Hello! Welcome to the PerformingArtsPatron Blog! For my first post I wanted to introduce myself, talk about what experience I have with theater, and what I plan on doing in this blog.
I am from a small town in eastern Iowa. I grew up loving music and movies so it was no real surprise that when I grew older I loved theater. I first came into to contact with live performances of theater when I was in high school. My freshman year I was a stagehand for our production of Hello Dolly. I joined the production because my friends were involved and thought it might be fun and after that I was hooked.
The next three years of high school I was involved in every musical production that we did. After I graduated I lost my direct contact with theater. I would go to performing arts centers and see Broadway shows like Lion King and Wicked but it was purely from an audience point of view, I missed being involved and having the backstage access. It wasn't until my junior year in college that I found my chance to get involved again.
There was a job opening at Gallagher Bluedorn Performing Arts Center which is the theater we have on campus at The University of Northern Iowa where I attend college. I got the position of Event Management Assistant also referred to as House Manager. I work with the ushers and stagehands and deal with patrons when they have any problems or concerns. This job has given me the opportunity to work everything from a concert performed by the University's School of Music to a Broadway performance of Shrek to working The Blue Man Group. Working at Gallagher Bluedorn got me involved again in theater and has let me continue to do what I am passionate about.
There was my not quite so brief history of my involvement with theater! What I want to do with this blog is not only just cover what is going on in the business but talk about how theaters are trying to get my generation interested and getting them to attend shows. I love theater and honestly all forms of entertainment. I seek out shows that I want to see and I am constantly looking at what is new, but for those who aren't huge theater fans and for those who aren't season ticket holders, how are they being reached? How are Performing Arts Centers promoting their shows and events to them? What would reach the younger generation and make them want to spend their money on a ticket to see a show? That is what I hope to figure out and talk about.
That's all for now!
-PerformingArtsPatron
