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Marketing for Men

Tue, 22 Nov 2011, 05:03 pm
jessmess27 posts in thread
So we all complain that we have a million women auditioning for our plays but never enough men. I'm the first to say, well write for women, but it's not always that easy. My current production 'Flesh Wounds' for example has an even split, male to female with really good roles for either gender. Girls are coming out of the woodwork, but men? I have more auditioning than roles, but certainly not enough to be picky. Rather than whinge that there aren't enough men in theatre, or that there are two many male roles, I'd like to ask how can we as theatre be more attractive to men? It's hard to stage explosions, car chases and extreme sports, but surely that isn't all men are looking for in escapism? 'Flesh Wounds' for example, has actually been really well received by all the men who have read it, either during it's panel process with the Old Mill, being assessed through Stages, or the reading and workshop we staged later in preparation for the upcoming season. Unfortunately all those males are either away during the season or have moved to a different city! Otherwise, they have all expressed they would love to play, what I think are really decent male roles. My question is this, how do we market to men? What are men looking for from their entertainment? How can we convince men that stage plays are worth both auditioning for, and attending? These aren't rhetorical questions, all you opinionated theatrical men out there--I want real answers. What makes you sit up and say, 'that's the role I want to audition for?

The Men must be out there

Wed, 23 Nov 2011, 03:57 pm
I am doing Cuckoos Nest next year and need 14 men that is why I have already posted that is coming. I think there are a few good men out there but they are in demand and plan well ahead. I also think, because they are in demand they can be choosy about what they do - I have introduced many guys to theatre over the last few years but it is always hard. Having said that, I have had trouble casting female roles and am still looking for a Joan for the Virgin Warrior - the lead and hardly anyone age appropriate (late teens)auditioned.Jane Sherwood

Thread (27 posts)

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