For the past five years, LA has participated in Theatre Communication Group's national program Free Night of Theater. This year, the program has been expanded to be FREE NIGHT OF ARTS, and can include dance, music and opera events as well as theatre! In addition, LA STAGE Alliance has vastly expanded the capability of the Free Night Enter-to-Win online system (which is now being used nationally in 19 regions, including Chicago and New York).
We invite you to be part of LA's Free Night program happening this October. Join us for a training session (in-person or online live webstream) to learn about the program, how to use the system to maximize the marketing impact for your organization and about all the great new features.
*What is Free Night?*
A region-wide marketing initiative that allows patrons to try new arts disciplines and new arts organizations. In 2010, some arts organizations got as many as 3,000 new leads of patrons interested in their events!
*How does the system work?*
Arts Organizations select events in the month of October to include in FREE NIGHT. Patrons log in and select their top five events. After all the patron entries are in, the arts organization decides how many tickets to give for each event, and then the tickets are randomly distributed to patrons through an electronic giveaway system. The arts organization gets the will call lists, and all the contact information for every patron who was interested in their event, even if they don't win!
*New Features for this year:*
- An optional automatic waiting list for patrons who don't win.
- A double-opt-in requirement when patrons sign up, to make sure their email address is real.
- An 'exclusion' service, provided through TRG Arts, that allows to you absolutely make sure that the only patrons who win tickets to your event are NEW patrons who have not previously bought tickets to your events.
- A double-confirmation system, where patrons get TWO emails after they win with links they must use to confirm that they are attending. If they don't click those links, the arts organization can release the tickets. (Greatly reduces no-show rates and manages expectations.)
- 24/7 access to all patron contact information and feedback results for every arts organization through the new, robust enter-to-win online system. And many more features!
RSVP by Monday, August 15 at: https://spreadsheets.google.com/a/lastagealliance.com/spreadsheet/viewform?formkey=dFdDVHJXQ1pNZ19iNkhwWXREZnRhSVE6MQ
When:
Wednesday, August 17
11:00 am - 12:30pm
Where:
- In-Person:
LA STAGE Alliance, 644 S. Figueroa St., 2nd Floor (at Wilshire Blvd), Los Angeles
(Building entrance is through the glass doors next to the Engine Co #28
Restaurant) Parking lots in the area are cheaper than the restaurant's valet (Flower St. between 7th & 8th sts.)
There are many public transportation options. Visit www.metro.net for info.
- Online:
You may join us online for the live webstream at: www.livestream.com/lastagealliance
Use the same link to view the recorded session after the training.
If you are already comfortable with the system and want to get started now, contact Crystal at cdiaz@lastagealliance.com and we'll get you up and running!
LA STAGE Alliance (http://www.lastagealliance.com), a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization empowering artists and engaging audiences since 1975, is dedicated to building awareness, appreciation and support for the performing arts in Greater Los Angeles strengthening the sector through audience engagement, community building, collaborative marketing, professional development and advocacy.
