Digital Portfolio
Media Coverage
Program-tickets
How
1. Find a good cause, that is not controversial, to raise money for. (In this case the High School Auditorium was in need of repairs that were not included in a local tax increase)
2. Partner with other local business (make sure one is TV, radio or newspaper- you need them on the ticket to obtain advertising at no cost. Make sure your sponsors are well liked within your community also)
3.
Look for people in the community to help with the project. (set construction,
costumes etc) Find out by asking who the
reliable people would be- nothing is more frustrating than having a group of
people that do not complete their assigned tasks- it only creates more
work for you.
4.
Take the reigns as coordinator- this keeps you abreast on all developments and
problems as they
arise.
5.
Take advantage of any and all free advertising (with the right cause you can get
stories in the local
paper- and community news in other media)
6.
To make the job as coordinator easier get everybody's E-mail address as soon as
possible. Keep
them updated as to how the project is going and what is needed and
expected.
7. Find creative ways
to push ticket sales. (In this project the 3 sponsors offered any High School
student who sold the most tickets $100) Always carry extra tickets on you
wherever you go- for this to be a success you need to have a full house. Offer a
few free tickets to radio stations for promotional give-a-ways- this gets the
word at no cost on the air.
8.
Children in a performance help to greatly increase ticket sales since most
family members will attend.
9.
Great organizational skills are key to making everything come together.
The
Show/Performance
1.
Check other local events in the area so that you are not in conflict with
another that could hinder ticket sales.
2.
Make sure you have representation of your company in the audience and available
afterwards to
help promote.
3.
Three things are key for a good show- an uplifting opening and closing and
at least one good act in the
middle. Keep the show in a variety format and make sure all acts are
tasteful. The show needs to reflect a
professionalism of the sponsors- and make them glad they participated in the
event.
4.
Line up the acts so that the show can flow as quickly as possible, waiting for
large groups to tear
down and set up can be extremely boring for audience members.
5.
An emcee that can think quick on their feet is crucial in the event; a backstage
problem arises that
requires more time than expected. Someone who has been in the profession
before will make for a better choice than
a first timer.
6.
After the performance hold some kind of reception to allow you to greet the
audience members
7.
Invite local celebrities to be a part of the show. (a local newscaster can make
for a good emcee- they are recognizable and
used to thinking on their feet)
8.
Get people to work backstage that have experience (local theatre groups can help
you here) 9. For the performance someone needs the title and experience of a
director to make everything come
together.
10.
Seek out talent that you know. Asking people to perform 1 number is easier than
asking them to
carry a whole show. Put all these acts together and you have a show.
11. For full cast rehearsals prior to the show, in writing, have all the areas that need rehearsal and the line up. An unorganized rehearsal will end in chaos.
12. Make sure thank
you's and acknowledgments are given to all involved.
Time Lines
2 months prior
1.
Secure all sponsors- make sure they have a clear understanding of what their
involvement is put this in writing.
2. Line up enough performers for at least 1.5 hour show. (shows that are too
long only aggravate an audience) I would avoid an audition situation - this situation means some get to
perform and some don't, this makes for hard feelings before the show even
begins. Get commitments from performers- you don't need to know what they are
performing but just that they are.
3. Put together your media promotional material strategy - decide this with your
other sponsors if any. Take full advantage of free publicity.
4. Put together a list of everything you need for the performance to happen.
(lights, sound, stage, etc. )
5. Decide on a theme and create a logo for any & all promotional material.
6. Give all people involved a clear and precise understanding of what
their duties are. Check on these- if people are not performing their duties you will have
to step in and get them completed so give yourself plenty of time.
7. Get all E-mail addresses and let the correspondence begin. Many times it is
easier to give them yours and have them email you- this way you get an
accurate address.
1 month prior
1.
Start your "teaser" ads or story in the local paper or TV- this is so
the general public knows it coming.
2. Check and re-check all things involved
in the production to make sure all are, on track. 3. Find out from performers
what the title of their performance will be- and give a program
deadline.
2 weeks prior
1.
(depending on your printer) Program deadline- get all sponsor's logos or ad
material
2. Blitz the media with your promotional material- now till showtime
3. Get tickets in convenient places for people to purchase.
4. Get performers & sponsors fired up and excited about upcoming event.
1 week prior
1.
Set up a full cast rehearsal schedule
2. Give written directions to people working house, selling tickets at the door,
stress the importance
Showtime
prior
2. Schedule a dress rehearsal- expect this to take a lot longer than what
you think.
3. Have special sponsor seats labeled and in good locations so that they are in
plain view of the audience. Have sponsors
wear name tags or a flower to designate them from others.