I read a newspaper.

Not a kindle version.  Not the .com version.  No.  I picked up and read an actual, ink comes off on your fingers, NY Times.  (I didn’t pay for it, however – it came to my hotel room door, so there’s that.)

As I [...]]]> I did something crazy the other day.

I read a newspaper.

Not a kindle version.  Not the .com version.  No.  I picked up and read an actual, ink comes off on your fingers, NY Times.  (I didn’t pay for it, however – it came to my hotel room door, so there’s that.)

As I turned and folded the big gray pages, I couldn’t help but notice the large section devoted to The Crossword Puzzle.  That sucker takes up a lot of space!  And it’s space that could be sold as advertising.  Certainly they could shrink the puzzle a bit, and squeeze in another 1 x 2.

But nope.  The Puzzle, as well as a couple of other word games, just sits there like a big, old, stubborn bull, basking in the sunlight on a warm summer day.

Obviously that Puzzle is popular.  Seriously popular.  (And if you don’t believe me, watch this doc.)

And, here’s the kicker . . . obviously that puzzle is even more popular in print than online.

Let me ask you . . . if you had a choice of doing the puzzle on your computer . . . or by grabbing a pencil (or a pen, if you think you’re a real smarty), and digging in, which would you choose?

You’d go with the paper version, wouldn’t you?  You’d choose the live, tactile, problem solving, paper version, over the impersonal, tech version, even if it included clues and easy deletes, and so on, right?

Same goes for chess.  Any chess players out there?  Which would you rather play with, a friend . . . a 2-D flat screen computer version?  Or would you rather feel those pieces in your hand, and watch your opponent furrow his or her brow over those 64 squares right in front of you?

How about board games?  Or cards?

See where I’m going with this?

Despite the supreme technological advances over the past 10 years . . . there are certain things that people would still rather do live . . . no matter how much easier they are made for us online.  And that ain’t gonna change.

And the theater is the same.

Sure, pretty soon we’ll be able to get entertainment beamed to just about any device we want, anywhere in the world, at any time (Google Glass, anyone?).

But in my mind, that will only make what we do more rare, and therefore more valuable.

We’re just as stubborn as the big, old, crossword puzzle, and I don’t think we’ll ever get out of the paper.

Unless the paper disappears out from under us entirely.

(Got a comment? I love ‘em, so comment below! Email Subscribers, click here then scroll down to say what’s on your mind!)
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FUN STUFF:

- VOTE for the 2nd Annual Broadway Marketing Awards!  Click here!

- Only 22 performances of Macbeth remain!  Get tix.

- Win two tickets to First Date on Broadway!  Click here!

POSITION: Design and Marketing Associate

DESCRIPTION: The Design & Marketing Associate is responsible for maintaining, creating and distributing digital content pertinent to Second Stage Theatre; supporting the marketing department with single ticket and subscription campaigns; maintaining a consistent brand image across all media, platforms and materials; and expanding and improving Second Stage [...]]]> WHO: Second Stage Theatre

POSITION: Design and Marketing Associate

DESCRIPTION: The Design & Marketing Associate is responsible for maintaining, creating and distributing digital content pertinent to Second Stage Theatre; supporting the marketing department with single ticket and subscription campaigns; maintaining a consistent brand image across all media, platforms and materials; and expanding and improving Second Stage Theatre’s digital efforts by strengthening current digital media and exploring emerging platforms. Specific duties include:

Print Design

-In-house creation of all print collateral including: window cards, rack cards, posters, newsletters, invitations, banners, trade ads.

Digital Design

-Create all e-mail blasts to subscribers and single ticket buyers, working with the Director of Marketing & Communications and the Marketing Associate to develop an e-mail strategy and mailing schedule

-Convert print pieces to be e-friendly

-Create web-friendly images for 2ST web site and e-mail trades with other organizations

-Maintain the content and media on the 2ST website, updating information as needed.

Social Media

-Create and implement social media strategies on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and our Podcast to increase fan growth and promote 2ST programs

-Respond to fans and followers on social media accounts in a timely manner

-Track and evaluate success on each social media account

-Create and/or promote 2ST video content for YouTube channel

Other

-Support Marketing Associate and Director of Marketing & Communications with subscriptions and single ticket campaigns

-With the Marketing Associate, help coordinate and oversee various marketing events to foster subscriber relations

-Create print and digital materials for other departments including brochures and event invitations

2ST is an equal opportunity employer.

