I am trying to see what different people have found the best way to advertise their productions.

When I say "Small Performance" this is perhaps performing an extract in public to gain attention.

Thanks!!

Perhaps there should also be a category for 3G mobile web and podcasting in addition to the website category.

Some London events have been advertised by SMS and it won't be too long before MMS messages are used.

It works well if you want to attract a young audience as well as traditional theatre-goers and it can cost a great deal less than printed forms of advertising.

Welcome Ron

You have not exactly given much away with you posts. Where do you hail from?

Actually the poll is okay unless a group carries out market research, how do you know what worked to get the punter in? There might as well be a category which says always attend "x" groups shows, ie no need for ads
The poll would be better to list as many as are done, then you will see what groups do as an average.

I don't think that there is one best way in exclusion of other options. I opted in the poll for "word of mouth" as the most effective publicity but that doesn't mean that I would not use some or all of the other options to publicise the show. basically, the more publicity the better

London

Not that it would be that much interest over there?
Amdram here at the backside of the world, is getting a boost each week on local TV with a new programme of 'Theatre Talk - Greenroom' & a show that grew out of 'Theatre Sports' which was an Amdram production here at the 'Fly By Night' Club Theatre in Fremantle.
Has become a radio show on the Australian Broadcast Commission [ABC] local radio station.
Greenroom TV
http://www.theatre.asn.au/billboard_bullet..._7_30pm_acc31tv


From stage to Radio

http://www.theatre.asn.au/billboard_bullet...ocal_radio_show

Looking at the responses -

Word of mouth is fine for tiny performances (say 100 max and a short run) where most of the audience is made up of friends, family, workmates and other amdrammers that are thinking of doing the show next year

For longer runs and much bigger audiences there is only so much word of mouth can do. That's when local Media (radio/daylies) becomes essential.


Oh, round here the local coouncil are fining people for outting up roadside banners now - apparently they distract drivers who have enough to think of already what with thier tomtoms, mobile phones, cd players and cigarrettes and food.

Word of mouth has got to be the best way...

It's amazing how quick a really good production can
fill out if the chorus sell it.... If you don't have the backing
of the chorus then you've lost 1/3 of your audience....

Saying that a BAD production word spreads even faster...

I remember (god I sound old saying that) once I got a text message
from a friend who went to see an other amdram show, I was unable
as I was rehearsing myself, saying "YOU HAVE GOT TO SEE THIS!!!!
IT'S SOOOO BAD".......

Kinda the wrong reason.... but apparently it was very very bad..
Needless to say, that group now strugggles to get audience
after such a bad show, they are getting better but sadly word of mouth
wasn't to kind to them...

This issue has been raised again within our group. We have tried radio advertising but apart from it being costly don't feel it's achieved much. Generally asking around it seems word or mouth, the local weekly free advertiser and posters in our venue net the best results. However apart from Panto we struggle to get full houses. Any other ideas? (We did have a Facebook page for panto, which actually worked well especially with our teenage members in terms of getting info to their friends, of which quite lot seemed to come along (who may not have otherwise bothered)).

One element missing from the poll is the use of a mail shot. we have built up a list of willing subscribers to a mailing list and send out about 300 postcard style flyers. A neighbouring massive open air company, and I mean massive 3-4000 tickets - also use this method to good effect. They go up in June and usually have sold a thousand tickets by the end of Feb.
Another thought, we also run an email list - not duplicating the postal one - which helps us reach another big chunk of people who are interested. Bit like word of mouth, preaching to the converted is not a bad place to start.
We also use road side boards and colour posters and, when they cooperate, the local press.

There is a similar discussion at present on our local theatre forum, which was sparked by an offer from an FM radio station.
http://www.theatre.asn.au/billboard_bullet...lished_audience
I don't know the station at all, as I rarely listen to the radio or these stations.