KC Stage organizing Free Night of Theater

KC Stage is coordinating the 2011 Free Night of Theater program, scheduled for this October. Please let us know if your organization would like to participate. The Free Night of Theater - originally started on one day during October - has grown to where it can be any time in October, and we will probably pick a two week window that gets the most theatres participating. So, if you already have knowledge of what you're doing in October, let us know shows and dates and whether you'd be willing to offer up a production for this program.

Started in 2005 by the Theatre Communications Group with over 150 companies in Austin, Philadelphia, and San Francisco, almost 8,000 attendees participated, viewing over 120 performances. Of those trying a new theatre in 2005, 29% returned and purchased tickets, and 3% of those purchased a subscription to that theatre.

The program has grown each year, and Kansas City was a participant starting in 2007. In that year, according to TCG, 398 participating theatre companies presented more than 600 performances offering more than 30,000 tickets. Of the people who participated, 41% returned to that theatre; 80% have gone to a theatre since the free night, including 38% of those who were labeled as someone who attends theatre infrequently (two times or less).

We at KC Stage realized we are in a unique position. With the over 200 organizations that are registered with us, Kansas City could easily become the biggest participator in Free Night of Theater, introducing new theatre-goers to the thrill and passion of live performing arts. This is especially needed in today's economic times, where too many people think the performing arts are 'just a luxury' that can be dropped and cut from government budgets and their own entertainment choices.

If you don't have a show in October, we're always looking for dedicated, passionate people who are willing to donate time to help connect to potential participating theatres, resources toward getting partners in business and the media to help spread the word of the program, and ideas as to how best get the word out to the right audiences.

If you would like to help coordinate the Free Night of Theater for 2011, or if you are in an organization that would like more information on how to participate in Free Night of Theater, please send send an e-mail to Angie Fiedler at afiedler@kcstage.com or call us at (816) 23-STAGE.

We realize everyone's time is valuable, and want to make sure your involvement is as effective as possible, and would benefit from any time you're willing to share, from twenty minutes to twenty hours. We have a short volunteer survey so you can help us use your talents and time the most effective way possible.

We're hoping to set up a meeting soon, and are currently looking at places to host. Let us know if you have any other questions. For more information on Free Night of Theater, including stats from prior years, visit the Theatre Communications Group.