To Apply: Qualified applicants should send cover letter, design examples and resume to JOBS@2st.com.

POSITION: Communications Manager

DESCRIPTION: LABYRINTH THEATER COMPANY, the award-winning Off-Broadway ensemble, seeks a creative and passionate Communications Manager who will play a key role in our audience development and engagement efforts. The Communications Manager will help define and implement a strategy to increase Labyrinth’s diverse audience base.

The ideal candidate will have [...]]]> WHO: Labyrinth Theater Company

POSITION: Communications Manager

DESCRIPTION: LABYRINTH THEATER COMPANY, the award-winning Off-Broadway ensemble, seeks a creative and passionate Communications Manager who will play a key role in our audience development and engagement efforts. The Communications Manager will help define and implement a strategy to increase Labyrinth’s diverse audience base.

The ideal candidate will have marketing and social media experience, superb writing skills, familiarity with subscription campaigns and a passion for marketing.

Salary is competitive.

To Apply: Please email cover letter and resume to: jobs@labtheater.org.

www.labtheater.org. EOE.

Whenever I hear the same comment from three or more people, whether that’s “Ken, I don’t like that actor’s costume,” or “Ken, you should really get involved with Kinky Boots,” or “Ken, have you thought about blogging,” .  . . I take action.

Three or more suggests some [...]]]> Here’s my rule of three:

Whenever I hear the same comment from three or more people, whether that’s “Ken, I don’t like that actor’s costume,” or “Ken, you should really get involved with Kinky Boots,” or “Ken, have you thought about blogging,” .  . . I take action.

Three or more suggests some kind of trend, and a good way to do business is to give the people what they want.  (A great way to do business is to give the people something they don’t know they want . . . yet!)

Last week, I got about ten emails from some of my most faithful readers, all pointing to this article asking for my response.

Before I even read the article, I knew I needed to respond.

And then I read it.  And you should too.

But the quick recap is this:

Last week, Steven Spielberg told a group of USC film students who were all paying big bucks to prepare themselves for a career in film . . . that the film industry was about to implode.  (USC refused to give tuition refunds, FYI.)

Yep, he said that he foresaw massive changes coming to tinsel town, including different prices based on demand for the content ($25 for Iron Man versus $7 for Lincoln) . . . and he even said that the release of films might start to trend more like Broadway shows (!), where there are fewer released each year, but they stick around longer.

Shocking.

Then George Lucas stepped in and joined the implosion revolution saying that it costs too much to market these films, and Hollywood was too focused on commercial success, and wasn’t (or couldn’t afford) to make movies for niche markets.

Sound familiar?

Was Spielberg right?

Well, the man tells stories for a living.  Great ones.  Dramatic ones.  And I think there was a little “E.T.” going on in this speech as well.

I don’t see an implosion happening in Hollywood, but I do see massive changes on the horizon (just like the record industry turned upside down when digital music became a thing).

And I don’t see an implosion on Broadway happening either (although sometimes I’d love a little market correction – but read this post to see why I don’t think it’ll happen anytime soon).

But I do see massive changes coming . . . and massive changes are necessary if we’re going to maintain any sense of profitability.

But Broadway will never implode and it will never go away.  It’s too much of an institution, and it is the nucleus of the Times Square economy.

But it could go entirely non-profit.

Let’s make sure it doesn’t.

Read the article here.

(Got a comment? I love ‘em, so comment below! Email Subscribers, click here then scroll down to say what’s on your mind!)
_ _

FUN STUFF:

- VOTE for the 2nd Annual Broadway Marketing Awards!  Click here!

- Only 24  performances of Macbeth remain!  Get tix.

- Win two tickets to First Date on Broadway!  Click here!

- The next Broadway Investing 101 Seminar is on July 13th.  Click here to register.

- Read this blog whenever you want on your iPhone!  Get the Producer’s Perspective app.  Click here!

Raise your hands if you’ve .  . . ever been on a first date?

Ok, did everyone feel thousands of hands go up at the same time?

