The Power of Gift Certificates for Community Theatres
Community theatres play a vital role in fostering local culture and bringing the arts to life. As they navigate the challenges of funding and audience engagement, one often-overlooked tool can significantly boost both revenue and community involvement: gift certificates. Here’s why community theatres should consider incorporating gift certificates into their offerings. The power of gift certificates for community theatres.
1. Attract New Audiences
Gift certificates serve as an excellent introduction to your theatre for new patrons. When someone receives a gift certificate, they are more likely to attend a show, even if they’ve never been before. This can lead to increased ticket sales and a chance to turn first-time attendees into loyal supporters of your theatre.
2. Promote Local Engagement
Offering gift certificates encourages community members to think of your theatre as a go-to entertainment option. They can be gifted for birthdays, holidays, or special occasions, promoting local culture and supporting the arts in your community. This creates a sense of pride and ownership among residents, as they contribute to the vibrancy of local arts.
You can choose to submit a gift certificate into a local raffle draw. This prize will garner engagement with your community and promote first time patrons who may have never heard of your organization before.
3. Increase Revenue
Gift certificates can provide a boost in revenue, particularly during slow sales periods. By promoting them during holidays or special events, theatres can generate upfront income. Moreover, many people purchase gift certificates for amounts slightly higher than a single ticket, leaving room for concession or merchandise purchases.
Consider taking the Cineplex approach and creating a gift certificate that is the exact cost of two adult admissions, plus two drinks and a snack at the concessions.
4. Flexibility for Patrons
Gift certificates offer flexibility for patrons who may not be able to commit to a specific show date or performance. Recipients can choose the show that best fits their schedule, making the gift more appealing. This flexibility can help attract audiences who appreciate the ability to plan their theatre outings at their convenience.
5. Build Lasting Relationships
Gift certificates can help cultivate long-term relationships with your audience. When patrons redeem their certificates, they are often introduced to the theatre’s offerings, fostering a sense of connection. Encouraging them to return can lead to repeat attendance and ongoing support.
6. Easy Implementation
Setting up a gift certificate program is straightforward. Many ticketing platforms offer options for digital gift certificates, making it easy to manage sales and redemptions. Additionally, physical gift certificates can be designed to match your theatre’s branding, making them visually appealing and memorable.
Conclusion
Incorporating gift certificates into your community theatre’s offerings is a smart strategy for boosting revenue, attracting new audiences, and fostering local engagement. By promoting the arts in this way, you not only support your theatre’s sustainability but also strengthen the cultural fabric of your community.
Looking for a ticketing provider that offers all this and more? TicketPeak not only offers gift certificates, but also provides detailed reports so you can have a better understanding of how your patrons are using them. Schedule a demo with us if you’re looking to learn more.
