wkar at the michigan theatre / jackson, mi jeanie croope promotion manager, wkar
TRANSCRIPT
WKAR at the Michigan Theatre / Jackson, MI
Jeanie CroopePromotion Manager, WKAR
WKAR at the Michigan Theatre / Jackson, MI
Strategy
• to gain goodwill
• to bring back an audience in an area that could not see WKAR post-DTV transition
Jeanie CroopePromotion Manager, WKAR
WKAR at the Michigan Theatre / Jackson, MI
Situation
• beautifully-restored theatre
WKAR at the Michigan Theatre / Jackson, MI
Situation
• partner with WKAR for screenings
• has a bar license
• big-screen simulcasts
• adult beverages
• Jackson, MI: 15% unemployment / 2nd largest viewing community
Jeanie CroopePromotion Manager, WKAR
• beautifully-restored Michigan Theatre
WKAR at the Michigan Theatre / Jackson, MI
Planning & Guidelines
• all events *FREE*
• all events chosen by theatre manager with approval of his board
• promotion by theatre and WKAR
• WKAR rep on-site to greet guests, intro program, distribute info
Jeanie CroopePromotion Manager, WKAR
WKAR at the Michigan Theatre / Jackson, MI
Mechanics
• WKAR program list to theatre manager
• preferably 7:00 or 8:00 p.m.
• preferably weeknights
• concerts, performances, high-visual
• no documentaries unless relevant to the community
Jeanie CroopePromotion Manager, WKAR
WKAR at the Michigan Theatre / Jackson, MI
Past Events
• “National Parks” preview [DVD]
• “National Parks” conclusion ((TV))
• Great Performances: L.A. Philharmonic Opening Night ((TV))
• Great Performances at the Met: Tosca ((TV))
• Great Performances: Nutcracker ((TV))
• Great Performances: La Boheme ((TV))
• Backstage Pass with Producer Talk Back [DVD]
WKAR at the Michigan Theatre / Jackson, MI
Promotion – Michigan Theatre
• Posters at the theatre, in community
• Contact with local newspaper
• Targeted e-mail lists (e.g. symphony, seniors)
• michigantheatre.org
WKAR at the Michigan Theatre / Jackson, MI
Promotion – WKAR
• Program guide
• On-air announcements (radio and TV)
• Social media platforms
• WKAR.org
• e-News and other publications
• Event calendars
• Press releases
WKAR at the Michigan Theatre / Jackson, MI
Costs
• Mileage for WKAR staff rep to attend events ($ 40, unless station car is available)
• Flyers (if any)--------------------------------- = almost nothing.
WKAR at the Michigan Theatre / Jackson, MI
Results
• Most popular: National Parks Preview (325 people) The Nutcracker (200 people)
• Least popular: La Boheme (25 people)
• Opera not a big audience-getter. Scheduled in December, starting at 9:00 p.m. = fail
• Overall feedback from patrons – wonderful
• Press: good mentions, cover story
WKAR at the Michigan Theatre / Jackson, MI
The Idea Mill
• More family events
• Events with children’s character
• If WKAR brings in a PBS personality for its own purposes, may also include a Michigan Theatre visit / event (w/admission)
Jeanie CroopePromotion Manager, WKAR
WKAR at the Michigan Theatre / Jackson, MI
Jeanie Croope [email protected] Promotion Manager, WKAR 517-432-3120, Ext. 424