Audience management procedures

Definition

Audience management procedures refer to the strategic practices and systems employed by theater productions to effectively manage audience interactions and experiences during a performance run. These procedures help create a seamless flow of audience entry and exit, enhance the overall viewing experience, and ensure safety and comfort for attendees. By implementing these practices, productions can maintain positive relationships with their audience while fostering an enjoyable environment that supports the artistic vision.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Audience management procedures include strategies like ticketing systems, ushering protocols, and emergency evacuation plans to ensure smooth audience experiences.
2. Effective communication with the audience is key in managing expectations regarding showtimes, seating arrangements, and safety measures.
3. Audience engagement initiatives, such as pre-show talks or post-show discussions, can enhance the overall experience and foster a connection between the production and its viewers.
4. Monitoring audience behavior during performances can help address any issues promptly, maintaining an enjoyable atmosphere for all attendees.
5. Feedback mechanisms, such as surveys or comment cards, are often utilized to gather insights from audiences on their experience, informing future productions.

Review Questions

• How do audience management procedures contribute to the overall success of a theater production?
  • Audience management procedures are crucial for ensuring a positive experience for attendees. They help streamline processes such as ticketing and seating while addressing safety concerns. By managing these aspects effectively, productions can maintain audience satisfaction, leading to positive word-of-mouth and potentially increased attendance in future performances.
• Evaluate the role of ushers in audience management procedures during a performance run.
  • Ushers play an essential role in audience management by guiding patrons to their seats, addressing any questions or concerns, and ensuring compliance with theater rules. Their presence enhances the audience's experience by providing a welcoming atmosphere and helping maintain order during entry and exit. Additionally, ushers are vital in managing emergencies or disruptions, ensuring that the audience feels safe and attended to throughout the performance.
• Assess how implementing feedback mechanisms can improve audience management procedures in future productions.
  • Implementing feedback mechanisms allows productions to gather valuable insights directly from audience members regarding their experiences. Analyzing this feedback helps identify areas for improvement in management procedures and enhances overall audience satisfaction. By making informed changes based on patron input, theaters can create an environment that not only meets but exceeds audience expectations, fostering loyalty and encouraging repeat attendance.

Related terms

Front of House: The area of a theater that is open to the public, including the lobby, box office, and seating area, where audience members gather before and after performances.

Ushering: The process of guiding audience members to their seats, providing assistance, and ensuring compliance with theater policies during a performance.

House Management: The coordination of all aspects related to audience services within a theater, including ticketing, seating, and compliance with safety regulations.