The graying and shrinking of arts audiences is not a new problem, but one that has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Many theaters’ loyal subscribers and donors are sixty-five and older – a demographic that is more susceptible to the virus and more hesitant to return to indoor events.
For the health and wealth of performing arts organizations, it’s imperative that they continue to attract the next generation of theatergoers.
Theatre Jacksonville, Florida’s longest running community theatre, is a shining example of an organization that has a wide variety of events and programs to serve every generation. These programs, which are all in support of its mission to enrich lives and broaden cultural understanding through community participation in theatre arts, cater to those as young as three months old.
Their sixty-minute show, Everything’s A Circle, is the first original play in the Theatre for Babies program. This theatrical performance is designed specifically for parents and caregivers with babies between the ages of 3 and 12 months. The show was developed to help stimulate, engage and connect with babies and serves as a great introduction to theatre.
The organization’s Theatre for Kids program offers after-school classes for children ages seven and up. Each class is themed differently – varying from Audition/Monologue Prep to Acting with Accents to Theatre ART (props and crafts) – but share a goal to build important life skills, self-esteem and confidence in a fun environment.
Theater Jacksonville’s summer camp is an opportunity for kids to discover the world of live performance in a safe and healthy environment. Each summer session concludes with campers putting on an original performance showcasing everything they have learned during their time at camp.
Theatre for Grown-Ups uses theatre games, creative improv and scene work to explore subtext, authenticity and the importance of being in the moment. An introductory class covers the basics of acting for beginners, while other classes explore advanced concepts.
For those that want to sharpen their performance skills, Theatre Jacksonville offers private coaching for individuals of all ages and experience levels. The organization plays matchmaker by helping connect learners with a local professional to help them further develop their technique. Dates, times and frequency of sessions are custom-tailored to fit an individual’s personal schedule and needs.
This cradle-to-grave offering provides everyone in their community with an opportunity to experience and participate in the performing arts. And better yet, it allows the organization to create meaningful relationships with their patrons at an early age to build lifelong loyalty.
All-in-One Solution
In addition to using AudienceView Professional to sell tickets online and collect donations, Theatre Jacksonville uses the platform to register attendees for all the programs they offer – from classes to camps to coaching sessions. By leveraging a single solution to capture their transactions, they save time, create greater efficiency and enhance customer engagement.
Click here to learn more about the AudienceView Professional ticketing platform.
