TBOT_S02E17 - EP.50 - 50/50!

This conversation explores the challenges faced by nonprofit theaters in terms of funding and sustainability. It discusses the need for a new funding system and the importance of community support. The conversation also delves into the struggle of artists to make a living in theater and the need for creativity and adaptability. The role of marketing and promotion in generating interest and excitement for new shows is explored, along with the impact of long-running shows on new productions. The conversation concludes with a discussion on finding innovative ways to market live theater.

HOSTS: Darnelle Radford and Mitch Weiss

00:00 Introduction and Working Title

01:30 Episode 50 - 50

03:45 The Need for Infrastructure and Funding

04:50 The Role of Commercial Theater

05:49 The Challenges of Government Subsidies

07:13 The Begging Culture in Nonprofit Theater

08:07 The Role of Corporate Support

09:33 The Struggle of Small Nonprofit Organizations

10:14 The Need for a New Funding System

11:07 The Role of Seed Money

12:21 The Importance of Community Support

13:20 The Challenges of Nonprofit Budgeting

14:26 The Illusion of Making a Living in Theater

15:44 The Need for Creativity and Adaptability

16:38 The Lack of Support for Artists

18:43 The Importance of Marketing and Promotion

19:55 The Challenge of Competing with Established Shows

21:28 Creating Excitement and Anticipation for New Shows

23:00 The Power of Effective Marketing

24:17 Using Visuals to Generate Interest

25:14 The Impact of Long-Running Shows on New Productions

26:43 The Need for Fresh and Exciting Theater

27:57 Innovative Marketing Strategies

29:27 Teasing and Building Anticipation

30:50 The Power of Visual Marketing

32:44 Finding Creative Ways to Market Live Theater

38:44 Prioritizing Own Shows

39:20 Starting with Creative Satisfaction

40:16 Planning for Lack of Audience

41:12 Balancing Business and Art

43:09 Begging for Donations

46:07 Creating a Community Space

48:40 The Role of Social Media

51:17 The Challenges of TikTok

53:15 The Impact of Nudity in Theater

54:48 50th Episode Celebration

58:48 The Model of Affordable Housing

01:00:13 The Need for a Savior

01:04:08 The Role of Corporate Support

01:06:38 The Importance of Communication

01:08:33 Promoting We Grow Theater

Takeaways

Nonprofit theaters face challenges in terms of funding and sustainability.

There is a need for a new funding system that supports the arts.

Artists often struggle to make a living in theater and need to be creative and adaptable.

Effective marketing and promotion are crucial for generating interest in new shows.

Long-running shows can impact the success of new productions.

Finding innovative ways to market live theater is essential. Prioritize your own shows and find creative satisfaction.

Plan for the lack of audience and be prepared for the challenges of funding.

Utilize social media platforms like TikTok, but be aware of their limitations.

Consider the impact of nudity in theater and the reactions of different communities.

Celebrate milestones and continue supporting organizations like We Grow Theater.