Well, I promise this is not simply going to become a blog where I repost everything from Ken Davenport's Producer's Perspective, but this recent post of his really struck a chord with me.
His advice, in a nutshell, is do something memorable and pleasing as people leave a show so they'll head off into the world of "word of mouth" with a good feeling. It's not just advice for producers. Musical theater creators are beholden to people all the time. Maybe it's friends you've asked to perform songs or scenes. Maybe you're putting on a reading.
Once thing Sherry and I try to do is give the cast some kind of gift after a reading. One time it was just a $5 gift card to Starbucks for each one. We have given bottles of wine, too. Nothing expensive or extravagant. But Sherry ties a ribbon to each bottle or puts a note with the gift card. It's a way of saying, "We appreciate you. We know you've given us above and beyond."
I like to think it builds goodwill with those who work with us and keeps us on their radar for future projects.
Whether it's someone singing in your living room or a rented room full up for a reading, the principle is the same. Entertain with excellent content, then send your audience out smiling about your project. It sure can't hurt.
OK. That's it and that's enough.
His advice, in a nutshell, is do something memorable and pleasing as people leave a show so they'll head off into the world of "word of mouth" with a good feeling. It's not just advice for producers. Musical theater creators are beholden to people all the time. Maybe it's friends you've asked to perform songs or scenes. Maybe you're putting on a reading.
Once thing Sherry and I try to do is give the cast some kind of gift after a reading. One time it was just a $5 gift card to Starbucks for each one. We have given bottles of wine, too. Nothing expensive or extravagant. But Sherry ties a ribbon to each bottle or puts a note with the gift card. It's a way of saying, "We appreciate you. We know you've given us above and beyond."
I like to think it builds goodwill with those who work with us and keeps us on their radar for future projects.
Whether it's someone singing in your living room or a rented room full up for a reading, the principle is the same. Entertain with excellent content, then send your audience out smiling about your project. It sure can't hurt.
OK. That's it and that's enough.
RSS Feed
