fun to work on.

-------------------------------------------
Michael Johnson
Trinity NC
-------------------------------------------






Original Message:
Sent: 06-02-2014 22:04
From: Jonathan Dorf
Subject: Most Successful Straight Plays

John, thank you for mentioning the issue of dress rehearsals and royalties, as that's one place where people tend to cut corners, despite the fact that almost all publishers define a royalty paying performance as any time a play is performed for anyone outside of the cast and crew, even if it is called an "invited dress."

Cheers,
Jonathan

-------------------------------------------
Jonathan Dorf
Playwright/ Co-founder of YouthPLAYS/ Co-chair of The Alliance Of Los Angeles Playwrights
Los Angeles CA
-------------------------------------------






Original Message:
Sent: 06-02-2014 13:46
From: John Perry
Subject: Most Successful Straight Plays

I've mentioned this in other threads but Don Zolidis' The Birds was one of our most successful shows. Sold out two performances! It uses a lot of students and most of the bird chorus can be girls. I've attached a photo of the masks we made.

Also, if you have any kind of an audience, it is considered a performance and you have to pay performance royalties. If you have a school group observing final dress, it's considered a performance according to your contract.



-------------------------------------------
John Perry
Drama Instructor
Atherton High School
Louisville KY
-------------------------------------------






Original Message:
Sent: 06-02-2014 11:00
From: Jonathan Dorf
Subject: Most Successful Straight Plays

If you're doing a straight play, I agree that comedies tend to sell well, or plays that are adaptations of known titles--particularly, as others have noted, if you can tie them in to something that's being studied in another part of the curriculum, whether that be English or history or science.

One of the things we did when I was teaching and directing--and it depends on the size of your stage--is actually seat the audience on the stage, making for a much more intimate experience.  That would be a great way to do a newer show if you're worried about house and still make it feel full--and a new experience for your actors (very much like the 99-seat theaters here in LA).  Or tape off the back rows and force everyone down to the front.

Or do "dinner and a show" and tie the play into some kind of food event--perhaps where a portion of the revenue benefits a local charity or group like the firefighters, so you get them to help market it for you--and make it a big community/family thing.

Cheers,
Jonathan

-------------------------------------------
Jonathan Dorf
Playwright/ Co-founder of YouthPLAYS/ Co-chair of The Alliance Of Los Angeles Playwrights
Los Angeles CA
-------------------------------------------






Original Message:
Sent: 06-02-2014 09:30
From: Kimberly Taylor
Subject: Most Successful Straight Plays

We just sold out our theater for To Kill a Mockingbird
Other successful shows (measured by large audiences):
One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest
Steel Magnolias
Hamlet (English teachers gave extra credit for attendance)
Noises Off
Lend Me a Tenor

Good luck.

-------------------------------------------
Kimberly Taylor
Oakland CA
-------------------------------------------






Original Message:
Sent: 06-01-2014 10:47
From: Victoria Kesling Councill
Subject: Most Successful Straight Plays

Just curious as to what have been the most successful (success being measured by largest audiences and largest profits) straight plays you have done (non-musicals). I live in a rural community and we have never sold out a show (our theatre holds around 630). I have been told that prior to my arrival they had sold out for a musical once or twice- but that's it. I would really love any recommendations on what you guys do to get your community to come out and see shows. It doesn't help that I do not live in the community- but I do all the traditional things like hang posters everywhere they will let me, put signs by the major roadways, an ad in the local paper, a Facebook event... Not sure what else to do? They don't have a radio station or a local news channel/ government owned channel either. The majority of the community has to commute out for work and almost everyone lives 10 minutes or more from a major grocery story or gas station. I feel like I am doing everything I can possibly do to be more visible- so I'm wondering if I just need to pick something that is a guaranteed crowd pull. The idea that if you get them to come to one show they'll be more likely to come to another? Does that make sense?

Thanks!

-------------------------------------------
Victoria Kesling Councill
Theatre Teacher
New Kent County Public Schools
New Kent VA
-------------------------------------------