Art in the Open Air

One of the things that I love is listening to music in the open air, especially classical music. My favourite event is Opera in a Convent Garden.  All my friends know that Paul and I are unavailable on the first Sunday of February as we are picnicing to the most beautiful music in a wonderful setting. Others are the Kirstenbosch concerts, Nederburg Starlight Concert and De Waal Park.

I like being able to sit back comfortably in my deck chair or on the ground close my eyes and just revel in the sounds and experience. I also enjoy having my glass of refreshment and snacking on tasty treats. Very different from sitting in a chair in an auditorium. It is a perception (not reality but it clouds my thinking) of the formal venues such as City Hall as being uncomfortable. However that is never the issue when I am there. Curious, but maybe the paradox of being human.

I know that more informal settings increase the difficulties of performance in terms of the requirements of musical instruments, logistics and of course the weather, but somehow the performance is more personal and much more enjoyable.I suppose it raises the isssue of the need to present a perfect performance (possibly the high art agenda) versus the need to meet audience demands. Is it acceptable to respond to the demands of the audience if it will affect the "quality" of the performance. There again should art not be adapted to go to its audience rather than hide behind "high art" hidden in the theatres? How can we be an art loving nation if it is not all around us? But is there money in getting art out there? Lots of interesting questions...

There are quite a few articles on individualising the performance experience. the LA Times looks at how the Music Centre is using the outdoor park as a performance venue. BBC News has an interesting article on The Silent Opera. That sounds like a really interesting way of experiencing opera.

the importance of educating the audience

Misson Paradox is a wonderful blog which addresses arts marketing. I found this post to be very interesting and helpful. This post reminds me of the initial purpose of encore - to educate and inspire people to support our local arts. Nice to know that an instinctual response is on track.

A vital element of good arts marketing is the ability, and willingness, to teach. People don't engage with things they don't understand.

That's a barrier that separates people from art.  This is especially true for more traditional art forms like opera, classical music, ballet and theatre.  Art has it's own language and customs.  You may not notice them anymore because you have become so close to the art.  That's understandable, but it's also a problem.

When you start the marketing process it's helpful to see yourself as a teacher and your audience as smart, but slightly anxious, students. So maybe you shoot a series of videos explaining exactly how musical theatre gets made. Maybe you find an entertaining way of explaining a complex opera. Maybe you do a series of blog posts with dancers explaining moves common to the work.

Just remember that your goal here is to be a good teacher.  Your goal isn't to lecture.  Your goal isn't to make yourself feel smart at your student's expense.  Your goal is to make them a smarter, more informed, consumer of the artform in general.

Why?  We remember and value great teachers.  If you become one your value to your audience increases.

The art we do comes and goes.  One play today, another tomorrow. Great teaching remains.

Use your marketing platform as an opportunity to teach.  It will make your work much more effective.

Theatre Attendance Survery - South Africa

Karen Jeynes in Cape Town is conducting research into theatre attendance in South Africa. It will produce valuable information on trends which will be used to develop the performing arts industry. It's only ten questions and takes no time at all. Click on the title to go to the survey. Thank you for your help.

My Soul Sings

This is a bit of a joke between Paul and myself as it is usually what I say after coming out of a fabulous show. Somehow that 60 minutes of suspended time and imagination just makes me feel elated, like I am flying. In the past three weeks. We went to see Hamlet at the HB Thom Theatre, False Witness in the Baxter Playground series and then Nick Rabinowitz at On Broadway. Each very different but with same effect, I suppose a bit like a drug. With the rising prices, especially of petrol, entertainment is normally the first item to be cut back. There is already some speculation as to how it is going to affect the size of audiences. Well in our household, something else must go. How can I lose my escape from the daily grind, my glimpse of beauty and one of the safest highs? I hope that you all keep going to the theatre too. Angela