Prepare for a full house before the curtain opens by advertising your community theater via radio, newspaper and word of mouth. A specialty publication created by theater volunteers or the board of directors or theater employees, if applicable, highlights your theater as an independent organization. Promote community involvement, advertise upcoming plays or auditions and announce the season's lineup through a community theater newsletter, easily distributable by partnership with the local newspaper or bulk mail.
Instructions
1. Select a newsletter template from your word processor. Microsoft Word has many templates available both within the original software and online for free download. Choose a template easily adapted to forthcoming issues.
2. Write or solicit content for the newsletter. Ideas could include a profile on a featured performer, history of an upcoming play, stars who've performed in other versions of an upcoming play and other community involvement by performers. Ask the president to submit a letter for each newsletter.
3. Ask local business for donations or advertising revenue to offset printing costs.
4. Add content to the template, saving space for advertising.
5. Talk with your local newspaper about adding your newsletter as an insert to make distribution easier and cheaper. This may be a paid service.
6. Post the newsletter on community bulletin boards like those at grocery stores, libraries and bus stops.
7. Send the newsletter to regular patrons and theater supporters.
8. Ask for feedback via the newsletter. Add an email address or contact phone number for suggestions.
Tags: community involvement, community theater, local newspaper, upcoming play