Raise the Curtain on Savings! Harnessing Black Friday and Cyber Monday for Your Theatre

Black Friday and Cyber Monday, traditionally associated with big-box stores and retailers, can be just as valuable for arts organizations! 

This shopping season isn’t just for selling physical items; it’s a fantastic opportunity to boost ticket sales for your upcoming shows! Venture beyond traditional retail boundaries and dive into the realm of live performances, harnessing the enthusiasm surrounding Black Friday and Cyber Monday to pave the way for an extraordinary entertainment season. 

Let’s roll out the red carpet and dive into some winning strategies!

Your “Ticket” to Success

What is the best way to encourage patrons to act fast? Create special Black Friday and Cyber Monday promo codes! Share these codes through your marketing channels to entice potential patrons to secure their seats at a reduced rate. Here are a few campaign ideas to help you boost your revenue: 

• Discounted Tickets: This may seem like a no-brainer, but be sure to offer limited-time, specialized discounts on tickets. This not only leads to selling more tickets but also creates urgency and helps you reach new audiences and expand your patron base! 
• VIP Packages: Craft exclusive VIP packages that include premium seating, backstage tours, and meet-and-greet opportunities with cast members. Offer these experiences as a one-time special offer only available for purchase on these shopping holidays.
• Offer Bundles and Packages: Combine merchandise with show tickets for a discounted price. Consider offering special experiences like a “Date Night” bundle that includes two tickets, a souvenir program, and a post-show photo op at a special Black Friday price. 
• Tiered Discounts: Based on the number of tickets you buy, tiered discounts not only make group outings a blast but also boost your ticket sales! Ticket-buyers can grab two tickets and enjoy a sweet 30% off, or go big with four tickets and score an even cooler 40% discount. It’s a win-win for you and your patrons!
• Membership Perks: If your theatre has a membership program, provide exclusive promo codes to your members, giving them access to the best deals. This adds value to your membership and encourages more people to join.

Flex Packs That Wow

As we step into the bustling holiday shopping season, particularly the realm of Black Friday and Cyber Monday, it becomes the opportune moment not only to introduce but elevate the magic of Flex Packs. Here are some flex pack ideas to consider:

• Demographic Flex Packs: Introduce a delightful twist to Flex Packs by curating theme-based bundles. These can be genre-based, age-based, season-based, etc. Not only will it cater to certain audiences, encouraging them to get involved with their favorite kind of shows, but it will help you learn what your audience demographics are!
• Mix-and-Match Packs: Let patrons build their own flex packs by choosing the shows they want to see in the upcoming year. Offer a discount for these packs to make them even more attractive.
• Flex Family Packages: Recognizing the joy of shared experiences, introduce Flex Family Packages that cater to families and groups. Provide discounted rates for Flex Packs designed for multiple attendees, encouraging families and friends to come together for various performances. This not only promotes inclusivity but also fosters a sense of community within your theatre-going audience.
• Flex Pack Expansion Options: Encourage patrons who have previously purchased flex packs to upgrade to a larger or more expensive package with a special Black Friday discount. This increases revenue and customer satisfaction.
• Add-Ons and Upgrades: Provide options for patrons to enhance their flex packs. Offer discounts on add-ons such as parking passes, concession packages, backstage tours, VIP seating, or exclusive meet-and-greet opportunities. These upgrades entice more patrons to purchase them, which can boost sales and create a more immersive experience.
• Refer-a-Friend Bonus: Implement a refer-a-friend promotion where patrons who refer friends or family can receive additional benefits or discounts. This not only rewards your current patrons but also helps expand your audience.

Offer Encore-Worthy Merchandise 

Merchandise is not just a memento; it’s a way for your audience to connect with your theatre beyond the stage. On Black Friday and Cyber Monday, you can drive merch sales and promote these deals on your website and social media platforms to generate buzz and create a sense of urgency! Here are some merchandise sale ideas: 

• Exclusive Opening Night Collectibles: Offer a limited quantity of exclusive open-night collectibles at a substantial discount. These could include signed posters, special edition programs, or unique memorabilia tied to the premiere of a highly anticipated show. Generate a buzz by highlighting the exclusivity of these items and the connection to the excitement of the opening night. 
• Mystery Merchandise Bundles: Intrigue your audience with Mystery Merchandise Bundles, where they can purchase a package containing various surprise items at a discounted rate. Promote the mystery and excitement on your website and social media to create anticipation around the unique and unexpected treasures within each bundle.
• Flash Sale Frenzy: Create a Flash Sale Frenzy by offering a selection of popular merchandise items at a significant discount for a brief period. This could include bestselling T-shirts, mugs, or show-specific merchandise. Use vibrant visuals and compelling messaging to instill a sense of urgency and excitement. 
• Limited-Edition Autographed Items: Elevate the exclusivity factor by offering a limited number of autographed items from cast members or directors. Whether it’s signed playbills, posters, or other merchandise, these limited-edition, autographed pieces become coveted treasures for your patrons.
• Themed Merchandise Days: Dedicate specific days within the Black Friday weekend to different themes or shows. For example, have a “Musical Monday” where merchandise from musicals is on sale or a “Throwback Thursday” featuring retro-themed items. This adds an element of fun and variety to the sale, catering to different tastes.

