Thursday, February 18, 2010
Arts Funding
KUOW.org: "Most nonprofit arts groups get their money from season ticket subscriptions, donations or grants. But that money has been harder to come by in the past couple of years. There's more competition for entertainment dollars, and charitable giving took a nosedive after the recession. One Seattle theater company has come up with a strategy it hopes will attract new audiences, and keep them coming back for more."
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3 comments:
The ART theater is taking a really interesting approach to membership here. I wish more theaters in Pittsburgh and Boston did this. While I love theater, it's hard to get to see all the shows I want with the time constraints, and budget, I have. This offers flexibility, and savings, that seem incredible. For theaters that are not set up with in buildings with 2+ theater spaces, it might make sense for 2 or 3 theaters to get together, and offer joint memberships. Allowing patrons to go to any show, in any of a set of theaters, would allow the theater group to charge more for the membership, and allow the patron to feel like they were also getting more out of it. This would probably also appeal to more elderly folks. If they could go see a different live show every week, they would most likely be willing to buy said membership.
I rally admire this theater and the way that they are taking the recession and their debt in stride. This is something that I feel especially close to because my senior year in high school we almost lost our whole theater program to lack of funding, and even though I wouldnt have been kicked out of school or something drastic, people I am incredibly close to almost lost their jobs. So when I hear that theaters are in large finacial trouble, it always makes my stomach tighten just a little more thinking about it. So I think that the monthly membership and renting out the space that they do not use are both great ideas that other theaters should take to heart.
Selling memberships is a very interesting way to approach the ticket problem. Without knowing a bit more about ART Theater, i can't decide if and how informed this decision is. It makes sense for a small number of people who are going to be seeing many plays. This membership also makes sense for those who would be season ticket holders, but cannot reliably go to the theater on the same day every production, as many season ticket programs are set up. One of the most interesting parts about this program i think is the possibilities of expanding this membership program to include seeing productions at any number of affiliated theaters, dance troupes, etc. It could be a way to revitalize the culture of a city.
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