Back when I was doing workshops across the country I was often asked about fundraising. My answer was always, "The best fundraiser is selling tickets!" This accomplishes multiple goals, but most importantly, it assures a good audience for your student productions.
Here are some tips:
1. Don't give the show away. These days your minimum price could be $10. You can always privately comp tickets to parents in need, if necessary. Just remember, if they had a kid playing a sport, they will be paying for games an entire season.
2. Develop a student audience. Sure, they want their parents to see their performance, but they really want other students there to cheer them on. I offer this example. When producing West Side Story, I approached the metal shop teacher and asked to speak to his class about designing and building the fire escape for our set. They accepted the challenge and it was definitely a win-win. We got a fabulous set piece and all 10 of those students who had never attended a play anywhere came to see the production because they had a vested interest. And those guys continued to come to shows until they graduated.
3. Build a community audience. That includes your school board. You are a lot more likely to get the funding you need if they have seen students performing. They will also better understand how much time it takes to create a show. We have witnessed the power of student energy and it is important for your school board to see that as well. A good way to make that happen is to cast a board member in a cameo role.
4. Interdisciplinary projects also build audience. Working with a science, math or history teacher opens up doors in new ways. It also results in students being assigned to see the play.
The theatrical experience requires both performers and audience. Make sure you have both. Your tickets sales can sustain your program with a better outcome than selling candy bars.
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Lana Hagan retired
] Lana Hagan
Department of Theatre/Dance
Southern Illinois Univ. Edwardsville/retired
Former Troupe director, chapter director, leadership coach for EdTA, national workshop presenter
St. louis, MO
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