Marketing and Promotions for Maximum Impact

When it comes to Black Friday and Cyber Monday, the success of your offers hinges on more than just the discounts you provide. Implement a strategic marketing approach to maximize your reach and engage your audience effectively. Ensure you’re following these proven best practices that extend beyond your usual approach:

• Diversify Your Marketing Channels: Don’t limit yourself to a single avenue—leverage a spectrum of marketing channels to amplify your message. Engage your audience through social media platforms, targeted email campaigns, eye-catching posters, and informative newsletters. Each channel serves as a unique touchpoint, ensuring your promotions reach a broad and varied audience.
• Forge Collaborative Alliances with Local Businesses: Strengthen your community ties by partnering with local businesses. Collaborative efforts can include cross-promotions, joint events, or even exclusive discounts for patrons who engage with both your theatre and partnering businesses. Bonus tip: Use unique promo codes to track usage and measure performance. 
• Craft Compelling Visuals, Messaging, and Calls to Action: Capture attention with visuals that tell a story. Utilize high-quality production stills and engaging video footage to showcase the essence of your theatrical productions!
• Incorporate Captivating Storytelling: Elevate your promotional strategy by incorporating storytelling beyond the standard sales pitch. Use your marketing as an opportunity to share the unique narrative of your theatre – share anecdotes about the dedication, creativity, and hard work invested in bringing each production to life. 

The Countdown to Black Friday

Building anticipation for your Black Friday and Cyber Monday promotions is essential to success. Implement a countdown strategy through your marketing channels, including social media, email newsletters, and website.

• Teaser Campaigns: Build excitement in the weeks and days leading up to the shopping holidays by running teaser campaigns. Release hints about the deals, merchandise, and shows that will be included in your special offerings. This will keep your audience eagerly anticipating the big day.
• Exclusive Previews: Offer exclusive previews of the limited-edition merchandise and early-bird discounts to your loyal patrons and subscribers. This makes them feel special and valued.
• Behind-the-Scenes Content: Share behind-the-scenes content about how your theatre is preparing for Black Friday. Showcase the effort that goes into creating these special offers.
• Engage Your Audience: Encourage your audience to share their favorite theatre memories or merchandise in the lead-up to Black Friday. You can feature some of these stories and images in your promotions.

Gratitude and Recognition

As the curtain draws to a close on your shopping holiday promotions, ensure that gratitude takes center stage in acknowledging your patrons and supporters.

Following the event, dedicate time to convey heartfelt appreciation to your patrons for their active participation, purchases, and unwavering support. Immerse them in the narrative of your theatre, making them feel like indispensable characters in your ongoing story. Acknowledge their vital contributions and illustrate how their support propels the success of your theatrical endeavors.

Consider these gestures of gratitude:

• Personalized Thank-You Emails: Extend your thanks through personalized emails that express sincere gratitude for each individual’s involvement and contribution. These emails go beyond mere acknowledgments; they are an opportunity to deepen the connection between your theatre and its supporters.
• Social Media Shoutouts: Amplify your appreciation by posting shoutouts on your social media platforms. Highlight the collective efforts that contributed to the success of your shopping holiday promotions, showcasing the names and faces behind the support. This public acknowledgment not only recognizes individual patrons but also fosters a sense of community.
• Goal Achievement Celebration: Should you successfully reach your goals, celebrate this accomplishment with enthusiasm. Whether through a virtual event, a special social media campaign, or a dedicated post, share the joy of reaching your objectives with your patrons. This celebratory gesture conveys appreciation and creates a shared sense of achievement among your supporters.
  

Harness Black Friday and Cyber Monday this Season!

Theatre enthusiasts always seek opportunities to enjoy their favorite shows and collect unique memorabilia. Black Friday and Cyber Monday offer the ideal platform for theatres to engage with patrons, build their audience, boost sales for the upcoming year, and generate more revenue, securing a brighter future. So, roll out the red carpet for your patrons this Black Friday and Cyber Monday and make the most of these shopping holidays!

Discover the ultimate resource for unleashing the excitement and vibrancy of Black Friday with On The Stage (OTS). Our comprehensive marketing and promotional code tools are perfect for elevating awareness for your Black Friday and Cyber Monday campaigns. 

With OTS, amplifying ticket sales during this festive season has never been easier! Dive into the details today to unlock a seamless and successful holiday campaign.