1. Wednesday is the new Friday. Facebook is the new Myspace.
It’s awesome. You can create a fan page for your show which allows for people to comment, rate and view videos and pictures. You can also create an event and invite everyone you’ve ever met to come see the show. Comment on other theatre facebook pages “If you liked Cats, you’ll love the Gender Bending Three Sisters! Use code XXX for $35 tix!” Okay, maybe not that lame, but you get the idea. Facebook is the fastest growing social network and will continue to grow. (Myspace is still the most popular, but Facebook is much more valuable for promotion.) Click here for an article on how to set up a Facebook account.
2. You scratch my Eblast, I’ll scratch yours.
Get your friends who are involved with a theatre company to do placement on their eblast. It’s a common misconception that you can just ‘use their list’ – which is illegal. However, placement on the theatre companies already existing newsletter is prime exposure. If you don’t have a list to trade yourself, offer placement, a link or banner on your site under Partners or Community.
3. Times online reader reviews.
Get all your fans, supporters and friends to jump onto the NYTimes.com and write and rate. It makes them feel like they are important for the show, and it adds a personal touch to the existing review. (And may balance out if it’s a bad one.) The more reviews and higher rating your show gets, then it gets listed under Readers’ Highest Rated.
4. Video Schmideo.
It’s easy! Borrow your friend’s video camera. Go backstage and tape the actors. Upload it to your computer. Edit it. Upload it to YouTube and then post to your website and social networks. Be creative! Give the actors the video and let them create the content. Even if you are just taping the actors talking about their role, their hair, the dressing room, whatever! It helps to create a ‘Backstage Pass’ – it’s also easy to upload to YouTube, embed the code and post it on your website. It’s like DVD extras! If it’s funny, or interesting or different, it may just go viral…
5. Celebimonials
I know it’s cliche, but celebrities sell tickets. If you can’t afford 50k a week to have one in your show, get one to talk about it for free. You probably know a celebrity or two through 6 degrees (Your mom went on a date with George Clooney in ‘89 and they still keep in touch), so call in the favor and get them to write a testimonial for your website. Better plan: Get them to be on camera to say “I loved it! Go see it!”
