TBOT_S03E15 - MARKETING

In this conversation, Darnelle Radford and Mitch Weiss explore the complexities of the theater industry, discussing the importance of recognizing excellence through awards, the challenges of engaging audiences, and the marketing strategies necessary for success. They delve into the role of nonprofit organizations, the impact of grant dependency, and the future of theater as a for-profit venture. The discussion highlights the need for a deeper understanding of the audience and the importance of promoting not just individual shows but the theater community as a whole. In this conversation, Mitch and Darnelle explore the complexities of branding and audience engagement in the theater industry, particularly for nonprofits. They discuss the importance of clear communication and visibility, the challenges of subscription models, and the unique branding needs of smaller theater companies. The conversation also touches on the evolution of Broadway, the impact of the pandemic on audience selectivity, and the necessity for theater companies to have a clear mission and purpose to thrive in the future.

Chapters

00:00 The Business of Theater: An Introduction

03:05 Awards and Recognition in Theater

06:06 The Audience for Theater

08:51 Marketing and Promotion Strategies

12:04 Theater vs. Movies: Audience Engagement

15:01 The Role of Nonprofits in Theater

18:05 Challenges of Grant Dependency

21:06 The Future of Theater: A For-Profit Perspective

29:55 Theater Terminology: ER vs RE

31:12 Branding in Nonprofits: The Importance of Visibility

33:06 Subscription Models: The Challenges of Audience Engagement

36:10 Small Companies and Branding: Finding Your Unique Voice

39:40 Audience Expectations: The Impact of Branding

41:53 Post-Pandemic Theater: Selectivity and Value

45:54 The Evolution of Broadway: From Elitism to Tourism

49:12 Theater Community: Passion vs. Practicality

54:21 Finding Purpose: The Mission of Theater Companies


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TBOT_S03E15 - MARKETING
The Business of Theater, A Working Title | Hosts: Darnelle Radford and Mitch Weiss
Darnelle Radford

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TBOT_S03E16 - GRAMMYS

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TBOT_S03E14 - 2025