Ontario Live Theatre – Act One

~ Curtain Rises – Magic Begins, the Stage Awaits! ~

As the lights dim and the audience shuffles into their seats, Ontario’s live theatres brace themselves for the chaos and excitement that is opening night. But before that magical moment, there’s a flurry of activity that might make a Shakespearean tragedy look like a peaceful afternoon tea. Between selling tickets, finding volunteers, securing donors, and calming jittery actors, preparing for opening night is a production all its own. (Stage Awaits)

Marketing Mayhem: “Come See the Show!”

Marketing a play is a bit like trying to sell snow to Canadians in January, it’s all about making it seem irresistible, even if people already have a thousand things on their to-do list. Theatres go all out to grab attention, deploying everything from flashy social media posts to old-school posters plastered on every telephone pole in town. (Stage Awaits)

Theatre Instagram accounts become hotbeds of behind-the-scenes rehearsal footage, moody actor headshots, and cryptic countdowns to opening night. Facebook pages host giveaways like “Win two tickets and a backstage tour!” to entice people to hit that “Interested” button. And let’s not forget the email newsletters full of exclamation points: “Opening Night is Almost Here!” “Get Your Tickets Before They’re Gone!” because there’s no better way to build urgency than ALL CAPS.

Marketing poster

Volunteers: The Unsung Heroes

Every theatre relies on a dedicated squad of volunteers, the true backbone of any production. Need someone to man the box office? Volunteers. Ushers to herd people to their seats? Volunteers. Someone to keep the director from having a nervous breakdown in the lobby? You guessed it, volunteers. (Stage Awaits)

Recruiting volunteers often involves a mix of charm, pleading, and the promise of free snacks during rehearsals. These brave souls spend their weekends folding programs, building sets, and occasionally getting roped into helping the actors practice their lines. They’re the ones who keep the show running smoothly, even when the lead actor decides to test how well the lighting rig can hold his weight five minutes before the house opens.

Back Stage Tour Guides at the Shaw Festival

The Donor and Sponsor Dance

While creativity is flowing freely, so too is the need for funds. No matter how many tickets are sold, the budget for a new production is a never-ending source of stress. Enter donors and sponsors, the lifeblood of Ontario theatres. Securing financial support is a bit like dating, you woo, you impress, and you promise the world in return for their investment (or at least a really nice program mention). (Stage Awaits)

Donors are courted with backstage tours, VIP tickets, and the chance to see their names printed in gold foil in the playbill. Sponsors, often local businesses, get their logos splashed across banners and websites, with the subtle promise that their support will bring them eternal good karma (and maybe a few more customers). In short, it’s a fine balance of flattery and fun, a true performance behind the performance.

Sponsors and Donors

Special Promotions and Packages: Theatre’s Answer to a Groupon

Nothing gets butts in seats quite like a good deal. Theatres know this, which is why they offer all sorts of enticing promotions and ticket packages. Whether it’s “Family Night,” where kids get half-price tickets, or “Date Night” with a two-for-one dinner and theatre combo, there’s always a clever deal to convince folks that tonight is *the* night for some live entertainment.

Of course, the ultimate lure is the “Pay-What-You-Can” night, a theatre favorite. It’s an opportunity for everyone, from college students to the curious passersby, to experience live theatre on a budget. (Stage Awaits)

Community Involvement: Because It Takes a Village

Speaking of community, theatres thrive on local involvement. Whether it’s school groups attending a dress rehearsal, local artisans providing props, or the town baker donating cookies for opening night, it’s a true group effort. Theatres are often the heart of the community, and getting everyone involved means the difference between a full house and crickets on opening night.

Community partnerships often go beyond just the stage, there’s everything from pre-show talks at the local library to special “Talkback” nights where audiences can ask actors why they chose to emphasize that line so dramatically. (Stage Awaits)

Selling Tickets: The Hustle Never Stops

As opening night approaches, the pressure to sell those last few tickets becomes palpable. Theatre staff turn into sales machines, pushing for every seat to be filled. Social media posts get more frequent, phone calls are made, and suddenly everyone is asking, “Do you know someone who hasn’t bought a ticket yet?” Because in theatre, there’s always someone who hasn’t bought a ticket yet.

Box offices become the frontlines of charm, offering last-minute deals, subscription packages, and maybe even a free popcorn if you act fast. After all, nothing boosts morale like a sold-out show. (Stage Awaits)

Opening Night Jitters: Will It All Go Smoothly?

Finally, after weeks (and sometimes months) of planning, rehearsing, and more than a few sleepless nights, it’s time. Opening night. The excitement is palpable, the nerves are frazzled, and somewhere, an actor is wondering if they really do remember their lines.

The house fills, the lights go down, and suddenly, everything is happening. Will the set hold up? Will the actors hit their marks? Will the audience get that weird experimental monologue? Nobody knows. But that’s the beauty of live theatre, it’s always a little unpredictable.