Austin Improv

In an assist to Mr. Marketing Wesledy Bain, I will be organizing the first roundtable discussion on Flyering.

To be discussed: What are the little things that we can do to make our flyers stand out more against the backdrop of all the other flyering done in Austin?

Time: 6:30pm
Location: Opal's

Scheduled to be in attendance:
Wesley Bain
Asaf Ronen
Jason Vines
Michael Jastroch

Your attendance would be greatly appreciated and welcomed. Let's all get together to raise the bar of our push to get the word of Austin Improv out there.

Very specific, detailed notes on flyer layout. Bring your fliers, and I'll tell you how to punch them up!

Thank you Jastroch. I forgot to mention that.

Yes, please bring flyers, whether it be flyers of your own projects that you want constructive criticism for or flyers from other groups that you think are good or confuse you.

Bump!

Great opportunity to learn how to advertise for your own troupe. Lots of great, experienced advice. A place with beer. Low-key and beneficial to improv in Austin. I encourage you all to come by (at least one rep from each troupe would be awesome).

Would love to go. Sadly LB rehearsal is at the same time.

Now, I'm not one to normally encourage people to skip rehearsals, but think of this as being just as, if not more, beneifical to growing your troupe than any single rehearsal. This is how you put butts in seats, spread your name, and create your public perception beyond the improv community. All the skills in the world are great--but meaningless--if you can't drive people to the theater to see them.

Unless you are specifically practicing for an upcoming show and this is not just a routine, weekly rehearsal--I'd still encourage you sending at least one representative to sit in on this.

Remember all of Austin Improv. We're trying to hold these roundtables for you. So that YOU can grow. If you don't come, you ARE missing an opportunity for that growth. Everyone complains that our houses are small, but unless you are actively seeking to correct that what basis do you really have to complain from? It's just a few hours, there's beer, and you can help change austin improv for the better. Consider it.

Wesley wrote:Remember all of Austin Improv. We're trying to hold these roundtables for you. So that YOU can grow. If you don't come, you ARE missing an opportunity for that growth. Everyone complains that our houses are small, but unless you are actively seeking to correct that what basis do you really have to complain from? It's just a few hours, there's beer, and you can help change austin improv for the better. Consider it.

Not eveyone complains that our houses are small. Some of us don't like to be hectored and told what is good for us. Some of us have obligations outside of improv and are cranky. I'm not trying to be an ass here, but can we move past the moral scolding, please?

Let me just say, that the higher attendance is today, the more beneficial it will be for everyone involved. So, if you are planning to attend, please say so here.

And let me also say that my post is not to dissuade anyone for attending this meeting. Even though I am a great believer in Mitch Hedberg's attitude about flyers ("Here, you throw this away for me"), I do think this kind of marketing is key and helpful. I merely object to the prejudicial condescension towards those without the time to or interest in attending.

Having thin-skin is a poor quality in a festival producer.

Well here is a lotion of understanding for you to rub into that thin-skin.

I'll be there, unless the cold I've got gets significantly worse.

Asaf wrote:Well here is a lotion of understanding for you to rub into that thin-skin.

That sounds dirty, in a Dungeons and Dragons kind of way. And I really mean it--this is a good idea and I unfortunately can't come and I don't like being told what's good for me.

shando wrote:Even though I am a great believer in Mitch Hedberg's attitude about flyers ("Here, you throw this away for me")...

I tend to agree with that, for the most part, as it applies to hand-bills. But, a number of people have told me that they've seen the Pgraph 1930s flyer up around town. So it's definitely helpful to have eye-catching flyers posted. And, in the right environment, handbills work really well, too. At First Thursday, for example, a fair number of people are actually happy that you're handing them something that has absolutely nothing to do with religion.

Speaking of which, this Thursday is March's First Thurday. Can we come up with a flyering plan of action?

Very well, those who are actively producing in other ways for the AIC (such as entire comedy festivals), have mastered the fickle art of advertising and self-promotion, or prefer performing to crowds of 10 improvisers and 1 stranger instead of 50 strangers are exempted from the meeting.

Those who have, do, or will complain to or in front of me about the lack of good advertising, small houses, or other such things are strongly encouraged to attend.

Help us teach you to help yourselves.