There are many ways to advertise your production … Posters, Mail shots, Press releases etc … but there are also weird and wonderful ways too … and the sneakier the better!
• Think of a story worthy of the local paper (not about the performance) but mention the group or the production within the Press release then send it to your local papers.
• Pay to advertise in a local paper - talk them into giving it for you quite cheaply ... mention that you will put that they are supporting you or give them a free advert in your performance programme. However, if you have to pay full price and you are going for colour - specify which page you want it on … and then say that you would like your Press release on the same page. The newspaper will usually co-operate with this … then if you send a picture with your Press release you know that it will be in colour near the advert!
• Send a fax and copy of a poster to your local radio stations … they need a copy of the poster so they know it's official - you'll find most of the radio stations will give you a free plug. However, you can also phone your local radio stations up and "request a song" (try and pick one which is in the production) and then wish you group the best of luck with the opening night etc … most DJ's will ask you more questions and let you have a free plug on air!
• Do a small Mail shot and use your group members to do it for you free … or maybe approach a few local newsagents and see if they will drop some small posters off with their newspaper deliveries.
• I'm not condoning putting posters up on lampposts etc because you are not supposed to … people still do it though and if you don't damage the public property then I don't see what harm you would cause. Also, try parish council notice boards … always ask permission first though.
Good luck with writing your advertising!
Other articles from Matt:
Branding
Fund Raising
Gimmicks
Image
Posters
Press Releases
Starting a New Group