Well our second week of our show came and left. There really wasn't much to write or talk about because we had to cancel our Saturday show and six people showed up for our Sunday show. Funny we actually had more people working for us than people in the audience. But the people who did come saw something beautiful. Not one of us phoned it in. Not one of us took the approach of marking through the show. We went full out! Just as if we had a 100 people. The audience that was there not only appreicated that we didnt just phone it in but felt like they should have paid more to see a show of this caliber. I have so much respect for my dancers and my musicians for that and feel ashamed that they are performing to empty houses, when a month ago we had 800 people in a Casino that made us feel larger than life. I do take responsibility for it because at the end of the day it is my name on the marquee.
What's the deal? Are we doing something wrong? Are you getting burned out on what we do? Do you not like the space we perform in? Is it the money or the price of the ticket? Please understand we are trying to figure this out. People drive 100 miles to see us but they can't be our audience all the time (I wish they were though). Is it the quality of the show? Is it me?
This is not by any means a dart for people that havent come seen my shows just concerns financially and what it costs to put on a quality show that you expect from Jack Foltyn. Now take away the financial aspect it is just an embarrassment to go out and perform with other artists after working so hard for months and seeing empty seats. Its like throwing a big party with caviar and champagne and everyone had RSVP'd and when the night of the party arrives, no one shows up. Now your left with a bunch of groceries and an empty feeling in your gut. Again its after doing such awesome work in California and Oklahoma and coming home (because this is my home) and finding that it is a struggle just to get ten people to see a show that I am so proud of. What do I need to do?
Here are a few answers to suggestions you have given me:
A lot of people will say you have to market the show better. Now I have done everything from newspapers , hiring marketers, putting ads on radio but I cant give away tickets. People want a band, they want great music, sound,lights, but unfortunately that all costs money.
I love having my band but they need to get paid. I can spend a lot of money on marketing my show but then I will have to go to Karaoke tracks. That will not work for the paying customer. You might come see it once but after that you may not be back again
I do get the economy story but not entirely. Dallas has more events during the holidays than any holiday and people go. Texas is home of the affluent and influential. If I had to schedule everything by other people's schedule I would be out of business. Theatres in Richardson, Dallas, Grapevine thrive on the holidays and yes even Plano because thats where people are wanting to see dance shows, recitals anything that will put them into the Christmas Spirit
Another suggestion I get is ask your manager to help. Well I don't have a manager I am producing all of this on my own. My question to you is do you know of any. I fund these shows on my own and I have no sponsors, no private sectors that are willing to fund a show of mine. So do you know any people who would help. People who are in casinos, artistic directors, bigger market venues. I ask because all of you have said that Texas is way to small for our caliber of shows. So I am asking now. You are my eyes and ears.
Another question I get is why do you have to rent space. Why can't a theatre bring you in?
My thoughts Exactly! Why don't they. I will put my show against any show out there and it is head over heels better than anything out there. We spend months putting a show like this together and the man hours. There are a lot of stubborn theaters that spend money on out of town shows thinking they are getting quality. I have addressed what I thought about that. I would be nice to be on concert series or a theatre season so that all I would have to do is bring a show in rather than being a producer as well. When you rent space you are not part of the subsciber season. When you rent the patron has to pay extra for that show. A patron has already paid a certain price for a list of shows. If you are not part of their season the patron will not pay extra. That is where we fall miserably. If you want our show to be at another theatre or other venues PLEASE recommend us. Let them know we exist! So please ask around other theatres and let them know that you have experienced a great show which only Jack Foltyn provides. Remember you pay the bills not them. So let your voice be heard
Bottom line is I am an entertainer, but also someone who is in the business, I have no idea how to get YOU the valued customer in. Email me, write me, send smoke signals. I need your help. Of course I don't have my own theatre and I have to abide by the guidelines set by other theaters but if the quality of the show is not to your standard I want to know so that I can change the venue or the project.
The show has one more week of performances starting this Friday and I am asking from the bottom of my heart come and support those people who worked so hard just so they can hear an applause. That's all we do it for. The tickets are a good price and you will find that you will get more than your money's worth. If not and we will gladly give you a refund back. If you can order Netflix for eight dollars a month you can afford the price of a ticket for a live performance.
I blogged about this, not to have a platform, but more of trying to find insight. How my show can sell out in California, Boston, Oklahoma, and struggle to get seven people in a theatre in Carrolton in between Plano and Dallas is jaw dropping. Something is not working.
I love all of you so much all I ask is to show your support.
