My parents did me a wonderful favor when I was a child by exposing me to plays and musicals. Sure, I didn't always appreciate it back then, but today, I couldn't be more grateful that they planted the seeds for me appreciating drama as an adult.
Still, for a period of time, I wasn't proactive enough about making plans to attend plays. And without definite plans, far too many plays came and went without me being in the audience. I still don't find or make as much time as I'd like to take advantage of all the wonderful theatrical experiences our area provides, but I've gotten a lot better. I've also gotten into the habit of inviting others to join me. In the past year particularly, I've created a system that works well for me and others too, I think.
These are the steps I follow:
1. Find a theatre or two (or more) that you enjoy. I've fallen in love with three local theatres particularly, though I've also enjoyed plays at other venues. I fell in love with Triad Stage with the first show I saw there: "Dracula." I had read about it before then and heard positive things about it, but on my part, there was no follow through, so I missed out on seeing all the great performances that came before "Dracula." Even since "Dracula," I've missed out on seeing plays there, and I deeply regret having allowed those opportunities to pass me by. In the past year though, I've focused and planned better, and I haven't missed a show this season. (I even went back for seconds and thirds of Preston Lane's simply amazing "Beautiful Star.") I already have plans to see "Bloody Blackbeard" two or three times. At least. (It's a world premiere, and it doesn't open until June 8th, but I know in my heart that I will enjoy seeing it each time and gain something new from each viewing.) I've been glad that I've made the time to see each play that I've seen there. The same has been true with the Open Space Cafe Theatre. I have to thank Leslie Mizell for her review of "The Mystery of Irma Vep"--that's what led me to discover the OSC Theatre. What a wonderful find! Since then, I haven't missed any of its offerings either, and I've thoroughly enjoyed every visit there. I'm also a fan of the Broach Theatre--I absolutely loved "Always . . . Patsy Cline," and for his birthday, I took my brother there to see "Intimate Apparel," another great performance. The Broach Theatre is now in its 21st season of providing great entertainment for our region.
2. Make plans to attend. Sometimes, with our busy schedules, this is the hard part, but for follow-through and actual attendance to occur, you can't be half-hearted about this. You have to keep up with when plays are running, and you have to figure out a time for you to see them. Keep your calendar handy. Figure out which days of the week the play is being performed, and then determine which of those days will work best for you. If you make plans to see all the plays that a theatre has to offer, you have to stay committed to making that actually happen. Otherwise, the days will pass, and you'll discover that a play's come and gone without you witnessing the performance. (If you plan to see more than one theatre's plays, you have to plan even more ahead so that you can fit in everything that you want to see.)
3. Find out if tickets are available for the date you select. Call the box office--these theatres that I've mentioned have wonderful people waiting to work with you. They're genuinely interested in making sure that they take care of you and your needs as much as possible. When you tell them that you're hoping to bring a group of people, they'll appreciate your additional support.
3. Invite your friends and family members and maybe even some strangers to join you. To do this, you have to figure out all the information to share. Which play and what theatre? What's the theatre's address, phone number, and website address? When (date and time)? How much (including discount options)? Will you get together for dinner beforehand?--If so, where, and at what time? I've created a "Play-Goers" e-mail distribution list so that I can easily send potentially interested friends, family members, and co-workers invitations that include all the details.
4. Reserve the tickets. I sometimes have had to pay ahead of time, even before I've collected people's money. If you're able to do that, just let the people planning to attend know when they need to pay you. Once you've established a relationship with the theatre's staff members, they will often work with you, and sometimes, they'll allow individuals in your group to pay as they arrive for the performance. (Different theatres have different policies--just ask.)
5. Remind everyone who's planning to attend of all the details a few days before the performance. Again, e-mail works well for this communication. Make sure people have all of your contact information. When necessary, provide directions. If you are planning to meet to eat before the play, let the restaurant know how many to expect. (Backing up a little, it's often a good idea to select eating establishments that are in the vicinity of the theatre.)
6. Enjoy! Have a great meal! Enjoy the precious time you have to socialize with your friends and family members, and if lesser known guests attend, take advantage of the opportunity to get to know them. Enjoy seeing the fantastic performances you'll almost undoubtably witness.
7. Make plans to see the next play on your list.
8. Spread the word! Tell others about your experiences. Invite them to join you. Create your own e-mail distribution list, and create an invitation system that works best for you. Ask people in person also--sometimes, a more personal touch is even more persuasive.
I already have plans to see at least three plays over the next couple months. These are plays I think you too might enjoy, at theatres I highly recommend. Next week, "Almost Maine" opens at the Open Space Cafe Theatre, and I'm planning to get together with at least 8 friends and family members for dinner-and-"Almost Maine." (If you haven't seen a play at the OSC Theatre yet, now's the perfect time to start. I really think you'll enjoy this uniquely intimate theatre and its productions.) At the same time, "From the Mississippi Delta" opens at Triad Stage. At least four of us are looking forward to seeing that play. And as I've already mentioned, I'm planning to see Triad Stage's "Bloody Blackbeard" at least 2-3 times when it opens. At least 24 of us are planning to see it one evening, and I'm trying to get others to join us as well. (I love everything about Triad Stage, including its commitment to constantly evolving excellence.) The Broach Theatre is also offering "The Dixie Swim Club"--if I can fit it in, I'll be there too, with at least a friend or family member or two. Care to join us?
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