nelakluwos - what is your position at the community theater? Do you have any sway or input? When our new producing director came in, he established an artistic committee, which reads and suggests scripts. We put together a list as well as offering alternatives.
I sit on the committee as technical advisor, since not everyone can look at a
play or muscial and see what the impact might be on the shop or even our budget. The shop foreman is also involved as he will be the one to have to
build said show.
We have established a season of two small musicals(less than six actors), two larger musicals (one which must be family oriented), a comedy and a drama, along with our 'second
stage' which handles the more controversial shows. It seems to be working pretty well for us, as we've gone from a lackluster reputation to being one of the leading theaters.
How involved are you on a daily basis? Is there anyone who is in charge of fundraising? Have you suggested having an open
house and inviting the community in to hear what they have to say. Marketing is key to growth, but if you are offering what people don't want, it won't matter how well you market. We handed out surveys and asked what folks wanted to see. You have to get the patrons excited before you can concentrate on bringing new people in.
Hope this helps a little. Be patient, it has taken use three seasons to get to a
point of where we are showing substanial growth again.
Charlie