The holidays are fast approaching, and while you may love the festive season, you may also feel a tad overwhelmed with everything you need to get done. Perhaps you’re in the throes of planning your holiday show, in the middle of balancing your books, knee-deep in grant applications, or need to purchase gifts for the wonderful people in your life. No matter what’s on your to-do list, it may be starting to add up.
If you haven’t yet gotten a gift for the theatre lovers in your life, fear not – we’ve got a few ideas to help – and take one thing off your plate! On The Stage offers the Ultimate Holiday Gift Guide for Theatre Lovers.
Perhaps the most obvious gift for a theatre lover? Financing an opportunity to view a show they love. After all, giving people the gift of theatre enhances community appreciation of art, contributes to the local economy, and helps create unforgettable memories. Win-win-win! A few gift ideas in this realm include:
Consider the types of shows your potential recipient loves to watch. Musicals? Dramas? Dance-centric performances? Then, look around your area to see what’s on the schedule. While buying tickets to Broadway-level performances is a great idea, patronizing local community theatre offerings is also an excellent way to boost your local economy.
Perhaps just one performance isn’t going to cut it for this year’s holiday gift! If you want to go all out, purchasing a season ticket subscription for your recipient is a lavish and exciting idea. If you’re on a tighter budget, look for community theater subscriptions, which will amplify voices in your community.
Perhaps your recipient prefers to watch theatre in the comfort of their own home. You can still give them the opportunity to see a show via theatre streaming services. From original cast runs of Broadway gems to brand-new productions, streaming services offer you front-row tickets to whatever performance you want to see.
We’ve said it once, we’ll say it a million times – people love stuff! And theatre-related stuff, also known as merchandise, is an excellent gift for the theatre lovers in your life. Not sure where to start? Why not try:
Whether your recipient loves a traditional goodie like The Sound of Music or a community theatre version of something a little more niche, like Rocky Horror, why not gift them a poster of the show? And, for a little extra advice: Frame the poster yourself! If you give someone an unframed photo or poster, you’re just giving them more work to do themselves.
Head to official retailers to buy themed clothing from your recipient’s favorite show. Shirts, hats, sweatshirts – the sky’s the limit.
Collecting and conserving show programs from someone’s favorite productions is an excellent present that shows just how much you care about their interests. Additionally, this present idea allows you to flex your creative design muscles while staying on budget.
Theatre merchandise doesn’t just have to be clothes. You can purchase mugs, calendars, auctioned props or costumes, or other items for your recipient. Thinking outside the box makes for a unique holiday present.
If you have a theatre lover in your life that’s a little bit more hands-on – perhaps an educator, a theatre professional, a director, or a producer, granting them experiences outside a show ticket is a great idea. You’re elevating their involvement in the theatre, allowing them immersive opportunities, and helping them hone their crafts all in one go. A few ideas for these folks include:
Everyone wants to feel like a VIP sometimes. Treat your theatre-loving friend with an all-out VIP experience before, during, or after a production in your area. VIP experiences can range from valet parking to concessions delivered straight to the seat, pre-show cocktails, set walkthroughs, talk-backs with a production’s cast and crew, or even signed merchandise.
The theatre professionals in your life will love you for helping them hone their crafts – that’s why purchasing their entry to an upcoming educational workshop is a stellar holiday gift idea. Whether it’s an actor who wants to improve their improvisational skills or a theatre educator who wants help planning next year’s curriculum, workshops abound for every theatre-related interest.
Why not finance some acting classes for the theatre enthusiast who wants to delve deeper into their hobby or occupation? These can be beginner-level instruction for newbies or something more advanced for the pros.
If you’d like to keep it broad, plenty of theatre-themed gifts can appeal to a larger audience and help you stay on budget. Additionally, themed gifts have a longer shelf life and can be used all year round instead of just once or twice. Try:
Know a theatre lover who is also a board game enthusiast? Blend the best of both worlds through theatre-themed board games or trivia games. Not only are you offering your friend or co-worker endless entertainment, but you’re also showing that you take an interest in their hobbies. Huzzah!
Does your theatre lover enjoy reading scripts and adaptations of Broadway shows? Purchasing a subscription to Broadway Book Club or a similar service is a great way to combine the hobbies of reading and theatre. Also, the gift keeps on giving – typically, these subscriptions last at least a year.
Know an artist who also loves theatre? Purchase them an adult coloring book with theatre themes. You’re adding a personal touch while also staying on budget. Creative, affordable, thoughtful? We’ll call that a win.
Whether you need help creating holiday-themed merchandise, want to sell more tickets to your year-end show, or just want to elevate the patron experience at your theatre, On The Stage can help. In fact, On The Stage empowers thousands of organizations with ticketing, box office, marketing, fundraising, and reporting tools in one robust platform – for free.
Not convinced? Here are just a few of the many things you’ll get when you partner with On The Stage:
So, what are you waiting for? Get yourself the gift of easier day-to-day theatre operations by partnering with On The Stage. Book a personalized demo today to get started.