Raising the Curtain
Technology Success Stories from Performing Arts Leaders and Artists
1. Edition February 2024
256 Pages, Softcover
Wiley & Sons Ltd
Further versions
Learn how emerging technologies benefit artists and performing arts organizations
Raising the Curtain: Technology Success Stories from Performing Arts Leaders and Artists focuses on empowering artists and performing arts organizations in theater, dance, and music to grow audiences and to increase impact through smart and strategic uses of technology. This book will help you effectively increase your artistic and administrative reach in order to expand your outreach to diverse audiences, without breaking the bank. In fact, you'll be more efficient by choosing multi-function technologies that work for you. You'll also see how advanced software can extend your donor reach--and ensure that you're contacting donors at the right time. You can also maximize your organization's brand by incorporating social media, AI tools, media streaming platforms, and more.
Inside, you'll learn about the most useful tech tools out there, including a wide breadth of technology, from Tessitura to A.I., from the success stories of artists such as Emmet Cohen and Jane Monheit, and organizations such as Attack Theatre and The Kennedy Center. Even more importantly, you'll gain the confidence you need to incorporate technology into all areas of your organization in order to define your path to greater success.
* Discover software platforms, online tools, and other interactive technologies useful to designers, artists, and arts organizations
* Save money, expand your reach, and future-proof your performing arts organization or career
* Lead conversations about technologies and digital opportunities with staff, board members, or donors
* Get an overview of technology that addresses the unique opportunities and challenges facing the performing arts industry
This book is a great resource for performing arts administrators and artists to learn new ideas about technology solutions. Administrators, leaders, and performers alike will appreciate the opportunity to bring art to audiences using today's latest innovations.
Chapter 1 Getting on the Same Page: Efficient Internal Communication + Project Management 1
Times Change, but How Do We? 2
How Knowledge Systems Create Success 4
Internal Communications: From Memos to Email and Slack 8
Managing the Workflow: Project Management Software 13
Asana 15
Airtable 15
ArtsVision 17
Training 20
The Selection Process 21
Summary 22
Takeaways 23
Technology Solutions 23
Knowledge Management 23
Internal Communications 24
Project Management 24
Notes 24
Chapter 2 Keeping Track of Everyone 27
Structuring the System 30
Gathering + Cleaning 33
Using Data Analytics for Strategy + Planning 36
Data- Forward Company Culture 40
User Training + Onboarding 40
Privacy, Security + Legal Compliance 43
Artificial Intelligence: Automation, Machine Learning, + Chatbots 46
Selecting + Designing a CRM with a Robust CDP 48
Takeaways 49
Technology Solutions 56
Structuring the System 56
Gathering + Cleaning 57
User Training + Onboarding 57
Privacy, Security, + Legal Compliance 58
Notes 58
Chapter 3 Growing Audiences + Donors: Tools + Tactics 59
Marketing + Communications 60
The Customer Journey + User Experience Design 62
People's Light 65
Data and Automation 67
TheatreSquared 67
Team, Tools, + Tactics 68
Website 69
People's Light 69
Video 70
Black Ensemble Theater 71
Social Media 71
Emmet Cohen 72
People's Light 72
PARA.MAR Dance 74
Email 74
Black Ensemble Theater 74
People's Light 74
Emmet Cohen 75
Subscriptions Are Not Dead 75
Savannah Philharmonic 76
Artists 81
Artificial Intelligence-- Now + the Future 81
Donations Adapt: Apps, Taps, Codes, + NFTs 83
DipJar 84
QR Codes 86
NFTs 87
Takeaways 88
Technology Solutions 89
Video 89
Project Management 89
Special Events 90
Artificial Intelligence 90
Email 90
Data Analysis for Marketing 90
Subscription 91
Customer Management Systems 91
Project Management + Surveys 91
Chapter 4 Making Magic: Enhancing Artistic Productions 93
Set Design 94
Czerton Lim, Freelance Set Designer for Clue at Indiana Repertory Theatre (IRT) and Syracuse Stage 94
Scott Penner, Freelance Set Designer for The Merry Wives of Windsor at American Players Theatre (APT) 97
Costume Design 99
Eric Winterling, Costume Creator 99
Scott Penner, Freelance Costume Designer 101
Lighting Design 102
Brandon Stirling Baker, Lighting Director for Boston Ballet and Freelance Lighting Designer 102
Indiana Repertory Theatre (IRT) in Indianapolis 104
Video Design 105
Benjamin Pearcy, Chief Technology Officer and Project Director at 59 Productions 106
Jason H. Thompson and Kaitlyn Pietras, PXT Studio 108
Lawrence Shea, Media Architect 112
Sound Design + Music Composition 114
Indiana Repertory Theatre (IRT), Indianapolis 114
Sartje Pickett, Freelance Composer + Sound Designer 115
The Benedum Center for the Performing Arts 116
Playwriting, Directing, + Casting 118
James Still, Playwright and Director 118
Takeaways 119
Technology Solutions 120
Set Design 120
Lighting Design 120
Video Design 121
Sound Design + Music Composition 122
Playwriting, Directing, + Casting 123
Chapter 5 Defining Who You Are: Branding, Rebranding, + Residencies 125
Brand Style Guide 127
Branding Through Social Media 128
Jane Monheit, Jazz Singer 128
Chun Wai Chan, Ballet Dancer 131
Chapter 6 Nina Yoshida Nelsen, Opera Singer 132
Stephanie Martinez, Choreographer + Artistic Director 133
Rebranding 134
Ballet RI 135
Detroit Opera 138
Residencies 140
Takeaways 142
Technology Solutions 144
Introduction 144
Social Media 144
Rebranding 145
Extending the Stage: Digital Content, Education, + Touring 147
Streaming + Simulcasts 147
Tradition of Capturing Dance at Jacob's Pillow + Hybrid Festival 148
New York Philharmonic Media Wall +Digital Archives 150
Second Stage's Journey with Simulcasts 153
Digital Business Model at Boston Baroque 154
Digital Transformation at SFJAZZ 156
Expanding Content Use at Dallas Symphony Orchestra 160
Education, Mentorship, + New Work Development 162
Converting a Space into a Filming Studio 162
PNB Dance Film Festival 164
The Reiser Atlanta Artists Lab 168
Touring 171
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater 171
Takeaways 174
Technology Solutions 175
Streaming + Simulcasts 175
Education, Mentorship, + New Work Development 176
Touring 176
Chapter 7 The Arts Are for Everyone: Diversity + Accessibility 179
Hearing + Vision- Impaired Audiences 181
Meeting the Needs of Artists with Disabilities 186
Podcasts + Live Streaming 188
The Score 188
Live from Emmet's Place 190
Green Room Meditations 192
Human Resources + Marketing 193
Bias in Written Materials 193
Color Blindness 194
Diversity of People in Images 194
Training 194
Systemic Racism 196
Additional Resources 198
Summary 200
Takeaways 200
Technology Solutions 200
Meeting the Needs of Artists with Disabilities 201
Podcasts + Live Streaming 201
Bias in Written Materials 202
Color Blindness 202
Appendix Interviewees 203
Acknowledgments 231
About the Authors 233
Index 235
PAUL HANSEN is a performing arts marketing consultant and writer.
