YouTube is a powerful platform for theatre marketing. With over 2 billion monthly active users, it's no wonder that more and more theatre companies are turning to YouTube to promote their shows. In this article, we'll explore some of the best ways to use YouTube in theatre marketing and how to make the most of this platform to reach a wider audience.
Create a Trailer or Teaser Video
The first and most obvious way to use YouTube in theatre marketing is to create a trailer or teaser video for your show. This can be a great way to generate buzz and excitement for your production. Be sure to make your video visually appealing and engaging, with high-quality footage and a strong narrative that draws viewers in.
Editing
If your video segment is really short (like less than 20 seconds) you can get by without doing any editing. That isn't the best approach because editing lets you do things like add contact information inside the video, but a raw video clip is better than no video clip at all. The longer your video is, the more important your editing becomes. The Internet has trained us to have short attention spans when looking at things online, and anything longer than 20 seconds needs different camera angles, transitions, and some basic elements to keep things interesting
Share Behind-the-Scenes Footage
Another way to use YouTube in theatre marketing is to share behind-the-scenes footage of your production. This can give viewers a glimpse into the creative process behind your show and help build anticipation for opening night. Consider filming rehearsals, set construction, or costume fittings, and share these videos on your YouTube channel, but always consider the story you're trying to tell. Don't damage it by painitng a picture that does not sell the magic you're producing. Always plan your rehearsal shoot.
Showcase Your Cast and Crew
YouTube is also a great platform to showcase your cast and crew. Consider creating short interviews with your actors, directors, or designers to give viewers a sense of the talent and passion behind your production. This can help build a connection between your audience and your show, and make them more likely to attend.
Promote Your Show with Influencers
Finally, consider partnering with influencers or YouTube creators to help promote your show. This can be a great way to reach a wider audience and tap into new markets. Identify influencers who have a strong following in your target demographic, and offer them complimentary tickets or backstage access in exchange for promoting your show on their channel.
Call to Action
So once you've gotten someone to watch a minute or two of video about your show, you want to capitalize on that warm sentiment. Now is the time to give them crystal clear information on what you want them to do next. Do you want them to call the box office? Should they go to the website to see more videos?
Depending on your video editing capabilities, you may be able to put some text up on the screen with a phone number or other information. If you're working with simpler software, you may just want to film a 10 second tag to put on the end of your video with the director speaking into the camera about how to get tickets. In fact depending on your director and/or the style of your show you may want to take that approach regardless of your editing capabilities.
The Wrap
YouTube is a powerful tool for theatre marketing, and there are many ways to use this platform to reach a wider audience. By creating engaging video content, sharing behind-the-scenes footage, showcasing your cast and crew, and partnering with influencers, you can generate buzz and excitement for your show and ultimately sell more tickets. So why not give it a try? Your next production could be a YouTube sensation!
Follow the linked article for more detailed ideas for your promotional video.
Photo: www.philcooke.com
