The Benefits Of Stages And Live Performances For A Theater

For centuries, a trip to the theater meant that you would see a live performance on a stage. Starting in the late 1800’s, the meaning evolved to seeing a film projected on a big silver screen. Nowadays, we are seeing many theaters combine both past and present, providing projected films as well as a live performance stage, utilizing their space to the fullest and maximizing the ability to entertain. Adding a stage to your theater can bring new performances, events, and audience members into your theater. 

The construction of a stage is the first, most complicated hurdle. Often, the first few rows of your auditorium are empty during a showing, meaning that they are not usually generating income. Removing the first few rows of seats from your auditorium to build a stage can generate more revenue because live performance ticket prices are often much higher than movie ticket prices. Your stage does not have to be a grand feat of architecture, it can be a simple stage made of plywood and support beams painted to match the rest of your auditorium. Also, the stage does not have to be extremely tall, it just has to be tall enough to see the performance from the back row. The size of a typical stage is 8 ft x 12 ft, but if you’re limited in space, an 8 ft x 8 ft stage will do just fine for smaller performances. If you plan on booking a full band on stage, you must have the room for a drumset, amps, and the other instruments they may bring along. It may be helpful to ask local bands and performers in your area about the size and construction plan for your stage. 

Another step to keep in mind is technical equipment. While most full bands will bring their own microphones and amps, solo performers may not. Also, comedians and other live performers may need microphones as well. With this in mind, it may be wise to invest in a microphone that can hook up to your sound system. Just a simple microphone can elevate your performances to a professional level. 

After your stage is built, you can start booking acts. The key to creating a good report with performers as well as audience members in your theater is to pay your performers. Even if they are local, they put a lot of effort and time into their art and deserve compensation for their time. It is common to pay performers a flat fee, but you can often negotiate to pay them a percentage of the ticket profits or concessions. When you pay your performers, you create a welcoming space for artists and your community alike, demonstrating that you value the art that your community creates, not just the art provided by the studios in Hollywood.

We often think of theatrical performances as inaccessible to most small towns, only reserved for the flashing lights of Broadway, but this doesn’t have to be the case. Local improv and acting groups are always looking for a stage to showcase their talents. In many states, there are theater clubs that put on traveling shows, often stopping at theaters in small towns. Schools put on live performances as well, usually having to settle for performing in their cafeterias with fold-out chairs. If you build a stage, you can work with local schools to let kids perform live in an actual theater. Who knows, you might just help inspire the next big-name actor. 

Stand-up comedy is a great way to bring an adult audience into your theater, whether it be a local or traveling comedian. You can center these events around adult-focused events like Saint Patrick’s Day, Valentine’s Day, or Ladies' Night to capture a larger audience.

With very little hassle and materials, you can host classic crowd-pleasers like trivia or bingo. Using your screen for number callouts, picture rounds, or video clips could give you a leg up in the competition. Also, you could award free movie tickets, popcorn, or coupons to the winners to keep people coming back into your theater. It’s a win-win! 

Musicians are everywhere, even in your small town. They are just looking for a place to perform. Opening your doors to local and traveling musicians creates a community of artists and audience members who are just waiting for the chance to see music live. Whether it be a heavy metal band or a solo country artist, there is likely an audience in your town for every genre. Often, local performers have a group of friends and family members that come and support every show, which could end up being a sizable and profitable event for your theater. Once word gets out that you are a venue that hosts local groups, traveling musicians will often ask to play at your venue as well. Open mic nights are also wildly successful, giving local musicians and live performers the chance to hone their skills in front of an audience, rather than just performing in the mirror at home. 

Community organizations such as church groups, boy scouts, and local government often look for places to hold meetings, which could be a perfect opportunity for your theater. Whether you charge for the rental space or donate it, it would be a fantastic opportunity for your theater to become more involved with your community.