In this conversation, Darnelle Radford and Mitch discuss the complexities of finding purpose in theater, the competition between notable productions like Avenue Q and Wicked, and the impact of awards like the Tony on Broadway shows. They explore audience attraction factors, the role of reviews and influencers, and the challenges of advertising and ticket sales in the theater industry. In this conversation, Mitch and Darnelle explore the complexities of the theater industry, focusing on ticketing experiences, the importance of local theater, the evolution of pricing, and the financial landscape of Broadway. They discuss the challenges of competition within the theater community, the significance of artistic vision, and the process of play development. The conversation emphasizes the need for innovative models in theater development and the importance of engaging with audiences to foster new works.

Takeaways

• Finding purpose in theater is essential.

• Avenue Q and Wicked represent different eras in theater.

• Tony Awards can significantly impact a show's success.

• Word of mouth remains the most effective marketing tool.

• Celebrity involvement does not guarantee ticket sales.

• Social media's role in ticket sales is limited.

• Audience engagement is crucial for theater success.

• Theater companies must adapt to changing audience preferences.

• Reviews should inform rather than overshadow the audience's experience.

• Effective advertising strategies are vital for theater productions. The ticketing experience is evolving, with many opting for direct purchases.

• Local theaters provide a personal touch that enhances the audience experience.

• The rise of ticketing agencies has changed the pricing landscape.

• Broadway productions are facing increasing financial pressures.

• Competition among theaters can hinder collaboration and community growth.

• Artistic vision is crucial for successful theater productions.

• Accessibility and audience engagement are ongoing challenges.

• Play development requires audience feedback to succeed.

• Innovative models for theater development can enhance community engagement.

• The demand for new and extraordinary works is growing among audiences.

Chapters

00:00 Finding Purpose in Theater

06:01 The Impact of Tony Awards on Broadway Shows

11:53 The Role of Reviews and Influencers

18:09 Navigating Ticket Sales and Audience Engagement

24:43 The Importance of Local Theater and Personal Touch

30:23 Competition and Collaboration in the Theater Community

36:24 The Debate on Accessibility and Audience Engagement

45:34 Innovative Models for Theater Development

LINKS:

• Turn Tik Tok Likes into Broadway Ticket Sales 

• Broadway, Seeking Growth and facing Challenges, has a New Representative - https://www.nytimes.com/2024/12/02/theater/broadway-league-jason-laks.html 

• When Stephen Sondheim Transformed Theater, and Theatergoers, Forever - https://www.nytimes.com/2024/11/30/books/review/how-sondheim-can-change-your-life-richard-schoch.html 

• FILM: "Thanksgiving Box Office Record: ‘Moana 2’ Scores Dazzling $221 Million Debut, ‘Wicked’ Adds Huge $117 Million" by Variety's Rebecca Rubin - "Director Jon M. Chu’s big-screen take on the popular Broadway musical has generated $262.4 million in North America and $359.2 million globally to date. It already ranks as the highest-grossing Broadway adaptation in domestic box office history ..." https://bway.ly/qvt4cg

• Joseph Papp: I have a better chance of getting a hit by producing 100 shows without reading versus selecting 3. Theater is where you start not, what you end up with. 

• We Grow Theater - wegrowtheater.com 

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