Coming from the world of music and digital media, I absolutely love and frequently attend performing arts shows, ranging from contemporary dance and theater to modern circus. Recently, I watched an incredible local independent production. The performers gave 150% on stage, the execution was flawless, and the level of skill and passion completely blew me away.

But while sitting there, I noticed two things that have been on my mind ever since as an audience member:

1. First, the room was half-empty, and the few people who did show up were mostly other artists, family, and friends of the company. I felt that familiar echo-chamber effect again, where "artists are creating work for other artists," while the broader audience has no idea the show even exists.
2. Second, as soon as the show ended, the applause faded, the lights came up, and people simply went home. There was no bridge, no way for that audience to stay in touch with the company, to find out what they are creating next, or to support their process outside of those 90 minutes. The performers disappeared behind the curtain, and the audience disappeared into the night. The connection was severed in an instant.

In the digital world, we’re used to there always being a "next step" to connect. But in the performing arts, it feels like we invest months of work and our entire budget into that one single evening, and then we just let the audience fade away.

How do you break down this wall after the curtain drops? How do you maintain a connection with the people who actually bought a ticket and came to see you, who aren't your personal friends?

Share your thoughts in the comments. 👇