CBC News - Vancouver arts groups seek young patrons
Friday, February 4, 2011 at 3:52PM Reposted from CBC News - Theatre - Vancouver arts groups seek young patrons.
Vancouver’s performing arts organizations, facing aging audiences that don’t reflect the diversity of the city, are using new strategies to attract people.
Vancouver Playhouse Theatre Executive Director Max Reimer said his core audience isn’t getting any younger.
“When I look out I see old people,” he said. “What happens when they die? Is it a question for you? Yeah, being at the tail end of the baby boom, I’d like to think all of theatre is going to survive me, but yes, it’s a question.”
To attract younger and more diverse audiences, the Playhouse has adopted new strategies when considering which productions to stage. Many are now aimed at youthful attention spans.
“The pieces are shorter,” Reimer said. “The removal of intervals, no intermissions, the writing, you get to the point fast. Even the classics are being tightened.”
Other companies, such as Vancouver Opera, are using social media to attract new patrons. The opera tweets from backstage during dress rehearsals, live blogs during the show and offers sneak peeks of performances on Facebook.
“If we weren’t online they wouldn’t be able to find us, friend us, follow us,” said Vancouver Opera’s Social Media Manager Ling Chan.
The opera is not alone in its quest. The Vancouver Symphony Orchestra is considering pulling back on some classical music programs to make room for more ethno-cultural co-productions.
Read more:
http://www.cbc.ca/arts/theatre/story/2011/02/02/bc-arts-new-audiences.html#socialcomments#ixzz1D27bddaa
Reader Comments