How can you use social media to engage with your audience before and after performances?

1 Choose your platforms

The first step to using social media for your theatrical production is to choose the platforms that suit your goals, style, and audience. You don't have to be on every social network, but you should focus on the ones that are popular, relevant, and accessible for your target group. For example, you might want to use Instagram for visual content, such as photos, videos, and stories of your rehearsals, costumes, and backstage scenes. You might also use Twitter for short updates, announcements, and live-tweeting during your performances. You might use Facebook for longer posts, events, and groups that foster discussion and community among your fans.

2 Create a content strategy

The next step to using social media for your theatrical production is to create a content strategy that aligns with your objectives, theme, and tone. You should plan ahead what type of content you want to share, when you want to share it, and how you want to interact with your audience. You should also consider the different stages of your production cycle, such as pre-production, production, and post-production, and how your content can reflect and enhance them. For example, you might want to share teasers, trailers, and behind-the-scenes clips before your performances to build anticipation and curiosity. You might also want to share highlights, reviews, and testimonials after your performances to celebrate your success and thank your audience.

3 Encourage participation

The third step to using social media for your theatrical production is to encourage participation from your audience. You can use social media to invite your fans and followers to join the conversation, share their opinions, and express their emotions. You can also use social media to create interactive and engaging experiences that make your audience feel part of your production. For example, you might want to ask your audience questions, polls, quizzes, or challenges related to your theme, characters, or plot. You might also want to create hashtags, contests, or live-streams that allow your audience to contribute to your content or influence your decisions.

4 Showcase your personality

The fourth step to using social media for your theatrical production is to showcase your personality. You can use social media to show your audience who you are, what you stand for, and what makes you unique. You can also use social media to highlight the human side of your production, such as the stories, values, and passions of your cast and crew. For example, you might want to share personal anecdotes, insights, or tips from your actors, directors, or designers. You might also want to share fun facts, trivia, or jokes that relate to your production or genre.

5 Monitor and measure

The fifth step to using social media for your theatrical production is to monitor and measure your results. You can use social media to track and analyze your performance, such as the reach, engagement, and sentiment of your posts. You can also use social media to collect and respond to feedback, such as the comments, reviews, and ratings of your audience. For example, you might want to use tools, such as Google Analytics, Facebook Insights, or Twitter Analytics, to measure your social media metrics and identify your strengths and weaknesses. You might also want to use surveys, polls, or direct messages to ask your audience for their opinions, suggestions, or testimonials.

6 Keep the connection

The sixth and final step to using social media for your theatrical production is to keep the connection with your audience. You can use social media to maintain and strengthen your relationship with your fans and followers, even after your performances are over. You can also use social media to create and grow your fan base, as well as to promote your future projects and events. For example, you might want to share behind-the-scenes photos, videos, or stories that show the aftermath of your production, such as the wrap party, the awards, or the bloopers. You might also want to share sneak peeks, announcements, or invitations for your upcoming productions or collaborations.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?