What a trip!
The past 14 days have been a whirlwind. From the ArtsReach National Theatrical Marketing Conference in L.A. to a 48hr. foot tour of Portland, I've learned more in the this short period of time than in any other time I can remember.
The conference was extremely informative. As I look into the future of this exciting project, one of the important factors to consider from the start is how to market the concept appropriately. One of the most interesting seminars was on Social Media. Being of that generation, it's an area of development that I'm very interested.
I was joined in Portland by my good friend Kiel Klaphake, Executive Producer of the Arizona Broadway Theatre in Peoria AZ. (West of Phoenix). Kiel and I spent 2 days visiting a number of sites in the Portland area that I felt would best fit both the demographic and spacial needs of Theatre360°.
We also met with the Arts and Cultural Director from the Portland Mayors office, as well as with the Director of Community Affairs from the Regional Arts and Cultural Council. Both were super helpful and provided a number of thoughts on approach and implementation of Theatre360° into the Portland Market. We left hearing, "this sounds like a venue meant for, and one that should be in, Portland, OR." A good meeting!
To top it off, we attended a production of "Ragtime" at Portland Center Stage. First of all, PCS is housed in a gorgeous renovation of the old Oregon Armory located in Portland's new Pearl District. The house seats roughly 600 with a smaller theatre of 200 on the lower level. The lobby is open and welcoming with a high arching domed ceiling (very industrial with the metal framing exposed along with a number of hanging halogen lights that fill the lobby with warm light). A very impressive space to say the least. The show was superb. Amazing. Thrilling. Touching. Challenging -- all these things and more. I could describe in depth, but I can simply say...Bravo to PCS!
More to come as the next few months progress. For now, it's back to NYC with lots on my mind and a level of excitement I've not had - ever before. The "how" of this is in play, as is the "when". What seems in reach is: "Will be!"
