Hitting the Road: A Musical Theater Artist’s Guide to Touring Triumph
As a musical theater artist, there’s nothing quite like the thrill of taking your show on the road. The bright lights, the adoring crowds, the chance to connect with audiences across the country – it’s an experience that can be both exhilarating and daunting. But fear not, my fellow thespians, for I’m here to share the secrets of successful musical theater touring that I’ve learned from the top experts in the industry.
You see, I used to be just like you – a starry-eyed performer with big dreams and a wallet full of hope, but not much know-how when it came to the business side of things. I’d spend countless hours perfecting my craft, only to find myself scratching my head when it came to booking gigs, promoting my work, and making sure I actually turned a profit. Sound familiar? Well, let me tell you, that all changed when I discovered the strategies laid out in Ari Herstand’s Touring Success Course.
Ari, the CEO and founder of the music business education and artist advocacy company Aris Take, is a veritable wizard when it comes to the ins and outs of the modern music industry. And lucky for us, he’s generously shared his hard-earned knowledge in this comprehensive course. As he puts it, “I am you. I’ve been fortunate enough to be able to distill all of the information not just for my music career, but more importantly, for yours.”
Mastering the Art of Tour Planning and Promotion
One of the key things I learned from Ari’s course is the importance of meticulous tour planning. It’s not enough to just book a few shows and hope for the best – you need to approach it with the same level of strategy and attention to detail as you would a blockbuster musical production.
First and foremost, you’ve got to know your audience. Where are your biggest fans located? What cities are known for their thriving musical theater scenes? Ari emphasizes the importance of doing your research and building a tour route that maximizes your reach and profitability.
But it’s not just about booking the gigs – you’ve also got to promote the heck out of them. As Ari says, “There are tons of incredible musicians who have built up hardcore fanbases online who would love to see them live, but have no idea how to book a tour to reach them.” That’s where your savvy social media skills and email marketing prowess come in handy.
Embracing the Power of Community
Another gem I gleaned from Ari’s course is the power of community-building. As he explains, “One of the best aspects of this course is the community you will become a part of. We will have a private members-only Facebook group which all students will be a part of to ask fellow members questions, get feedback on their work, get and give encouragement, and be held accountable.”
I can’t tell you how invaluable this has been for me. Suddenly, I’m not just a lone wolf trying to navigate the treacherous waters of the music business – I’m part of a supportive network of like-minded artists and industry professionals, all working towards the same goal of touring success.
And let me tell you, the connections and collaborations that have come out of this community have been game-changing. Whether it’s getting insider tips on the best venues to play, or finding a fellow performer to split the cost of a tour bus, the power of community is undeniable.
Adapting to the Ever-Evolving Music Landscape
Of course, as any seasoned musical theater artist knows, the industry is constantly in flux. What worked like a charm last year might be totally passé tomorrow. That’s why Ari’s course is designed to keep you ahead of the curve.
“It’s hard to keep up with all the new changes in the music business,” he admits, “and even more difficult to know what you need to do to make sure you stay on top of everything. I, along with my team, are staying on top of everything so you don’t have to.”
Through regular updates and live Q&A sessions with industry experts, Ari’s course ensures that you’re always equipped with the latest and greatest strategies for tour planning, promotion, and everything in between. It’s like having a personal tour guide who’s always one step ahead of the game.
Putting it All Together: A Roadmap to Touring Success
Now, I know what you might be thinking – “This all sounds great, but how do I actually put it into practice?” Well, my friends, that’s where Ari’s course really shines.
With a treasure trove of pre-recorded lessons, sample calendars, checklists, and other invaluable resources, Ari has created a one-stop-shop for touring success. And the best part? It’s all completely self-paced, so you can work through it at your own rhythm.
As Ari puts it, “This course will help you whether you have tens of thousands of fans online or 0 fans online. Whether you can draw 1000 people locally or 10 people locally, this course will help you.”
So, what are you waiting for, my fellow musical theater artists? It’s time to hit the road and show the world what you’ve got. With the strategies and support from Musical Theater Center and Ari’s Touring Success Course, I guarantee you’ll be selling out venues left and right in no time.
