Stage Directions Guide to Publicity » (1st Edition)

Stephen Peithman is Editor-in-Chief of Stage Directions magazine, which he cofounded in 1988. Stephen brings to his work decades of journalistic experience and a lifelong love of theatre in all its facets.

Neil Offen served as Editor of Stage Directions magazine for nearly five years, beginning in 1994. Neil brings to his work decades of journalistic experience and a lifelong love of theatre in all its facets.

The key to getting people into a regional or community theatre is getting the word out about it. But if the theatre isn't on Broadway and doesn't have an expert press agent (or an extensive ad budget), how does it get attention? The STAGE DIRECTIONS Guide to Publicity has the answers! From photo calls to news releases, from guerrilla marketing to subscriber communications, this book has advice to cover all needs.

Booknews

From casting notices to cyberspace promotion, six contributors<--> including magazine editors<-->advise on getting a new show publicized. Lacks references and an index. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Part I: FIRST STEPS

Keeping On Track

Developing a Publicity Calendar

Good Auditions Need Good Publicity

Tips to Get the Word Out-and Actors In

Part II: WORKING WITH THE MEDIA

Getting Started

The Perfect News Release

Think Like an Editor to Get Your Message Out

The "Be Prepared" Letter

Let Editors Know What's Coming Their Way

Media Relations: Dos and Don'ts

Here's What Editors Have to Say

An Editor Is Not An Ad Salesperson

Make The Most of Public Service Announcements

Five Time-Wasters

They Seem Like Perfectly Logical Things to Do, but... Chris Laning

They Look Like Time-Wasters, But... Chris Laning

Media: Did You Know?

Part III: BROCHURES THAT WORK

How To Design a Great Season Brochure

Know Your Reader, Plan Every Inch, Keep It Simple

Brochures: Did You Know?

Part IV: PHOTOGRAPHS

Catching An Editor's Eye

Advice on How to Make Sure Your Photos Wind Up Getting Printed... Neil Offen

Worth a Thousand Words

Underscoring the Need for Good Photos... Stephen Peithman

Photographs: Did You Know?

Part V: POSTERS AND ADS

Posters: Are They Worth the Trouble?

Sometimes-But You Need to Know When

Sell Sizzle, Not Steak

When Writing Ads, Make Every Word Count

Creating More Effective Ads

Do You Know the 75/25 Rule?

In Ads, Percentages Count

Ads: Did You Know?

Part VI: OTHER ISSUES

Cyberspace Promotion

How to Push Your Theatre on the Information Superhighway... Scott Miller

First Get Their Attention

Why Publicity Stunts Have Their Place... Wycliffe McCracken

What's In A Name? Maybe An Audience

Local Personalities Make for Good Promotion

Getting Them There

A Good Map Will do the Trick

Working With Reviewers

How to Get Them on Your Side - And What to Do When Things Go Wrong

"Never Heard Of It"

What to Do When Your Show Isn't Well Known... Nancianne Pfister

Did You Know?