Monday (2/8) on the website of Portland, Maine’s NBC station WCSH 6, Jackie Ward writes, “In a tough economy, many arts venues have to get creative to keep the seats filled. The Bangor Symphony Orchestra says it’s having success by lowering some of its prices and getting creative with promotional offers. Over the past 18 months, the Symphony says its goal has been to ensure that anyone who would like to attend the symphony can. Because sales have shifted from predominantly subscriptions to single-ticket events, Executive Director David Whitehill says they had to re-evaluate their ticket sales approach. One way they’ve changed ticket sales is through a voucher program where vouchers are sent to schools and non-profits across the state. Those vouchers are then distributed to students and allow a friend or sibling to join them for free, and any family member or guardian can attend for $10/person. Whitehill says the outcome has been terrific. ‘We’re seeing not just one or two family members come, we’re seeing four or five family members come on that voucher and we’re seating them at the best seats we can. So a family of four can see the Bangor Symphony for $20—that’s cheaper than a movie.’ ”
Posted February 10, 2010