That’s right, dating, and therefore a first date, is something that pretty much the entire population . . . of [...]]]> Let me ask you all a question.

Raise your hands if you’ve .  . . ever been on a first date?

Ok, did everyone feel thousands of hands go up at the same time?

That’s right, dating, and therefore a first date, is something that pretty much the entire population . . . of everywhere . . . has in common.

So, that would say that a musical called, oh I don’t know, First Date (talk about a good title), might have a large market, wouldn’t you say?  I mean if every single theatergoer in the world can relate to your subject, you’re starting off on the right marketing foot, right?

First Date stars Zachary “Chuck” Levi and Krysta “Smash” Rodriguez and is about, duh, a first date.  But like “24,” it happens in real time, and through some serious creative funny-business you get to see what this guy and doll are thinking as their love connection unfolds.

Good date?  Bad date?  What will it be?

One of you will find out because we’re giving away two tickets to this very first entry in the 2013-14 Broadway season!  And, ah, yeah, if you haven’t guessed, this show would be great for date night.

So how do you win?  Let’s go off topic a bit (but sort of on).

Tell me your WORST date story in the comments below.  I’ll pick a winner.

Need an example?  Ooooohh I’ve got a bunch, but nothing tops the one where the girl started crying about five minutes in.

Good luck!

(Got a comment? I love ‘em, so comment below! Email Subscribers, click here then scroll down to say what’s on your mind!)
_ _

FUN STUFF:

- Only 25  performances of Macbeth remain!  Get tix.

- The next Broadway Investing 101 Seminar is on July 13th.  Click here to register.

- Read this blog whenever you want on your iPhone!  Get the Producer’s Perspective app.  Click here!

POSITION: Marketing Manager

DESCRIPTION: Samuel French, Inc., the world’s premiere theatrical publishing and licensing house, is seeking a Marketing Manager to join our diverse team of enthusiastic theatre lovers. Exceptional people make an exceptional company, and an exceptional company is a fun place to work. That is why we hire team players [...]]]> WHO: Samuel French, Inc.

POSITION: Marketing Manager

DESCRIPTION: Samuel French, Inc., the world’s premiere theatrical publishing and licensing house, is seeking a Marketing Manager to join our diverse team of enthusiastic theatre lovers. Exceptional people make an exceptional company, and an exceptional company is a fun place to work. That is why we hire team players who are creative, engaged, and ambitious.

More about the Position:
The Marketing Manager oversees the day-to-day activities of Samuel French’s Marketing Department, including organizing and executing promotional campaigns, engaging the company’s social media networks, and developing strategies to promote titles, authors and the Samuel French brand to the theatrical community and beyond. In addition, this position coordinates, communicates and manages project timelines across multiple departments and produces print collateral and media content for the website and Online Magazine [Breaking Character].

Responsibilities include (but not limited to):
•Develop and lead marketing campaigns directed to theatres nationwide.
•Manage the creation and implementation of Marketing Proposals for new acquisitions and contract renewals.
•Supervise all Social Media sites; act as Editor for [Breaking Character], overseeing all posts/graphics used on the site.
•Represent the company at national conferences dedicated to raising arts awareness in high schools. Sell company products and assist customers in selecting pieces for upcoming seasons.
•Work with the Product Development team to create supplemental products and materials for titles.
•Write original copy for the Samuel French Website, ads, e-newsletters, company catalogues and more.
•Oversee the Marketing budget – conference expenditures, author campaigns, advertising, etc.

Requirements:
The ideal candidate for this position is a creative thinker able to juggle multiple projects at once, have a strong work ethic, and is team player in every sense of the word. Two years relevant experience in Marketing required. Applicants must be masters of Microsoft Office (Excel, Word and Outlook) and have some experience with the Adobe Creative Suite, as well as knowledge of HTML and basic blogging and social media platforms. Candidates should be so detail oriented that in their cover letter for this position, they will mention their favorite word. Candidates must have excellent written and oral communication skills, and have the ability to prioritize work. A passion for theatre and knowledge of the industry is a must!

To Apply: Please send cover letter, resume and salary requirements by email to jobs@samuelfrench.com for immediate consideration. Applicants must reference the following JOB CODE in subject line of email: MKTNY-0610.

