How to Succeed in Nevada County

Through the years I have been to many "lightly-attended" events here in Nevada County. Sometimes it's a puzzle -- what works and what doesn't? How do you draw an audience to see your (great) event? Well, some relative newcomers seem to have hit upon the magic formula!

The group is called Sierra Stages, and they present live theater. They've had productions in both Nevada City and Grass Valley. When they put on "The Sound of Music" at the Miners Foundry a couple months ago, I toyed with the idea of going, only to hear it had sold out. Yep. Sold out. Ahead of time.

The newest production is "How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying" (Ironic, considering the topic of this post.) My husband manages the bar at Miners Foundry, and I thought, "hmmmm...I should catch this one." He reported that the Thursday night performance hadn't sold out ahead of time, but walk-ins resulted in a sold out crowd. I fact, they added every chair in the building and had to turn about 10 people away at the door. Is that a good problem to have or what?

This afternoon's performance will probably sell out at the door (go early if you don't have tickets) and tonight's event is sold out in advance!

I have to ask myself, what are these guys doing that is so successful? Obviously, they've hit upon the magic formula -- could it just be uplifting theater, done well, at a good price? (Tickets are an affordable $15.)

Tonight I go to see another successful theater venture -- Off Broadstreet -- which also almost always sells out. I've learned to buy their tickets early after being disappointed a few times. I'll let you know how it goes!

Comments

[Zuri]

In the Prospector, both on the blog and in the mag itself.

[Dixie Redfearn]

I saw posters but not much publicity for "Business." Did you?

[Zuri]

Good question. But I'm assuming it's a better product (show). There's always a certain mix of publicity and word of mouth that helps, too.