You all [...]]]> Alright, if someone out there isn’t doing something theatrical with the Rebecca saga, then you are missing out.  Just look at how many of you suggested a “ripped from the headlines” drama about our financing-FBI-riddled scandal from last year!  A play, a documentary . . . a fringe spoof even! Give us something!

You all had some other creative ideas as well (check ‘em out here), from Sondheim and Bernstein collaborating on West Side Story (You all know it was originally called East Side Story, right?) to Shia LaBeouf’s departure from Orphans with dramatic readings of his tweets.

But the winner of the tickets (by random selection) is . . . Michael Penna!

Congrats, Michael.  You’re going to see Falling for Make Believe in LA!

Email me to set up your seats, and make sure you come back and tell us if you liked this world premiere musical.

And the rest of you Giveaway lovers, giddy-up, because it may be summer . . . but the new Broadway season is already underway, and we’ve got tickets to a new Broadway show to give you tomorrow!

(Got a comment? I love ‘em, so comment below! Email Subscribers, click here then scroll down to say what’s on your mind!)
_ _

FUN STUFF:

- VOTE for the 2nd Annual Broadway Marketing Awards!  Click here!

- Only 27  performances of Macbeth remain!  Get tix.

- The next Broadway Investing 101 Seminar is on July 13th.  Click here to register.

If you’ve been reading my blog for a year, then you remember this post, when I asked [...]]]> It’s that time again! Just when you think Award Season is over, here comes the biggest and baddest . . . and what arguably could be the most important! It’s the 2013 Broadway Marketing Awards!

If you’ve been reading my blog for a year, then you remember this post, when I asked why there weren’t Broadway Marketing Awards.  And then, we created them! The Ad Agencies and Marketing Companies in town do a ton of work (just managing those ad meetings are worth an award alone!), and they rarely get credit . . . even though they often get the blame (and they often get fired).  In fact, it wasn’t until a few years ago that their names started appearing on the title page of Playbills.

So we decided to do something about it, and last year we put together a Nominating crew and had them look at every logo, every website, commercial, etc. and come up with a slate of nominees.  And then, we made you the electorate . . . and you voted for the winners in nine highly competitive categories.

(You can see last year’s nominees here, and the winners here.) Before we announce the nominees, let’s meet our awesome, expert nominators:

Blake Ross, Editor of the ubiquitous brand known as Playbill.  That’s right, Playbill.  You probably collect them.

Paul Wontorek, Editor in Chief of Broadway.com. Host of the popular video series “Show People” where Broadway fans can learn about their favorite stars and all of the gossip.

Kimberly Kaye, Special Correspondent and Creative Director at Theatermania.com. She has put together numerous reviews and interviews highlighting all of the latest buzz and happenings in the theater world.

Frank DiLella, Theater Reporter and Producer at NY1, reporting for the theater program ON STAGE. DiLella and the “On Stage” team were honored by the New York Musical Theater Festival for their weekly coverage of NYC theater.

And now, without further blog-dieu, here are the nominees for the 2013 Broadway Marketing Awards:

BEST LOGO

BEST TAGLINE

BEST WEBSITE

BEST TWITTER

BEST PROMOTIONAL ITEM (AKA SWAG)

BEST PROMOTION

Congratulations to all the nominees. And now, it’s up to YOU to choose the winners. Click HERE to vote.

You can see all the assets (logos, commercials, etc.) on the voting pages. FYI, the polls will close on Wednesday, June 26th at 11:59 PM EST and the winners will be announced on this blog the very next day. Vote today!

Oh, and let’s make today official “Advertiser’s and Marketer’s Day” . . . you know, like “Administrative Professionals’ (formerly Secretary’s) Day.”  Send your Advertiser some flowers, or a massage . . . or just give ‘em a hug.  They work hard for you.  And sometimes they want a little love, in addition to their commission.

(Got a comment? I love ‘em, so comment below! Email Subscribers, click here then scroll down to say what’s on your mind!)

FUN STUFF:

- Only 28  performances of Macbeth remain!  Get tix.

-The next Broadway Investing 101 Seminar is on July 13th.  Click here to register.

- Win tickets to the world premiere of Falling for Make Believe.  Click here!